Be careful in those HOV lanes, Toronto. While Rob Ford hasn't been caught doing a solo turn where he shouldn't be, not everyone has been so fortunate to dodge the law -- not even those who have taken great pains to appear HOV-eligible.

In one of the more ridiculous but amusing Toronto Police press releases I've read, word comes that one of those notorious mannequin-bearing drivers was nabbed by a patrolling officer this morning, when it was deemed that his "front-seat passenger did not appear to be life-like."

In a deft bit of police work, the officer was able to apprehend the driver and confirm that he was indeed accompanied by two mannequins, at which time he was issued the appropriate fine (though, one should note, no extra punishment for his subterfuge).

Lest you think the police lack a sense of humour, however, the press release is also quick to point out that "on a positive note, everyone in the vehicle was wearing a seatbelt." The absurdity of Toronto traffic makes for comedy worthy or Beckett (no word on whether or not the dummies names are Vladimir and Estragon).

Photo by scarboroughcruiser in the blogTO Flickr pool.