PHOENIX, Arizona (AP) -- Fetuses do not count as passengers when it comes to determining who may drive in the carpool lane, a judge has ruled.

Candace Dickinson was fined $367 for improper use of a carpool lane, but contended her unborn child qualified to use the lane. Motorists who use the lanes normally must carry at least one passenger during weekday rush hours.

Municipal Judge Dennis Freeman rejected Dickinson's argument Tuesday, applying a "common sense" definition in which an individual is someone who occupies a "separate and distinct" space in a vehicle.

"The law is meant to fill empty space in a vehicle," the judge said.

Sgt. Dave Norton stopped Dickinson's car November 8. When asked how many people were in the car, Dickinson said two, pointing to "her obvious pregnancy," the officer said.

Norton said Dickinson's theory "would require officers to carry guns, radios and pregnancy testers, and I don't think we want to go there."

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That was creative I have to admit.

Over here, a pregnant woman is considered two. Interesting.

some people amaze me on what they do

lmao! creative indeed

I call it manipulative. It's disregard for intent of purpose like this that ruins freedom for the rest of us. imo, her and people like her that try to get around things like this are complete utter <expletive omitted>!

yes I guess it was creative, criminals are often very creative. Using her baby like that... sick.

If she had twins would that be considered 3 seats?

I think she should have been allowed to continue driving in the carpool lane regardless. Not because there were 'two people', but because maybe they should give all pregnant women rights to drive in the carpool lane anyways, sort of as a gift. Maybe that's a crazy idea though.

Crazy . . . but must admit it's very creative.

so you never once tried to find a loop hole in the system? ever?

I think what she did was alittle errr...weird...but I wouldnt go as far as calling her a criminal people have done worse

Guess it was worth a shot to try.

what about the woman who auctioned off naming rights to her unborn child?

She could have added that she was practicing driving in this lane for when she did have to travel with her baby.

ohhh good idea...

such a criminal mind ya got there