A driver in the Kanata area learned an expensive lesson this week: a beloved feline companion does not qualify as a passenger for the purpose of using Ontario's high-occupancy vehicle lanes.
Costly Misunderstanding on Highway 417
On Thursday, December 18, 2025, Ontario Provincial Police issued a $110 ticket to a driver on Highway 417 near Terry Fox Drive. The motorist, a woman under 30 years of age, was pulled over after an officer observed her travelling in the HOV lane with only her cat as a companion.
The tabby cat was reportedly sitting on the driver's shoulder and partially hanging over the back seat at the time of the stop shortly before noon. The officer, OPP Constable Michael Fathi, who also serves as a media relations officer for the Ottawa detachment, noted the situation was "not ideal" from a safety perspective.
OPP Officer Explains the Rules
Constable Fathi reassured the driver he had nothing against cats, but was required to enforce the highway's rules. In an email to the Ottawa Citizen, Fathi stated, "While we all love our pets, they unfortunately do not count towards having a second person in the car with you!"
He added a personal note to emphasize the point, saying, "I have two cats and a dog and I don't get to use the HOV lane." The officer also observed that the highway was wide open at the time, so there was no pressing need for the driver to be in the restricted lane.
Consequences and Purpose of HOV Lanes
The driver's mistaken belief that her pet allowed her access to the carpool lane resulted in more than just a financial penalty. She was fined $110 and received three demerit points on her driving record for the violation.
HOV lanes are implemented by the province to encourage carpooling, reduce the number of vehicles on the road, and ease congestion on heavily travelled highways like the 417. The lanes are strictly reserved for vehicles carrying two or more human occupants.
This incident serves as a clear reminder to all drivers that the rules are in place for a reason, and that pets, no matter how cherished, are not considered passengers under Ontario's Highway Traffic Act.
