A pregnant woman in Texas was pulled over for using the HOV lane while driving alone, leading to a legal dispute as she contests the ticket, claiming her unborn baby should be considered a second person according to state law.
Using the High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lane While Driving Alone
In a recent incident that sparked widespread discussion, a pregnant woman in Texas found herself in a legal predicament after being pulled over for using the high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane while driving alone.
She Decided to Contest the Ticket
Brandy Bottone, a 34-year-old expectant mother, decided to contest the ticket she received, arguing that her unborn baby should be considered a second person, as per Texas law.
People Don’t Want to Sit in Traffic
As many commuters can attest, being stuck in traffic while precious minutes tick away can be incredibly frustrating.
Patience While on the Road
The seemingly interminable wait during a commute that should take a fraction of the time can test anyone’s patience.
Circumvent the Rules of the Road
Understandably, some individuals, though it is neither legal nor encouraged, may attempt to circumvent the rules of the road to minimize their idle time.
She Used Roe v. Wade to Support Her Argument
One such tactic is using the HOV lane, typically reserved for vehicles with more than one occupant.
Overturn Roe v. Wade
However, Brandy Bottone saw an opportunity for a different interpretation, relying on Texas’s penal code and the recent Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade to support her argument.
She Was Stopped and Ticketed
On her way to pick up her 6-year-old son, Brandy was stopped and ticketed for using the carpool lane while driving alone.
Accompanied By a Second Person—The Unborn Child
Undeterred, she asserted that she shouldn’t be penalized for using the HOV lane since, according to state law, she was technically accompanied by a second person—the unborn child inside her.
Officer Says Two People Need to Be Outside the Body
In an interview, Brandy expressed her intention to challenge the ticket in court.
Recounting the encounter, she revealed that the officer seemed dismissive when she brought up her pregnancy and the overturned Roe v. Wade decision, stating that the HOV lane required “two persons or people outside the body” inside the vehicle.
She Argues the Child Is Living
Brandy, keen on conveying her point, clarified that her intent wasn’t to make a political statement but rather to acknowledge the existence of a living, kicking human being inside her womb.
“Not trying to make a political stance here, but you understand that this is a baby. It’s 34 weeks along, and for sure, she’s kicking, and it’s real life,” Brandy remarked during the exchange.
She Received the Fine
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Prostock-studio
Despite her efforts to reason with the officer, Brandy received a $275 fine, accompanied by the deputy’s suggestion that the citation would likely be dismissed.
The situation frustrated Brandy, who questioned the officer’s actions, noting the inconvenience of going to court and fighting the ticket.
She Says Driving in the HOV Lane Is Safer
“You’re telling me that you just wrote me a ticket for an HOV citation, and you’re telling me that I can get it dismissed, but now… I have to go to the courthouse, go fight it? And it’s just, now you’re wasting my time,” she lamented.
Driving in the carpool lane during heavy traffic felt safer to her, and she shared that she had used the HOV lane while pregnant with her other children in the past without facing any repercussions.
She Says She’s Going to Fight It in Court
Brandy remains resolute in her decision to challenge the ticket in court as long as her child doesn’t decide to make an early arrival.
She has a court appearance scheduled for the following Wednesday, hoping to resolve the matter before her due date.
Is This Hypocritical?
On social media, supporters have praised Brandy for her unwavering response, viewing her as a symbol highlighting the perceived hypocrisy resulting from the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade in Texas.
Some predicted that her name would become synonymous with the question, “Why do pregnant people get to ride in the carpool lane?” underscoring the need for further debate and potential reconsideration of existing regulations.
The Gray Areas in Texas Law
Brandy Bottone’s case raises important questions about the intersection of personal circumstances and the law, exposing the gray areas that can emerge in such situations.
As the legal battle unfolds, it remains to be seen how the court will interpret and reconcile Texas law with Brandy’s argument.
Discussions About Rights
Will her unborn child be recognized as a second person for the purpose of using the HOV lane?
The outcome of this case could potentially set a precedent and prompt further discussions about the rights and considerations of expectant mothers on the road.
Some Say This Is Going to Become Complex
While some commend Brandy for taking a stand and challenging the ticket, others anticipate the complexity of the legal proceedings ahead.
As states grapple with contentious issues and societal norms evolve, navigating the delicate balance between personal circumstances and established laws becomes increasingly crucial.
Should an Unborn Child Be Accounted For While Driving?
Regardless of the outcome, Brandy Bottone’s story serves as a reminder of the ongoing conversations surrounding pregnancy rights and the complexities surrounding the interpretation of existing laws.
It prompts us to reflect on how legal frameworks can adapt and evolve to accommodate the unique circumstances faced by individuals, ensuring fairness and consideration for all.
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The post Pregnant Woman Pushes Rules to the Limit Claiming by Texas Law Her Unborn Baby IS a Person first appeared on Wealthy Living.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / ChameleonsEye. The people shown in the images are for illustrative purposes only, not the actual people featured in the story.
Source: CBS News