Is It Illegal to Drive With Your Dog on Your Lap?

Driving with a pet on your lap might seem harmless or even comforting, but it can be both dangerous and, in some cases, illegal. Laws about pet restraint in vehicles vary by state, and while not every state explicitly bans driving with an unrestrained pet, doing so can still lead to fines or other penalties under distracted driving laws. Here’s what you need to know to avoid a ticket and keep both you and your pet safe on the road.

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Driving With Pets

Do I worry about my dog when I drive? Absolutely. Should I be doing more to keep them safe in the car? Without a doubt. I know there are carriers and travel harnesses designed to protect them, and as a responsible pet parent, I know I need to do better. If your pup has ever leapt from the backseat to your lap while you're behind the wheel, you're not alone.

So, is it illegal to let your dog ride on your lap while you drive? We looked into the laws, and here’s what you need to know.

Is It Illegal to Drive With Pets on Your Lap or Unrestrained?

Many states have strict laws when it comes to securing pets in vehicles. So, could you get a ticket if your pet is loose in a moving car? The short answer is yes, especially if your pet becomes a distraction while you’re driving. Even the most well-behaved animal can pose a risk, and in some places, law enforcement won’t hesitate to pull you over.

READ: Is it Illegal to Abandon Unwanted Pets at Shelters

According to orvis.com, whether it's technically illegal depends on your state’s traffic laws. In Hawaii, Rhode Island, and New Jersey, it's illegal to drive with an unrestrained pet. In states like Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Maine, you could be cited under distracted driving laws. Meanwhile, legislation has been proposed in states such as Florida, Michigan, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Oregon to make unrestrained pet travel illegal in the future.

New Florida Bill Aims to Restrict Unrestrained Dogs in Moving Vehicles

Florida recently introduced a bill that would make it illegal for dogs to sit on a driver’s lap or stick their heads out of car windows while the vehicle is in motion. What do you think about this proposed law?

What the Law Says in Kentucky and Indiana

Kentucky
There is currently no law in Kentucky that prohibits driving with an unrestrained dog in your vehicle. Pet restraints are encouraged for safety, but not legally required.

Indiana
Indiana’s laws include some general language about safe driving with animals, but there’s no clear rule banning unrestrained pets in cars. The wording is vague, so it’s difficult to determine if you could be penalized specifically for not restraining your dog.

Important Note
Even if your state doesn’t require pet restraints, driving with a dog on your lap or loose in the vehicle can still lead to distracted driving or animal cruelty charges if an officer deems it unsafe. This applies in any state.

READ: Is it Illegal to Bury a Pet in Your Yard?

Important Pet Travel Safety Tips

Traveling can be stressful for pets, especially dogs who may experience anxiety on the road. While many pups handle car rides just fine, some might benefit from calming medications or other preparations. Whether it’s a quick trip or a long journey, traveling with your furry friend should be fun and safe. The ASPCA offers essential tips to help keep your pet comfortable and secure before you hit the road.

1. Prepare your pet for a long trip. Get your pet geared up by taking him on a series of short drives first, gradually lengthening the time spent in the car. If you’re traveling across state lines, bring along your pet's rabies vaccination record. While this generally isn't a problem, some states require this proof at certain interstate crossings.

2. Keep your pets safe and secure in a well-ventilated crate or carrier. The crate should be large enough for your pet to stand, sit, lie down, and turn around in. Secure your pet’s crate so it will not slide or shift in the event of an abrupt stop. If you decide to forgo the crate, don't allow your pet to ride with his head outside the window, and always keep him in the back seat in a harness attached to a seat buckle.

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3. Prep a pet-friendly travel kit. Bring food, a bowl, a leash, a waste scoop, plastic bags, grooming supplies, medication and first-aid, and any travel documents. Pack a favorite toy or pillow to give your pet a sense of familiarity. Be sure to pack plenty of water, and avoid feeding your pet in a moving vehicle. Your pet's travel-feeding schedule should start with a light meal three to four hours before departure, and always opt for bottled water. Drinking water from an area he or she isn’t used to could result in stomach discomfort.

4. Never leave your animal alone in a parked vehicle. On a hot day, even with the windows open, a parked automobile can become a furnace in no time, and heatstroke can develop. In cold weather, a car can act as a refrigerator, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.

I know I can do better to protect my pup on the road! How about you?