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Can you get a ticket for driving with a pet on your lap?

I've seen numerous people driving around my city with a dog on their lap. It seems completely unsafe, especially if the dog goes berserk when it sees something outside. Can you get a ticket for driving with a dog on your lap?

avatar
Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
“Most states don’t have an explicit law that states you can’t drive with a dog on your lap. Only
Hawaii
law states this is illegal.
In addition, Nevada, New Jersey, and Washington have laws that state illegal transportation of animals is a misdemeanor, but it doesn’t explicitly say anything about dogs on your lap. This leaves it to the discretion of the law enforcement officer.
Having your pet properly restrained is important, not only for the safety of your pet but for you as well. Don’t put yourself in harm’s way or test the limits of your
medical payments
for a few minutes of a dog on your lap.
If you want help shopping for cheap additional coverage, try using the free
Jerry
app. Jerry compares rates from the top companies and delivers the best deals to your phone in minutes.”
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