Is it illegal for dogs to lay on your lap while driving in Texas? Here’s what to know
Driving around with a dog on your lap may seem like standard practice for most Texans, but is it exactly legal?
Trucks and furry friends go together like peanut butter and jelly in Texas. The Lone Star State ranked sixth among states on Forbes Advisor’s list of “states with the most devoted dog owners.”
There is no statewide law prohibiting dogs from riding in the bed of trucks, but there is an ordinance in Fort Worth against the practice unless the animal is leashed. If not leashed, the offense is a Class C misdemeanor.
But what about dogs inside vehicles who may like to rest on their owner’s lap? Here’s what to know in Texas:
Is it illegal for dogs to lay on your lap while driving in Texas?
Nope, there is no statewide law against letting dogs lay on Texans’ laps while driving.
However, having a dog in your lap or in the vehicle could lead to distracted driving, which is illegal in Texas, according to Hernandez Law Group, P.C.
Distracted driving may be commonly associated with texting and driving or eating while driving, but having a dog in the vehicle while driving also fits. According to the law group, here’s a few ways dogs can distract drivers:
- Blocking views of windows.
- Hitting the steering wheel.
- Getting under the driver’s feet.
- Removing hands from steering wheel to control dog.
- Moving the gear shift.
- Blocking the airbag during an accident could lead to serious injuries for the owner and pet.
What is the charge for a distracted driving offense in Texas?
Violating distracted driving laws in Texas can be costly, according to J. Roland Jeter, P.C.
The penalty for distracted driving offenses are:
- A fine between $25-$99 for first-time offenders.
- A fine between $100-$200 for second-time and subsequent offenders.
If the driver’s action leads to the death or serious injury of a person, they could be charged with a Class A misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000.
What’s the safest way for pets to travel in a vehicle?
Progressive Insurance has laid out a few ways to safely travel with pets in a vehicle:
- Use carriers or crates and strap them into seat belts.
- Use harness or pet seat belts.
- Make sure pets are covered by insurance.
- Take frequent breaks to allow pets to relieve themselves.
- Never leave pets unattended in a hot vehicle.
