MJP –
Every day, we witness it.
Over the weekend, I witnessed a woman in Davenport, Iowa, going onto 53rd Street from the highway while holding a small puppy. It appeared as though this dog was about to leap into oncoming traffic as it leaned out the window and was halfway out. While attempting to negotiate a tight turn, she had difficulty gaining a better grip on it.
You have to question how someone can legally drive with a dog on their lap, even though the puppy luckily didn’t leap out the window. If you’re planning on taking your dog on a holiday trip with you, you should know that the laws of Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin are rather different.
The state of Illinois
It is not acceptable in Illinois. Driving with a puppy on your lap is illegal in Illinois and might result in a fine. Having a dog on your lap while driving could get you a $25 fine under state law that went into effect in 2014.
However, one case stands out. It won’t apply to you if you’re driving a commercial or agricultural vehicle. Officers cannot detain you merely because you are carrying a puppy in your lap, it states.
Iowa State
The most obvious problem with driving while holding a pet in your lap is the obvious distraction it causes.
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While there may not be any regulations in Iowa regarding driving with a dog on a lap, there are penalties for driving with a blocked vision, which a wriggly pet could be a cause of, according to Go Pet Friendly.
Iowa has fines of up to $100.50 for the simple misdemeanor offense of distracted driving, as reported on drivinglaws.org.
The State of Wisconsin
Drive With Us claims that the laws of Wisconsin are quite similar to those of Iowa regarding this matter.
Having a dog on your lap while driving is not illegal in Wisconsin per se, but it is considered distracted driving. A penalty of four demerit points and a fine of approximately $200 await anyone who disobeys this.
My cats have always been able to ride shotguns in the backseat whenever we’ve had to travel. Having our pets around is great, but they must not sit on our laps or get near the wheel while we are behind the wheel.
Before you get back on the road, ensure they’re securely fastened if you take them out for a pup cup at a coffeehouse.
