There was a law currently proposed in this state to prohibit driving with an unrestrained dog in the vehicle. This is currently a "no law" state but is labeled to indicate legislation is being considered.

A law prohibiting driving with an unrestrained dog in the vehicle had been proposed but defeated. No new law had been introduced. This is currently a "no law" state but is labeled to indicate legislation had been considered.

There is some language in this state's laws which indicates you should not drive with an unrestrained dog in your car, but it is not specific enough to determine if you can be penalized.

There is no law in Wisconsin requiring dogs to wear seat belts or be secured within a crate or cage while being transported in a vehicle, however, Wisconsin's crimes against animals statutes state that it is illegal to transport an animal in or on a vehicle in a cruel manner. Drivers with a dog in their lap can be cited for inattentive driving under Wisconsin Statute 346.89, which states: No person while driving a motor vehicle may be engaged or occupied with an activity, other than driving the vehicle, that interferes or reasonably appears to interfere with the person's ability to drive the vehicle safely. - Resource 1

There is no law in Washington which requires a dog to wear a seat belt or be contained in a crate during transportation. However, Washington's prevention of cruelty to animals laws state that it is a misdemeanor to transport animals in a way that would pose a risk to the animal or public safety. There is a penalty for transporting or confining a companion animal in an unsafe manner. Additionally, a distracted driving law went into effect in July 2017. Unrestrained pets aren't specifically listed as a violation, but lawmakers and police officers have mentioned having a loose pet or dog riding on the driver's lap as a potential distraction—one that may be considered a secondary violation if a driver is pulled over for erratic driving or running a red light—but would not be enough to initiate a traffic stop. - Resource 1

There is no law in Virginia which requires a dog to wear a seat belt or be contained in a crate during transportation. However, Virginia's dog laws require that owners provide adequate care for companion animals during transportation. The Virginia DMV website list unrestrained pets as a distraction and recommends all pets be secured while driving and recommends seat belt harnesses, dog car seats, and pet crates as options. - Resource 1

There is no law in Vermont which requires a dog to wear a seat belt or be contained in a crate during transportation. However, Vermont's animal health regulations and animal transportation rules stipulate that "no person shall transport any animal... in a cruel or inhumane manner." - Resource 1

There is no law in Utah which requires a dog to wear a seat belt or be contained in a crate during transportation. However, current anti-cruelty provisions state that it is illegal to transport or confine an animal in a cruel manner. - Resource 1

There is no law in Texas which requires a dog to wear a seat belt or be contained in a crate during transportation. However, current disorderly conduct laws state that it is an offense to transport or confine an animal in a cruel manner. - Resource 1

There is no law in Tennessee which requires a dog to wear a seat belt or be contained in a crate during transportation, however, current cruelty to animals statues make it illegal to transport or confine an animal in a cruel manner. Tennessee bill TN H 2998 proposed to make it illegal to drive with an animal in the driver's lap or between the driver and driver's door. This bill was defeated. TN H 212 would have required animals to be restrained while riding in the interior of a vehicle; this bill was also defeated. - Resource 1

As of August 2018, there is no law in South Carolina which requires a dog to wear a seat belt or be contained in a crate during transportation. However, you can be ticketed for negligence or another offense while driving with your pet in your lap if an officer considers the situation unsafe, such as if the driver's view is obstructed or if something interferes with the driver's control of the vehicle. - Resource 1

As of 2012, Rhode Island requires dogs being transported in a vehicle to be in an enclosed area and either secured within a crate, restrained with a harness or pet seat belt designed for use in a vehicle, or under the physical control of a person other than the driver of the vehicle. Violation of the law carries a fine of up to $200 depending on the number of offenses. A bill introduced in 2013 would have made it illegal to allow a dog to ride in the driver's lap, but this bill has not been enacted. - Resource 1

Though it was not enacted, a bill proposed in Pennsylvania in 2005 would have required pets being transported in a vehicle to be secured in a crate, cage, dog seat belt system, or with a pet gate to keep the dog out of the driver's space and prevent distraction to the driver, as well as injuries in the event of a crash. This bill also would have required the dog's head and body to remain inside the window at all times. - Resource 1

In 2015, ORS 811.200 addressed the proper transportation of a dog on the external part of a vehicle (such as the bed of a truck). This law requires a dog riding outside of a vehicle's cab be secured by a framework, carrier or another device sufficient to keep it from falling from the vehicle. Laws proposed in 2018 and 2019 aimed to create stricter transportation requirements for dogs, but neither passed. - Resource 1 - Resource 2

Though there is no law in Oklahoma that specifically requires a dog to wear a seat belt or be contained in a crate during transportation, Oklahoma's current cruelty to animals statutes state that it is a misdemeanor to carry an animal in a vehicle in a cruel or inhumane manner. - Resource 1

Though there is no law in Ohio that specifically requires a dog to wear a seat belt or be contained in a crate during transportation, Ohio's current cruelty to animals laws state that no person shall carry or convey an animal in a cruel or inhumane manner. - Resource 1

North Dakota's previous law, 36-21.1-03 Cruelty in transportation was repealed Aug. 1, 2013. It had stated: No person may carry, or cause to be carried, any live animals upon any vehicle or otherwise, without providing suitable racks, cars, crates, or cages, or other proper carrying container, nor may he carry an animal, or cause an animal to be carried, in any other cruel manner. - Resource 1

Under North Carolina's current cruelty to animals laws, Section 14-363 states that carrying any animal in a cruel or inhumane manner is considered a Class 1 misdemeanor. In February 2017, Rep. Garland Pierce introduced House Bill 73 that would prohibit the operation of a vehicle with an animal in the driver's lap. The bill has not passed. - Resource 1 - Resource 2

The bill A4541 was introduced in 2013 and would have prohibited the operation of a motor vehicle with an animal in the front seat or an unrestrained animal in the vehicle. This bill did not pass. - Resource 1

New Jersey does not currently have a law that specifically requires seat belts for dogs, but a law does state that carrying an animal in a cruel or inhumane manner can result in a disorderly offense as stated in R.S.4:22-17. Violations may carry a fine, and if found guilty of cruelty to animals the driver may be fined between $250-$1,000 for each offense. In 2012, Assemblywoman L. Grace Spencer proposed the law require dogs to wear a safety restraint or ride in a crate while in a vehicle. The suggestion was met with much debate—and a promise of a veto from the Governor. The bill failed. - Resource 1

There is no law in New Hampshire which requires a dog to wear a seat belt or be contained in a crate during transportation within the cab of a vehicle, however, dogs being transported in the bed of a truck must be properly restrained. In addition to requiring the sides and tailgate of the vehicle reach a certain height, dogs must be secured within a crate or cage, or properly cross tethered to the vehicle to comply with the law. - Resource 1

While Mississippi does not currently have a law requiring dogs to wear seat belts or be secured during transportation, the Mississippi Dog and Cat Pet Protection Law of 2011, MS Code Section 97-41-16, makes it a misdemeanor to "carry or confine in a cruel manner," which could apply to transporting a dog without proper attention to safety. - Resource 1

While Minnesota does not currently have a law requiring dogs to wear seat belts or be secured within the cab of a vehicle during transportation, the law does mention requirements while transporting animals in the open area of a truck. If suitable crates or other restraint is not provided, as stated in 343.24 of the 2016 Minnesota Statutes, an owner can be found guilty of a misdemeanor. - Resource 1

Rep. LaTanya Garrett introduced House Bill 5277—prohibiting the operation of a vehicle with a dog in the driver's lap—in November 2017. The bill was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure but did not become law. The only restrictions on dog transportation in Michigan are related to wolf-dog hybrids. The law states that any wolf-dog hybrid must be transported in compliance with the International Air Transport Association's Live Animal Regulations for Dogs. - Resource 1 - Resource 2

While Massachusetts does not currently have a law requiring dogs to wear seat belts when riding inside a vehicle, dogs being transported in the bed of a truck must be properly restrained. In addition to requiring the sides and tailgate of the vehicle to reach a certain height, dogs must must be secured within a crate or cage, or properly cross tethered to the vehicle to comply with the transportation law in Chapter 90, Section 22H, Safe transportation of animals. Further, though the language does not explicitly require dogs wear a seat belt, Chapter 90, Section 13 could prevent a dog from riding in the driver's lap or front seat, or even unrestrained in the vehicle; "No person, when operating a motor vehicle, shall permit to be on or in the vehicle or on or about his person anything which may interfere with or impede the proper operation of the vehicle or any equipment by which the vehicle is operator or controlled." Additionally, cruelty to animals laws state that any person who "carries it or causes it to be carried in or upon a vehicle, or otherwise, in an unnecessarily cruel or inhumane manner or in a way and manner which might endanger the animal carried thereon" could be required to pay a fine or face jail time. The law does not state what would make transportation "inhumane." - Resource 1

Senator Johnny Ray Salling sponsored SB1211 which prohibits the operation of a vehicle with a dog on the driver's seat. As of August 2018, the bill has not yet passed. If the bill becomes law, it will be effective October 1, 2018. While Maryland does not currently have a law requiring dogs to wear seat belts or be secured during transportation, the 2013 Maryland Transportation Code Section 21-1104 states "a person may not drive a vehicle on a highway with any object, material, or obstruction so located in or on the vehicle as to interfere with the clear view of the driver through the windshield." This could apply to dogs riding in the driver's lap, though it does not explicitly state this restriction. - Resource 1

While Maine does not currently have a law requiring dogs to wear seat belts or be secured during transportation within an enclosed section of a vehicle, Rep. Jim Handy sponsored H.P. 440 in 2017, a bill to prohibit dogs from riding on laps or sticking their head out the window. This bill has since been withdrawn. Maine state law dictates that a person driving a pickup truck, convertible, or other open vehiclemay not transport a dog in the open portion of that vehicle on a public way unless the dog is protected in a manner that prevents the dog from falling or jumping or being thrown from the vehicle." Additionally, drivers with pets on their laps can be charged under the existing distracted driving law. - Resource 1

There is no law in Louisiana which requires a dog to wear a seat belt or be contained in a crate during transport. The bill HB1091 was introduced by Representative Tom Willmott and would have allowed the transportation of dogs in pickup truck beds only if the dogs were properly restrained. The bill was vetoed by the Governor in 2014. - Resource 1

There is no law in Iowa which requires a dog to wear a seat belt or be contained in a crate during transport. However, Iowa code 321.363 states that driving with an obstructed view is an operating violation that may carry a fine. Though this is not an animal-specific restriction, an unrestrained dog—especially riding in the driver's lap—could fall under this code at the discretion of law enforcement. - Resource 1

In January 2017, Senator Dennis Kruse introduced SB 32, a bill making it illegal to drive with a dog in your lap or in a manner that the pet would obstruct the driver's view. The bill was referred to Committee on Homeland Security and Transportation but is no longer active. However, there is no law in Indiana which requires a dog to wear a seat belt or be contained in a crate during transport. - Resource 1

There is no law in Illinois which requires a dog to wear a seat belt or be contained in a crate during transport. In 2012, State Sen. Martin Sandoval filed a bill to ban dogs from drivers' laps. This bill failed to pass the Senate. Afterward, Representative Daniel Burke introduced the "Safe Driving With Pets Task Force" which was also defeated in 2012. The task force would have recommended legislation regarding protecting drivers, passengers, animals, and more. - Resource 1

While Hawaii does not currently have a seat belt law for dogs, driving with a pet in your lap violates laws regarding obstruction to driver's view or driving mechanism. Hawaii Statutes, Section 291C-124 states "While operating a motor vehicle, no person shall hold in the person's lap, or allow to be in the driver's immediate area, any person, animal, or object which interferes with the driver's control over the driving mechanism of the vehicle." - Resource 1

There is no law in Florida which requires a dog to wear a seat belt or be contained in a crate during transport, though the distracted driving campaign provides a list of common distractions, including unsecured pets: "tending to kids or passengers in the back seat, eating, watching an event outside of the vehicle, interacting with passengers, unsecured pets, putting on makeup or grooming, adjusting radio or climate controls, checking your GPS app or system and even daydreaming." SB 320 was introduced by Florida senator Steube in 2017 to place restrictions on transporting dogs in truck beds without a crate or proper restraint, but the bill was withdrawn from consideration. - Resource 1

While Connecticut does not currently have a law requiring dogs to be restrained or secured while riding inside a vehicle, drivers may be charged under existing distracted-driving laws if they drive with a pet in their lap. Dogs being transported in an open truck bed must be in a crate or cage, or must be secured to prevent them from falling, jumping, or being thrown from the vehicle. - Resource 1

While California does not currently have a law requiring dogs to wear seat belts or be secured within the enclosed space of a vehicle during transportation, dogs riding in the bed of a truck must be cross tethered to the vehicle or secured in a crate or cage to prevent injury from falling, jumping, or being thrown from the vehicle per Vehicle Code section 23117. Though the Governor vetoed CA A 2233 making it illegal to drive with a pet in the lap or arms and no official law has passed regarding dogs riding in laps, the LAPD will issue a ticket for driving at an unsafe speed to people driving with dogs on their laps as no speed is safe with a pet in your lap. - Resource 1

There is no law in Arkansas which requires a dog to wear a seat belt or be contained in a crate during transport. However, if a police officer deems the transportation of an animal to be cruel or unsafe, they may choose to ticket the driver. - Resource 1

Arizona does not currently have a law specifically requiring dogs to wear seat belts. However, drivers may be charged under existing distracted driving laws if they drive with an animal in their lap, or if a police officer determines the transportation method creates an unsafe situation. In January 2018, SB1116—a bill prohibiting dogs or other animals from riding in the driver's lap with a penalty of a $100 fine—was introduced by Arizona Senator John Kavanagh. The bill did not pass and was held in committee in January 2018.

There is no law on the books requiring dogs to wear a seatbelt, however, the Alaska Driver Manual published by the Alaska DMV lists 10 ways to minimize distracted driving, including the recommendation to "Always secure your pets properly before you start to drive." However, individual cities may have their own animal control laws regarding unrestrained dogs, pets, or livestock in open pickup truck beds. Homer city council banned the practice in 2016 under Ordinance 16-38(S), and included restrictions on animals loose in the vehicle cab or on the driver's lap. - Resource 1

While Alabama does not currently have a law requiring dogs to wear seat belts or be secured during transportation in a vehicle, animal cruelty laws may be invoked if a police officer determines the manner of transportation may violate animal welfare laws or endanger the dog. - Resource 1

Does Your State Require Dogs Be Harnessed in the Car?

We bring our dogs everywhere. If we’re hiking, they’re trekking with us. We’ve figured out all of the dog-friendly stores and cafés in town. And, we wouldn’t consider a road trip without our trusty canine co-pilot. Nose prints on the windows are a sure sign of an excellent journey—or are they? Distractions behind the wheel contribute to thousands of accidents per year. In addition to texting, adjusting radio dials, and eating, a loose dog in a vehicle can be a dangerous distraction. Additionally, an unsecured dog can become a projectile in the event of an accident or sudden stop, which can cause serious injury—or death—to the dog and passengers in the car. Preventing your canine companion from distracting you while on the road—and keeping them safe for the drive—can be as simple as using a seat belt harness or securing your dog in a crate while in a vehicle. This includes dogs of any age. If you have a young dog, you should still harness or crate your puppy in the car. While using a pet harness in the car is recommended by pet safety advocates and veterinarians, is a dog seat belt required in your state by law?

Throughout recent years, several states have considered legislation to make dog seat belts mandatory. New Jersey made headlines in 2012 when a proposed law called for seat belts for dogs—a move that elicited strongly-worded responses from those critical of the requirement. Other states have likewise proposed dog seat belt laws, Maine, New York, and Rhode Island among them. These dog safety belt requirements have been met with varying degrees of success—usually in the form of restricting dogs to the back seat of the car but not actually mandating a restraint system.

As of January 2019, only a handful of states had specific laws requiring a dog to wear a car harness or be otherwise restricted in a moving vehicle. Many states have passed laws banning dogs from the front seat, truck bed, or from hanging their head out the window. Some states, including Arizona, Hawaii, and Connecticut may charge drivers under distracted driving laws if they drive with a dog in their lap. Similarly, drivers in Los Angeles may be ticketed for driving at an unsafe speed if they’re caught with a dog in their lap—the LAPD states that no speed is safe with a pet in your lap.

While several states ban the cruel or inhumane transportation of animals, what constitutes cruelty isn’t always clear. The language surrounding dogs in truck beds is easier to understand in some cases—states including Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Minnesota have laws in place to ensure dogs in open truck beds are properly contained in a sturdy crate or cross-tethered. Your dog will also feel more comfortable in a crate while traveling, as it gives them a sense of comfort and security.

The issue of properly restraining dogs in a vehicle is mentioned in the UK’s Highway Code. Rule 57 declares “When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly. A seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars.”

Is your dog required by law to wear a seat belt harness for car travel? Lawmakers across the country stand on either side of the argument. Driving with unrestrained animals in the car could fall under state animal cruelty laws in some locations, and others may consider loose animals a distracted driving violation. Regardless of the law, the safest way for your dog to travel is secured with a dog seat belt harness or in a crate. And, if you get pulled over for swerving, speeding, or other faults caused by the distraction of a dog, you can still be ticketed for dangerous driving. Explore this interactive map of dog seat belt laws by state to see where dogs need to wear a seat belt harness.