Lawmakers Target Pet Distractions

A bill filed in the North Carolina General Assembly would make it illegal to operate a motor vehicle while holding a live animal in a driver’s lap.

The proposed legislation would prohibit drivers from operating a vehicle on a public street, highway, or public vehicular area while an animal is sitting in their lap. Violators would face a $100 fine plus court costs, though no driver’s license points would be assessed.

According to the bill’s language, lawmakers argue that driving with a live animal in a person’s lap is a dangerous distraction that puts the driver, passengers, other motorists, and the animal at risk. The measure states that such behavior endangers public safety and should be prohibited.

The bill was introduced by Garland Pierce, a Democratic lawmaker who cited reports of crashes and close calls involving animals riding in drivers’ laps.

Pierce said animals can behave unpredictably while a vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of an accident. He noted that if an animal becomes startled, both the driver and passengers could lose control of the vehicle, potentially resulting in serious injuries to people and the animal.

The proposal has sparked debate on social media, with some residents praising the bill as a commonsense safety measure, while others questioned whether lawmakers should instead focus on broader issues such as impaired driving or cellphone use behind the wheel.

Several other states have enacted or enforced similar restrictions. Hawaii is currently the only state with a law that explicitly bans driving with a pet in a driver’s lap. Other states, including Arizona, New Jersey, Maine, and Connecticut, allow law enforcement to stop and fine drivers if an animal is causing a distraction, which may include riding on a driver’s lap.

Pierce said the idea for the bill came from conversations with constituents. He added that the proposal is intended to protect both motorists and animals and believes it addresses a preventable safety concern on North Carolina roads.