A popular pet peeve?

Motorists with pets on their lap are driving some crazy

By Audrey LaFave

ESCANABA - Although some may be annoyed by people who drive around with pets in their laps, you may be surprised to learn that it is not against the law in Michigan.

While some states such as California have recently debated a ban on pets riding on driver's laps, Delta County Sheriff Gary Ballweg said dogs or other pets are not required to be restrained except in the open bed of a pickup truck.

"In the open bed of a pickup truck it would have to have a leash so the animal couldn't jump out," said Ballweg.

Otherwise, said Ballweg, animals are not required to be restrained under Michigan law or county ordinance, unless they could be a distraction to the driver.

"So, if they are sitting on the driver's lap or jumping around, causing a distraction, an accident could be the result of that distraction," he said. "That would be an (infraction)."

Tickets could be issued for whatever the distraction caused - careless driving, crossing the center line, running a stop light or sign, etc., said Ballweg.

Gladstone Public Safety Director Paul Geyer also said there is no specific vehicle code that says not to have dogs or other pets in your lap as you drive. He did say that a vision obstruction is a ticketable offense, as well as careless driving.

"It could be considered careless driving (which means) in the eyes of the officer and the eyes of the law... they were doing something careless and got into an accident or endangered somebody else's life or property," said Geyer.

"Anything which distracts the driver is not a great idea. I've seen situations where people had a pet in the car and it was obvious to me that it was distracting the driver, but there is no specific vehicle code for that," said Geyer.

Ballweg said although it is not the law to restrain your pet, it might be a good idea.

"There are ways to restrain a pet," he said. "A crate or kennel is the ideal situation, or you could attach a small leash inside the car. I think they also have doggie seat belts. A dog would not be different than anyone else in a traffic crash - it can come flying into the windshield if it is not restrained."

Ballweg said any dog can distract a driver, especially when they are not restrained.

"It's just not good. Even calm dogs could be upset by something and cause a distraction to the driver and cause an accident, and then the driver would be at fault," said Ballweg.

One local resident recommends a doggie car seat. She takes her dog, Lucky Joe, for rides in the car but only when he's buckled in. She said it's much safer for pets that way.

"What I do is I use an actual car seat for my little Yorkie... with a harness, and it's connected with the seat belt," she said. "He actually has to sit in it."