Driving in New Jersey With a Doggie in the Car.
In my experience, plenty (if not most) people who drive with their dog in the car let Fido have the back seat to roam about and possibly even stick his head out the window (dogs seem to love that). I’ve also seen drivers who will simply sit the dog in the passenger seat. Some drivers even let the dog sit in their lap while driving.
In New Jersey, driving an unrestrained pet (it applies to cats too), can cost you between $250 and $1,000 per pet, and you could also do six months in the slammer. The reason for the potential jail time is that, under New Jersey law, driving an unrestrained pet in the car constitutes animal cruelty. The stated safety concern for humans is that, in an accident, Fido could become a dangerous projectile.
Not surprisingly, sometimes the law is an ass, because the fine for driving a car with an unrestrained person in the car (including persons in the back seat) is $46.00. I guess the State Legislators don’t consider humans involved in a crash to be potentially dangerous projectiles.
I, for one, always wear a seat belt, and I always have everyone in the car buckle up. It just makes good sense to me, as does using a restraint on a pet (although when I had a dog he was free to lounge around the back seat and stick his head out the window, weather permitting). That said, I am not a fan of mandatory seat belt laws. If adults choose to ride around unbuckled (dumb, in my view), or choose to let Fido have the back seat, I don’t think it’s any of the government’s concern. As for letting your pooch sit on your lap while driving (really, really dumb in my view), no new law is necessary. I think a careless driving summons would be appropriate.
h/t Heironymus
I’d be inclined to agree with you if I hadn’t come THISCLOSE to a head-on collision with an idiot driving with his chihuahua on his steering wheel.
Comment by Fausta — June 1, 2012 @ 4:31 pm
I’ve traveled with my cat for years. I took her driving since when she was a kitten so she could get used to the car. She always sits quietly on pillows in the back, or crawls into her travel bag.
I know, this is an exception. Most pets, especially cats, hate being in a car…and many can get rambunctious.
But again, there are bad drivers AND bad pet owners…and crazy pets, too.
I agree with you, that if someone is showing signs of reckless driving…sure, give them a ticket. But otherwise, leave it alone. Arg.
Comment by DogsDontPurr — June 1, 2012 @ 8:53 pm
Jersey must suck a BIG one
Comment by Catfish — June 2, 2012 @ 1:58 am
Stretch rides Shotgun. Fuck the government.
Comment by Yabu — June 2, 2012 @ 8:18 am
That’s why I just let my dog do the driving.
Comment by Mr. Bingley — June 2, 2012 @ 3:02 pm
Mr Bingley is a pisser .I bet his dog drives better than many women who should only be permitted to pedal a Big Wheel kiddie cart on the sidewalk .
Comment by john — June 2, 2012 @ 5:56 pm
Is that your little Cavalier King Charles in the picture? Love those dogs. I have one eight months old and would not trade him for anything. He rides shotgun with me, but restrained by a travel harness so he cannot become a projectile if I have to hit the brakes suddenly.
Comment by Fred G — June 4, 2012 @ 8:49 am