study<\/a> shows that around 83 percent of dog owners drive cars and vehicles with unrestrained dogs inside. This may seem natural and normal, but in reality, this can be problematic for dogs, dog owners, and others on the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWays to Restrain Your Dog When Driving<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Some say we should protect our dogs the same way we should protect our children when it comes to road safety. Many are unaware of the danger, but slowly more and more states are giving out legislation on securing dogs in moving vehicles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are a few different ways one can restrain a dog in a car:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\nDog seat belts<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\nDog car harnesses<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\nCrates<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nThe above items work great to restrain dogs in cars. They keep your dog secured while preventing distractions for the driver. The general rules on restraining dogs in cars are mentioned below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rules and Legislations on Restraining Dogs in Cars<\/h2>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nMany states in the USA do not have specific laws about restraining dogs while you are driving. However, the same states have strict laws against distracted driving. In many cases, an unrestrained dog in a moving vehicle can be a distraction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The laws on distractions and restraining dogs differ from state to state. However, the basic guidelines revolve more or less around the same rules:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nYou cannot have a dog on the back of an open truck when driving the truck. If you do, you must ensure the dog is safely restrained. The best method for this is to use a crate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n You cannot transport a dog in a closed trunk.<\/li>\n\n\n\n You cannot have your dog on your lap when you are driving.<\/li>\n\n\n\n You cannot lead a dog that is outside your car or vehicle, while the car or vehicle is moving.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nFind out the specific laws on traveling in vehicles with dogs, in detail below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What States Have Dog Seat Belt Laws?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n The laws on dog restraint in moving vehicles vary from state to state. Many states do not have any laws regarding how one can or cannot transport a dog in a vehicle. Whereas many states have ambiguous laws that do not specify dogs in vehicles but condemn distracted driving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The following states do not allow transporting dogs in open areas of a vehicle:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nConnecticut<\/li>\n\n\n\n New Hampshire<\/li>\n\n\n\n Oregon<\/li>\n\n\n\n Rhode Island<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nThese states require you to secure the dog with a dog seat belt, a crate, or such an item if the dog is to be in the open area of a moving vehicle. This is to be done in a way that restrains the dogs securely but allows them to be comfortable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When it comes to the actual enclosed area inside the car or vehicle, most states do not have specific laws on how the dog is to be handled. However, Rhode Island demands the use of dog seat belts or other similar items and some other states ban having a dog on the driver\u2019s lap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additionally, multiple states have laws against leaving dogs in unattended vehicles. These laws aim to protect dogs from intentional or unintentional harm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dog Seat Belt Laws By Each State<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Here is a thorough list, by each state, of dog car restraint laws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n\n \n \n State <\/td>\n \n Dog Car Restraint Law <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n \n Alabama <\/td>\n \n \nAmbiguous law.<\/li>\n No current laws on dog seat belts or dog car harnesses.<\/li>\n Animal cruelty laws or animal welfare laws may be seen as violated by police officers.<\/li><\/ul> <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n \n Alaska <\/td>\n \n \nThere is no law.<\/li>\n Different cities may have rules about dogs in open trucks or pick-up trucks<\/li>\n<\/ul> <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n \n Arizona <\/td>\n \n \nAmbiguous Law.<\/li>\n No current laws on restraining dogs in moving vehicles.\/li>\n Driving laws on distracted driving can be violated, depending on the dog\u2019s activities.<\/li>\n<\/ul> <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n \n Arkansas <\/td>\n \n \nThere is no law.<\/li>\n No current laws on dog seat belts or dog car crates.\/li>\n If a police officer deems the dog in a car situation as cruel or unfair, they can give out a ticket.<\/li>\n<\/ul> <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n \n California <\/td>\n \n \nThere is now law.<\/li>\n There are no laws about restraining Dogs in enclosed areas of moving vehicles.<\/li>\n The police officers of California can give you tickets if the driver drives with the dog on her or his lap.<\/li>\n<\/ul> <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n \n Colorado <\/td>\n \n \nThere is no law.<\/li>\n Looking after dogs while driving is considered a hazardous distraction by the anti-distracted driving campaign.<\/li>\n<\/ul> <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n \n Connecticut <\/td>\n \n \nThere is a law.<\/li>\n You may be charged if you drive with a dog on your lap.<\/li>\n You must be careful to not violate the distracted driving laws that exist in Connecticut.<\/li>\n<\/ul> <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n \n D.C. <\/td>\n \n \nThere is no law.<\/li>\n There are no rules or legislations about dogs being restrained in moving vehicles.<\/li>\n<\/ul> <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n \n Delaware <\/td>\n \n \nThere is no law.<\/li>\n There are laws that protect dogs from being left in the car.<\/li>\n\n<\/ul> <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n \n Florida <\/td>\n \n \nThere is no law.<\/li>\n There are laws that protect dogs from being left in the car.<\/li>\n<\/ul> <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n \n Georgia <\/td>\n \n \nThere is a law.<\/li>\n There are no rules or legislations about dogs being restrained in moving vehicles.<\/li>\n<\/ul> <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n \n Hawaii <\/td>\n \n \nAmbiguous law.<\/li>\n Driving with a dog, or any pet, on your lap is illegal in Hawaii.<\/li>\n This law also extends to keeping pets in the driver\u2019s immediate area in moving vehicles.<\/li>\n<\/ul> <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n \n Idaho <\/td>\n \n \nThere is no law.<\/li>\n There are no rules or legislations about dogs being restrained in moving vehicles.<\/li>\n<\/ul> <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n \n Illinois <\/td>\n \n \nThere is no law.<\/li>\n There are no rules or legislations about dogs being restrained in moving vehicles.<\/li>\n There are laws that protect dogs from being left in the car.\n<\/li>\n<\/ul> <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n \n Indiana <\/td>\n \n \nThere is no law.<\/li>\n There are no rules or legislations about dogs being restrained in moving vehicles.\n<\/li>\n There are laws that protect dogs from being left in the car.<\/li>\n<\/ul> <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n \n Iowa <\/td>\n \n \nAmbiguous law.<\/li>\n No laws in Iowa exist currently about restraining dogs in moving vehicles. \n<\/li>\n The Iowa law code 321.363 states you can be fined if you drive with an obstructed view.<\/li>\n<\/ul> <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n \n Kansas <\/td>\n \n \nThere is no law.<\/li>\n There are no rules or legislations about dogs being restrained in moving vehicles.\n<\/li>\n There are laws that protect dogs from being left in the car.<\/li>\n<\/ul> <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n \n Kentucky <\/td>\n \n \nThere is no law.<\/li>\n There are no rules or legislations about dogs being restrained in moving vehicles.<\/li>\n<\/ul> <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n \n Louisiana <\/td>\n \n \nThere is no law.<\/li>\n There are no rules or legislations about dogs being restrained in moving vehicles.car.\n<\/li>\n There are laws that protect dogs from being left in the <\/li>\n<\/ul> <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n \n Maine <\/td>\n \n \nThere is a law.<\/li>\n You cannot have dogs transported in open portions of a vehicle.<\/li>\n Driving with a dog on your law can get you charged under the distracted driving law.<\/li>\n There are no laws regarding dog seat belts or other securing items.<\/li>\n<\/ul> <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n \n Maryland <\/td>\n \n \nAmbiguous law.<\/li>\n The Transportation Code Section 21 1104 mentions it is illegal to drive on a highway with any obstructions.<\/li>\n There are laws that protect dogs from being left in the car.<\/li>\n<\/ul> <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n \n Massachusetts <\/td>\n \n \nThere is a law.<\/li>\n Dogs being transported at the open back of a vehicle need to be restrained, with a crate or cage or tethered.<\/li>\n The sides and tailgates of such vehicles must be over a specific height as well.<\/li>\n There are no current laws about dogs having to wear seatbelts or other securing items.<\/li>\n There are laws that protect dogs from being left in the car.<\/li>\n<\/ul> <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n \n Michigan <\/td>\n \n \nThere is a proposed law.<\/li>\n It is prohibited to drive with a dog on your lap.<\/li>\n There are proposed fines; $100 for the first violation and $200 for further violations.<\/li>\n<\/ul> <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n \n Minnesota <\/td>\n \n \nThere is a law.<\/li>\n Transportation of dogs and animals at the open back of a vehicle needs proper restraining.<\/li>\n No laws about restraining the inside of a moving vehicle.<\/li>\n<\/ul> <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n \n Mississippi <\/td>\n \n \nAmbiguous law.<\/li>\n There are no rules or legislations about dogs being restrained in moving vehicles.<\/li>\n The Mississippi Dog and Cat Pet Protection Law 2011 states a rule against carrying or restraining an animal in a cruel manner. <\/li>\n<\/ul> <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n \n Missouri <\/td>\n \n \nThere is no law.<\/li>\n There are no rules or legislations about dogs being restrained in moving vehicles.<\/li>\n<\/ul> <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n \n Montana\n \u00a0 <\/td>\n \n \nThere is no law.<\/li>\n There are no rules or legislations about dogs being restrained in moving vehicles.<\/li>\n<\/ul> <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n \n Nebraska <\/td>\n \n \nThere is no law.<\/li>\n There are no rules or legislations about dogs being restrained in moving vehicles.<\/li>\n<\/ul> <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n \n Nevada <\/td>\n \n \nThere is no law.<\/li>\n There are no rules or legislations about dogs being restrained in moving vehicles.<\/li>\n There is a law that is against \u201ccruel and inhumane\u201d ways of transporting animals.<\/li>\n There are laws that protect dogs from being left in the car.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/ul> <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n \n New Hampshire <\/td>\n \n \nThere is a law.<\/li>\n Dogs being transported at the open back of a vehicle need to be restrained.<\/li>\n The sides and tailgates of such vehicles must be over a specific height as well.<\/li>\n There are laws that protect dogs from being left in the car.<\/li>\n<\/ul> <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n \n New Jersey <\/td>\n \n \nThere is a law.<\/li>\n Loose animals in a vehicle while driving violates the animal cruelty law.<\/li>\n Improper transportation of dogs in moving vehicles can receive fines from $250 to $1000.<\/li>\n For extreme situations, you may face six months of jail time.<\/li>\n There are laws that protect dogs from being left in the car.<\/li>\n<\/ul> <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n \n New Mexico <\/td>\n \n \nThere is no law.<\/li>\n There are no rules or legislations about dogs being restrained in moving vehicles.<\/li>\n<\/ul> <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n \n New York <\/td>\n \n \nThere is no law.<\/li>\n There are no rules or legislations about dogs being restrained in moving vehicles.<\/li>\n There are laws that protect dogs from being left in the car.<\/li>\n<\/ul> <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n \n North Carolina <\/td>\n \n \nThere is no law.<\/li>\n There are no rules or legislations about dogs being restrained in moving vehicles.<\/li>\n There are laws that protect dogs from being left in the car.<\/li>\n<\/ul> <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n \n North Dakota <\/td>\n \n \nThere is no law.<\/li>\n There are no rules or legislations about dogs being restrained in moving vehicles.<\/li>\n There are laws that protect dogs from being left in the car.<\/li>\n<\/ul> <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n \n Ohio <\/td>\n \n \nAmbiguous law.<\/li>\n The laws on animal cruelty say you cannot carry or transport any animals in a cruel or inhumane manner.<\/li>\n No specific law in Ohio currently exists on the restraint of a dog in a moving vehicle.<\/li>\n There are laws that protect dogs from being left in the car.<\/li>\n<\/ul> <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n \n Oklahoma <\/td>\n \n \nAmbiguous law.<\/li>\n The laws on animal cruelty consider it a misdemeanor to transport dogs in a moving vehicle in a cruel or inhumane way.<\/li>\n No specific law in Oklahoma currently exists on the restraint of a dog in a moving vehicle.<\/li>\n<\/ul> <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n \n Oregon <\/td>\n \n \nThere is no law.<\/li>\n There are no rules or legislations about dogs being restrained in moving vehicles.<\/li>\n If a dog is being transported in an open area of a moving vehicle, the dog must be restrained in a proper carrier or framework.<\/li>\n<\/ul> <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n \n Pennsylvania <\/td>\n \n \nThere is no law.<\/li>\n There are no rules or legislations about dogs being restrained in moving vehicles.<\/li>\n There are laws that protect dogs from being left in the car.<\/li>\n<\/ul> <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n \n Rhode Island <\/td>\n \n \nThere is a law.<\/li>\n Dogs being transported in moving vehicles must be restrained with a dog seat belt, dog harness or be kept in a crate.<\/li>\n Any passenger, but not the driver, can have physical control over the dog.<\/li>\n Violating this dog restraining law can lead to a $200 fine.<\/li>\n<\/ul> <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n \n South California <\/td>\n \n \nAmbiguous law.<\/li>\n No current laws exist on restraining a dog when driving.<\/li>\n If a police officer deems it unsafe, the driver can be given a ticker for negligence or other offenses. <\/li>\n<\/ul> <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n \n South Dakota <\/td>\n \n \nThere is no law.<\/li>\n There are no rules or legislations about dogs being restrained in moving vehicles.\n<\/li>\n There are laws that protect dogs from being left in the car.<\/li>\n<\/ul> <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n \n Tennessee <\/td>\n \n \nAmbiguous law.<\/li>\n No current laws exist on restraining a dog when driving.<\/li>\n Animal cruelty laws make it illegal to confine or transport animals in an inhumane or cruel manner.<\/li>\n There are laws that protect dogs from being left in the car.<\/li>\n<\/ul> <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n \n Texas <\/td>\n \n \nAmbiguous law.<\/li>\n No current laws exist on restraining a dog when driving.<\/li>\n Animal cruelty laws make it illegal to confine or transport animals in an inhumane or cruel manner.<\/li>\n<\/ul> <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n \n Utah <\/td>\n \n \nAmbiguous law.<\/li>\n No current laws exist on restraining a dog when driving.<\/li>\n Animal cruelty laws make it illegal to confine or transport animals in an inhumane or cruel manner.<\/li>\n<\/ul> <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n \n Vermont <\/td>\n \n \nAmbiguous law.<\/li>\n No current laws exist on restraining a dog when driving.<\/li>\n Animal cruelty laws make it illegal to confine or transport animals in an inhumane or cruel manner.<\/li>\n There are laws that protect dogs from being left in the car.<\/li>\n<\/ul> <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n \n Virginia <\/td>\n \n