Yes, it's still OK to drive with the dog in your lap

Think it's OK to drive with your puppy in your lap? Some folks in Sacramento were hoping to outlaw such behavior. But it looks like it won't happen this time. Times staff writer Patrick McGreevy reports:

Facing a backlog of legislation that he refused to sign until a state budget was passed,  [Gov. Arnold] Schwarzenegger took his veto pen to 95 bills, including a measure that would have prohibited dogs from riding on the laps of motorists.

Many of the vetoed bills, including the lap-riding measure, received the same message from Schwarzenegger: "Given the delay, I am only signing bills that are the highest priority for California. This bill does not meet that standard and I cannot sign it at this time."

Comments

[Marcos El Malo]

Thank Goodness. This is another ridiculous Nanny State law brought to you by the California Legislature. I notice that they don't even think of picking on activities that are protected by lobbyists which could also be considered potential distractions while driving: listening to the radio, eating fast food, etc.

The fact is that this behavior is already covered by existing statutes when it is dangerous. This is just passing laws for the sake of passing laws and padding legislative resumes.

[LmA]

It's actually not OK, though--even if it isn't outlawed. This kind of behavior is dangerous to pets AND their owners. I know from experience. Was in a car accident when I turned to pay attention to my pet who had just tried to jump on my lap. Now we have seat belts/restraints for our dogs. Please, people--be responsible.