Understanding Texas Laws on Driving with Pets In Your Lap

In Texas, our pets are our family. That is the way it should be. We give them a home. We show them love. We feed and care for them. They are a part, a huge part of our lives. In Texas our pets are everything.

We may have a dog. We may have a few. Cats may be the animal that has taken over our household. Regardless we learn how to make our pets more than just a pet. So that being how pets are treated in Texas we sometimes travel with them.

Whether that furry friend has a seat in the backseat, or they love to ride in the back of the truck. There is a special place for them. Sometimes that special place is right there in the middle of everything .

How Many Times Have You Seen a Dog Hanging Out the Driver Seat Window?

You know what I am talking about. That dog is giving you that cute grin as he is scoping out whether you have food for him at the stoplight. They want to see what is going on. They love that Texas breeze on their faces.

It Has Got To Be the Cutest Thing But is it Legal?

Texas law can be confusing. We know we can't have our cellphones out and texting or calling someone while we are driving. Can we have a dog right there in our laps? Will we get pulled over for a distraction like that?

There is no law saying a pet has to be in the backseat, or even the passenger seat. There is no law saying that you can not have your dog in your lap. The law though prohibits you from being distracted while you are driving.

So that is how you can get in trouble. That is how you can be pulled over. If you are driving like that dog is a distraction. Don't let that happen. Keep your furry friend in your lap as long as he can stay calm and keep you calm.

The fines for distracted driving, including texting and driving, or pets causing a distraction, can lead to a fine between $25 and $99, and repeat offenders could receive a fine of up to $200.

So drive with your pet in your lap but don't let them distract you. That is the best way to go.