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If you are about to embark on a road trip with your pet, you may live in a state that enforces dog restraint laws. Currently, there are 9 states that feature and enforce these laws. While some states have specific laws for dog restraints, other states feature dog restraint laws that fall under their distracted driving laws. This means pets are not allowed to roam free in the vehicle, nor are they allowed to ride on your lap or in the passenger seat. Instead, they must either be in a travel crate or kennel or restrained in an approved pet safety harness.
Connecticut – While Connecticut doesn’t have a specific law regarding dogs being restrained while riding in a vehicle, you may be charged, if your pet is riding on your lap, under the state’s distracted driving law. Also, under Title 14, Section 272b, you may be charged with a fine of up to $50 if your dog is riding in the back of a pickup truck without being secured in a cage or crate.
Hawaii – While Hawaii doesn’t have a specific law regarding dogs being restrained while riding in a vehicle, you are violating the state’s distracted law, if you have your dog on your lap while driving.
Maine – While Maine doesn’t have a specific law regarding dogs being restrained while riding in a vehicle, Title 29-A, Chapter 19, Section 2087 says you can’t travel with a dog, in the back of a pickup truck, unless it is restrained or secured. Also, under the state’s distracted driving law, you can be fined between $50 and $250 if you are driving with your dog on your lap.
Massachusetts – While Massachusetts doesn’t have a specific law regarding dogs being restrained while riding in a vehicle, Chapter 90, Section 22H says that dogs who are riding in the back of a pickup truck, must be secured in a cage or crate. Also, Chapter 90, Section 13 states, “No person, when operating a motor vehicle, shall permit to be on or in the vehicle or on or about his person anything which may interfere with or impede the proper operation of the vehicle or any equipment by which the vehicle is operator or controlled.”
Minnesota – While Minnesota doesn’t have a specific law regarding dogs being restrained while riding in a vehicle, Statute 343.24 says that you can be charged with a misdemeanor, if you are traveling with your dog in the bed of a pickup truck, without being secured in a crate or other type of restraint.
New Hampshire – While New Hampshire doesn’t have a specific law regarding dogs being restrained while riding in a vehicle, Title 62, Chapter 644, Section 8-aa says that dogs who are riding in the bed of a pickup truck, must be restrained and that violators may be charged with a misdemeanor.
New Jersey – The state of New Jersey is currently the only state where you are in violation of the state’s animal cruelty law (Title 4, Section 4:22-18) if your dog is roaming free inside the vehicle while traveling. Fines for violating this law range between $250 and $1,000.
North Dakota – While North Dakota doesn’t have a specific law regarding dogs being restrained while riding in a vehicle, the state does have a Cruelty in Transportation law (Title 36, Section 21.1-03). This law states, “No person may carry, or cause to be carried, any live animals upon any vehicle or otherwise, without providing suitable racks, cars, crates, or cages, or other proper carrying container, nor may he carry an animal, or cause an animal to be carried, in any other cruel manner.”
Rhode Island – While Rhode Island doesn’t have a specific law regarding dogs being restrained while riding in a vehicle, Title 31, Section 22-28, says that dogs riding in a vehicle must be in an enclosed part of the vehicle AND must also be secured in a pet crate, harness or seat belt. Violators of this law may be fined up to $200.
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