ORLANDO, Fla. – News 6 traffic safety expert Trooper Steve answers viewer questions about the rules of the road, helping Florida residents become better drivers by being better educated.
Trooper Steve on Tuesday was asked by a viewer named Richard, “I see many drivers with their dogs on their laps or looking out the window. Is this legal?”
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Trooper Steve said he loves dog and takes his two girls with him about everywhere he goes.
“But I am a man of safety, so there’s that,” he added. “Being a dog dad does not mean that I throw every safety measure out of the window.”
Trooper Steve said part of loving and caring for your pet ensuring they are just as safe as you are in the car.
“Most would say, and I would agree, that your dog wants to be so close to you that you end up allowing your pet on your lap, enjoying the Florida weather and the ride down the road,” he said. “There is no law currently on the books that restricts this action specifically, so a police officer cannot just see your animal on your lap and conduct a traffic stop.”
But there’s a lot to consider.
“Your pet can still do what it wants, when it wants,” Trooper Steve said. “I would never encourage a driver to operate a vehicle with an animal on their lap. The distraction could lead to the driver causing traffic issues or result in a serious crash.”
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