Many drivers allow their dogs to travel in the car with them.
Fox News.com cited an American Automobile Association study that states driving with loose pets in the car poses the same risks as texting while driving. Many dog owners pet, play with and even give food and water to their unrestrained pets while driving, which raises the risks for a car accidents. Surprisingly, while many states have a ban on texting while driving, none have a law that requires pets be restrained inside a vehicle, according to Change.org.
Laws
Eight states require drivers to restrain their dogs when they are in an open area of the vehicle, such as the bed of a truck. The states are California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, Oregon, Rhode Island and Washington. The inside of a vehicle does not qualify as an "open area."
Fines
Fines for failing to properly restrain a dog while in an open area of the vehicle or transporting the animal in an inhumane or unsafe manner range from $50 to $2,000, as well as a 60-day to six-month stay in a county jail. Fines vary among the eight states that currently enforce such laws, with Connecticut and Rhode Island charging the minimum $50 fine. Oregon charges a $90 fine, while New Hampshire views a first offense as a misdemeanor and a second offense as a Class B felony, with a possible $2,000 fee for confiscated pet care.
Nevada and Washington can impose both fines and jail stays. Nevada law states there is a maximum fine of $1,000 and a possible jail stay of up to six months, while Washington law prescribes a $150 fine and up to 60 days in the county jail, as an added punishment.
Restraint Options
Restraint options for pets traveling inside or outside of a vehicle prove plentiful. Inside a vehicle, seat belt harnesses, enclosed crates, barriers or car seats are all appropriate. If your dog is traveling in the bed of a truck, an enclosed crate will reduce the risk of injury to your pet.
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