Pets and Driving Don't Mix

By Alison Gonzalez

Published on May 02, 2008

The bill, proposed by Assemblyman Bill Maze, would make it against the law for individuals to drive with a live animal in their arms or lap.

The move comes after a Modesto woman crashed her car into a power pole when her cat scratched her while sitting in her lap.

Statistics for people who drive with a pet on their laps is not available, said California Highway Patrol spokesman, Tom Marshall. However, according to the DMV, one of four traffic accidents are caused by driver distraction.

If the bill becomes law, violators could be pulled over by the CHP and fined $35.

CHP would start keeping track of the violations, Marshall said, adding that he does not drive with a police dog on his lap while on patrol.

Since there is no formal oppositions, the Assembly Appropriations Committee is expecting the bill to clear the necessary hurdles easily, said Maze's legislative director, Laurie Paredes.

The committee is set to review the proposed bill next week.