Is it Legal to Drive With Your Dog?

Dog as Your Co-Pilot

If you have ever been out on the roads and seen a large dog sticking his head out the window of a vehicle, you may have wondered if it is legal to drive with your dog roaming freely around your car.  In California, it is.  While other states have passed laws that require dogs to be restrained while riding in vehicles, there is no Vehicle Code (VC) section in our state that prohibits a dog from riding without restraint.

Not Illegal But Not Safe Either

Despite the fact that it is not against the law, letting your dog have free reign during travel is not safe.  Not only is a roaming pet a driver distraction, but animals can behave unpredictably.  If something on the road spooks him, the dog could jump in your lap, obscuring your vision, or even move toward your feet and accidentally engage the gas or brake pedal.

Being unrestrained in the vehicle is also dangerous for your pet and anyone who the unsecured animal may hit if a crash were to occur.  An impact at a relatively low speed of 30 mph could kill your beloved pet, and severely injure anyone the dog strikes if it is propelled through the vehicle’s cab.  

Other Considerations

Although in California it is currently legal to drive with your dog on your lap, you could still face repercussions if you get into an accident.  If the cause of the accident was that you were distracted by the actions of your pet, you could be found liable (legally responsible) for the accident.  This would mean that your insurance would be responsible to pay for any damages or injuries that the crash caused the occupants of the other vehicle.

Buckle Up Your Buddy

The safest way to travel with your pet is to put him in a crate or fastened into a pet car seat.  This will prevent your dog from gaining access to the driver or any of the vehicle’s operating systems.  Much like with children, the backseat or rear area of the car is the safest place to put the crate or car seat. This will prevent injuries to your pet caused by airbag deployment.

Watch the YouTube video with tips for safely traveling in a car with dogs.

Rules for Dogs in Pick-Up Trucks

California does have laws that govern the transport of dogs within the open bed of a pickup truck. California VC section 23117 states that dogs must not travel in the open bed of a pickup truck except for under one of the following conditions:

  • The truck bed is enclosed (such as with a camper shell).
  • The dog is cross-tethered to the vehicle (a chest harness is recommended to prevent neck injury due to abrupt stops or turns).
  • The animal is secured in a cage or other container.
  • Your pet is contained in an enclosed space with sides of at least 46 inches in height.

Sacramento Dog Bite Attorney

Hello, and thank you for reading as we look at the legality and safety of car travel with dogs.  My name is Ed Smith, and I have been a Sacramento dog bite lawyer for more than 38 years.  Our pets are our family.  On occasion, the actions or inactions of a negligent dog owner can result in a dog bite incident.  If you have suffered injuries from a dog attack, call to receive free and friendly advice from one of our experienced injury lawyers.  Dog bite injuries can cause a host of complications, including infection and nerve damage.  We want to make sure your rights are protected and your economic damages are recovered.  Reach us at (916) 921-6400, or from an outside area code, dial (800) 404-5400. Alternatively, you may use our online contact form.

Photo Attribution: MMB

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