Motorists with Companion Animal in Lap or Arms a Traffic Offense

Tails Wagged When Virginia House Bill 533 Failed
Known as House Bill 533, Virginia's freshman democrat Robert W. Mathieson introduced legislation in January of 2008 that would make it unlawful to have your pooch on your lap while driving. The complete text is short and to the point:

"No person shall operate any motor vehicle on the highways of the Commonwealth with an animal on his lap nor shall he permit an animal to impede his free access to and use of vehicle controls or to obstruct his vision."

Mr. Mathieson is also credited with the creation of House Bill 904, which would make it unlawful for drivers to operate a vehicle while using a mobile phone unless it is equipped with a hands-free device. Unlike the animal bill which failed, this one was continued until next year.

Pet Lovers Want to Muzzle California Assembly Bill 2233
Known affectionally as the land of the fruits, nuts, and flakes, California's republican Bill Maze introduced Assembly Bill 2233 which seeks to create a similar injunction, although Mr. Maze is more verbose about it. Reasoning with opponents, he alleges in a report by the Sacramento Bee that he seeks to keep drivers safe and in addition is hoping to keep car insurance rates low and affordable. The outcome of this little bit of joy is as of yet uncertain.

Arizona shows how it's done
Leave it to Arizona to figure out how to keep its drivers safe without micro-legislating them to death. Section 28-893 of the Arizona Revised Statues states that an obstruction of the driver's view or an interference with the driver while she or he is operating the motor vehicle is unlawful.

Not mentioning pets - alive or otherwise - this piece of legislation is nonetheless crystal clear in not only its scope but also its applicability. Rather than listing and creating legislation that is next to impossible to enforce, this adequately worded law permits for a highway patrol or other officer to judiciously assess each situation on its own merits.