If you're the type of person to drive your car with your furry friend on your lap, you might want to think about the consequences of it in Illinois.

We've all driven with our pets on our laps instead of securing them in a carrier or restraint.  Sometimes, they get antsy and it makes driving much more difficult when they're climbing all over the car.

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Did you ever stop to think if there was a law that prohibits drivers from holding pets in their laps?  I was curious and did some research so you didn't have to!

According to the Illinois General Assembly Bill HB1581,

"a person shall not hold an animal in the person's lap while operating a motor vehicle. Provides that a person who holds an animal in the person's lap while operating a motor vehicle is guilty of a petty offense and is subject to a fine of $50." [TrackBill]

 

Animals can be unpredictable, that's a given.  No matter how well-behaved your pet is, riding in a car is a whole new world to them.

If your pet gets agitated, you can become distracted and put both you and your furry friend at risk of injury.  We don't want that!

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There are very serious dangers to letting a pet to sit on your lap while driving.

Think about it,  Your pet could be ejected out of the vehicle or hit by the airbag and be crushed.  It happens, so let's prevent it by securing our babies in crates while driving.

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Even though it's only considered a petty offense and you probably won't get arrested, be extra safe and secure your babies on every road trip.  Treat your pets like your children, you want the ultimate safety for them, so give your pets the same treatment.  Safe driving!