Is It Legal In The QC To Drive With A Dog On Your Lap?
It's not unusual these days to see someone driving around with a pupper in their lap. But is it technically legal in the QC?
In short, it depends on what part of the QC you're in. Iowa and Illinois have different stances on this.
Illinois
If you're on the Illinois part of the river, you could face a fine if you're caught driving with your pup on your lap. According to state legislation from 2014, you could get a petty fine of up to $25 for driving with a dog on your lap. There's an exception to this though. If you're operating a commercial vehicle or an agriculture vehicle, it won't apply to you. It also says officers can't stop you solely because you have a pup on your lap.
Iowa
Iowa doesn't have anything specific in place for driving with a dog on your lap but according to Go Pet Friendly, it can have penalties for driving with an obstructed view. Which a squirmy pet could cause. Distracted driving penalties in Iowa can be a simple misdemeanor, with fines up to $100.50, according to drivinglaws.org.
Best Way To Travel With The Doggo
So laws aside, you still have to keep the furball safe if you're traveling with it this fall. PetMD recommends getting a carrier that's strapped to the seat with a seatbelt or something else to keep it in place. Make sure the carrier is big enough for the dog to move around a bit and stay comfy on your escapades.