New Hampshire House Bill 260 might have a few folks steamed. It will fine operators 100.00 if they are driving with a pet in their lap. Is this a bridge too far, or do you think it is a good idea?
Only one state prohibits pets in your lap while driving, while other states have distracted driving laws (NH has one) that would apply when the pet might have been the cause of a distraction resulting in an accident.
I love my dog, and he is too big to consider having him in my lap, but I have mixed feelings about this. Having driven professionally, I understand the need for zero distraction, but the notion of further infringement on freedom annoys me.
I don’t have data on pet-in-the-lap-related incidents, but I suspect they are few. Therefore, this is unnecessary. We can apply the distracted driving law on the books if needed.
Your thoughts.
1 New Section; Motor Vehicles; Operating With Animal On Driver’s Person Prohibited. Amend
RSA 265 by inserting after section 105-a the following new section:
265:105-b Operating With Animal On Driver’s Person Prohibited.
I. A person who operates any motor vehicle on a public way with an animal of any size on
their person, or who permits an animal to impede his or her free access to and use of vehicle controls
or to obstruct their vision with any animal between the operator and the operators door is guilty of a
violation.
II. The fine for a violation of this section shall be $100.
2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect January 1, 2024
There is also a bill to require seatbelts for operators of motor vehicles (HB 222) if you’d like to rant about that.
