NewUsed

Find by category:

Exhaust Notes

New Jersey Contemplates First-Ever Pet Seatbelt Law

Dogs and cats are being thrust into the distracted-driving discussion; fines for unrestrained animals would be $250 to $1,000.

By Claire_Martin Sep 21, 2012 1:03PM
Dog in harness screenshot from Pet Travel Safety Youtube videoIf you'd been hit by a car in which the driver's dog was sitting on his lap or barking in the back seat, chances are you'd get behind a proposed New Jersey law that would require motorists to strap their cats and dogs into a harnesslike system or face fines of between $250 and $1,000. The law considers free-floating pets to be an act of animal cruelty.

If the law is passed, New Jersey would become the first state to require pet harnesses. Hawaii bans Fido from riding in drivers' laps, and Arizona and Connecticut issue tickets if a pet is involved in a distracted-driving incident. 

A New Jersey firefighter named Scott Law was the unfortunate victim of a dog-related distracted-driving incident as a child, when he was struck by a driver whose car was transporting Chinese takeout and a dog.
 
The car jumped the curb and sent Law 50 feet into the air, putting him in a coma and saddling him with a lifelong stutter. “They think it’s cute when they’re driving with the dog on their lap," Law, who supports the legislation, told Bloomberg. "But it’s not cute and it’s not safe." 

Opponents of the bill say New Jersey has bigger problems on its plate, including the highest unemployment rate in 30 years.
 
Nearly one-fifth of dog-toting drivers in a survey admitted to taking their hands from the wheel to keep the pet out of the front seat; almost one-quarter said they had restrained their dog with their hand while braking, according to reporting by Bloomberg.
 
Those are familiar scenarios for many people, no doubt, but is it enough of a problem to warrant dispatching police officers to issue traffic tickets? What are your thoughts? Add a comment below.

< Back to Exhaust Notes
User Picture
Write a comment...
554Comments
Teresa Richter (rowdy5463)
Sep 22, 2012 8:12AM
avatar
I think the law is well overdue and while they are at it, why not protect the lettuce and tomatoes in my garden.  Also, my neighbor cuts his grass too short.  That has got to hurt.  People need to wake up and see governmental intrusion for what it is.
Just Lil-Ole Me
Sep 22, 2012 8:11AM
avatar
What about a parakeet? If you carry a parakeet in a cage will it need to be strapped to her perch? :)
Charlye
Sep 22, 2012 8:09AM
avatar

And what would have happened to me, if my dog had been restrained, when 2 men tried to get in my van, at 2:30pm?

Ok, I deserved the negative replies, did not explain the situation. I placed my packages in the back of my van, closed the doors, and walked around to open my door, was almost in, when the side door was jerked open, Mags met this person,and when he turned, she then jumped over me to challange his cohart who was at my door. And yes she did get hugs. The firsr thing I do now,when I unlock my vehicle, open the door, I hit the lock button. I suppose I could figure something that would restrain her, but also allow her acsess to all points of entry. And by the way my dog weighs 85 lbs. and does not sit in my lap!!!!!

EauNeau
Sep 22, 2012 8:09AM
avatar
Don't these phuktard politicians have bigger problems to solve?  Simply enforce the existing laws (e.g., distracted driving).  No need for MORE government intrusion into our lives.
seabeebob
Sep 22, 2012 8:07AM
avatar
Does N.J. have a mandastory seat belt law for people? I don't know, so I'm asking.
snubwaffle
Sep 22, 2012 8:06AM
avatar

Couldn't we try PSA's first? 

Just Lil-Ole Me
Sep 22, 2012 8:05AM
avatar
How much would the fine be if I let my dog drive my car? :)
TIRED OF GOVT
Sep 22, 2012 8:05AM
avatar

I AM A NJ RESIDENT.  THIS IS ANOTHER IN A LONG LINE OF ASSININE LAWS. THE STATE ABOUNDS WITH THEM. WHAT ABOUT THE KYLIE'S LAW RED STICKER O NTHE LICENSE PLATE OF YOUNG DRIVERS, FOR ONE? WHEN WILL THE GOVERNMENT GET OFF OUR BACK AND STOP PASSING ALL THESE FEEL GOOD LAWS THAT ARE SOME PARENT'S (ANIMAL OR OTHER) CAUSE DE JOUR?

evilone13
Sep 22, 2012 8:05AM
avatar
you gotta be kidding me. just another way to turn rocks over to take MORE money from the public.
Report
Please help us to maintain a healthy and vibrant community by reporting any illegal or inappropriate behavior. If you believe a message violates theCode of Conductplease use this form to notify the moderators. They will investigate your report and take appropriate action. If necessary, they report all illegal activity to the proper authorities.
Categories
100 character limit
Are you sure you want to delete this comment?

EXPLORE NEW CARS

MORE ON MSN AUTOS

‘Eleanor’ Mustang sells for $1M‘Eleanor’ Mustang sells for $1M

'Gone in 60 Seconds' movie car driven by Nicolas Cage has a new home.

ABOUT EXHAUST NOTES

Cars are cool, and here at MSN Autos we love everything about them, but we also know they're more than simply speed and style: a car is an essential tool, a much-needed accessory to help you get through your day-to-day life. What you drive is also one of the most important investments you can make, so we'll help you navigate your way through the car buying and ownership experiences. We strive to be your daily destination for news, notes, tips and tricks from across the automotive world. So whether it's through original content from our world-class journalists or the latest buzz from the far corners of the Web, Exhaust Notes helps you make sense of your automotive world.

Have a story idea? Tip us off at exhaustnotes@live.com.