Can your dog roam in car while you drive? Do cats need restraint? What Florida law says
If you’re bringing your cat to the vet, driving your dog to the park or heading out on a road trip with the puppies, can you let them roam freely in the car?
There are legal and safety risks to keep in mind:
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Do you have to restrain your pet while you’re driving?
Florida’s distracted driving laws don’t mention pets, and there aren’t restrictions on letting pets ride in truck flatbeds.
So, no, you don’t have to restrain your pets while you drive. Technically, they can roam throughout the cabin as much as they like.
Can your pet sit on your lap in the car?
It’s legal for your pet to sit on your lap when you drive. But that can still land you in trouble.
Lawmakers have tried to change this law before.
In February 2023, Florida Senate minority leader Lauren Book sponsored Senate Bill 932, which would have required drivers to secure their dogs on car rides, banned drivers from holding animals on their laps, and — most controversially — prohibited drivers from letting their dogs stick their heads out of car windows.
The bill died in committee in May.
Legal risks of animals in a vehicle
Even though it’s legal for your pet to roam in the car or settle into your lap, you could still be charged or fined if your pet causes you to drive dangerously.
If you swerve, speed, or otherwise drive dangerously, you can be cited for a moving violation under a careless driving statute. That could cost you up to $500 in fines.
If your distracted driving causes a crash, you could be charged with reckless driving. According to Florida law, reckless driving occurs when a driver operates a vehicle with “willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.”
If convicted, you could face up to 90 days in prison or a $500 fine for a first offense, and up to six months or a $1,000 fine for a subsequent offense.
Safety risks of pets in a car
There are also safety concerns to keep in mind when transporting your pet in your car.
An AAA survey in 2016 found that 42% of drivers pet their animals while driving, which can easily distract drivers from the road. And 11% of those surveyed admitted to taking photos of their pets while driving.
If distracted driving causes a crash, you or your pet could be injured. The risk of injury increases if your pet isn’t restrained, because they could be thrown throughout the car.
It’s always the safest bet to restrain your pets in the car, no matter the length of the drive.
