Lawmaker Seeks to Ban Pets from Driver's Seat

by Tony Barboza (LA Times - April 16, 2008)

Lawmakers have taken aim at many driving distractions lately, talking on your cellphone and texting to name a few.

But driving with your dog? That's a new one.

A bill introduced by state Assemblyman Bill Maze (R-Visalia) would ban pets from sharing the driver's seat with their owners and fine drivers $35 if they were caught with a pet in their lap, the Palm Springs Desert Desert Sun reports.

The bill, reviewed by a committee Monday, was prompted by data showing pets were among the worst in-car driving distractions, Maze told the newspaper.

If the bill passes, all of those head-out-the-window, lap-loving dogs might have to learn a new command: Sit (on the passenger seat).