May 3, 2008

Bill would fine drivers for lap dogs in cars

by Steve Geissinger (MediaNews)

Drivers who allow pets to sit on their laps while driving may soon find something more than just a tail wagging in their face: a $35 ticket from a police officer.

Lawmakers are advancing a bill to ban drivers from motoring as they hold dogs or cats, saying pets can be distracting no matter how well-behaved. It covers "live animals," so there's no free ride for birds, hamsters or iguanas, either.

"You have a potential major risk of an auto accident when you have a live pet that can be around in your face, in the steering wheel, down on the floor under your feet," said Assemblyman Bill Maze, R-Visalia. "Pets have a mind of their own and are unpredictable."

Assembly Bill 2233, by Maze, is expected to be heard by the Assembly as early as Monday.

But Maze may face a bit of a fight.

Though the bill has been approved by the transportation and appropriation committees on its way to the full house, the measure has drawn growing opposition from fellow Republicans.

Assemblyman Martin Garrick, R-Carlsbad, voted against the bill.

Garrick spokesman Mike Zimmerman said the assemblyman "thinks if he wants to have his dogs riding in the front seat with him, then that should be the case."

Despite GOP opposition, majority Democrats, who agree with Maze's concerns, could put the measure on Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's desk.

The governor routinely takes no position on bills until they reach him.