Is It Legal in Texas to Drive With Your Dog in Your Lap?

Every pooch loves a good car ride. The tiny dogs seem to gravitate toward your lap, and so do the big ones that think they are tiny. Which brings me to today's question: is it legal to drive around with your dog in your lap, or is that something you could get a ticket for?

Let's find out.

According to the Texas Transportation Code, no verbiage states that it's illegal to have your pup in your lap. That being said, it's probably still not the best idea. Not only can your doggo distract you from driving correctly, but they could also be seriously injured or even killed by an airbag if you get into an accident.

You can also definitely get a ticket for being a distracted driver, and I'd say a couple of chihuahuas demanding your attention could be considered a distraction by a police officer.

Living in Texas, we often see dogs riding unrestrained in the back of a pickup truck. This is incredibly dangerous, and for some reason also not illegal. One accident could send your dog flying. You never think you'll be the one to get into a wreck until the day it happens.

You certainly wouldn't want to lose your best pal, so please make sure you take extra precautions to keep them safe. In general, the safest place for your dogs to be in the car is restrained or secured in the backseat to prevent injuries from an accident. Check out one of these nifty restraints for under $100 that can keep your doggo safe on road trips.