Is It Illegal to Drive with a Dog in Your Lap in Minnesota?

Every once in a while, when I’m out shopping, running errands, or whatever, I’ll spot someone driving with a dog in their lap. I’ve seen everything from little tiny dogs to big dogs in their owner’s laps.

But is it illegal to have your dog sit in your lap while driving in Minnesota, regardless of size?

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I’d have to imagine it’s quite distracting. I’d also be afraid that they’d accidentally bump the wheel and cause me to vere. Not good!

Minnesota Laws for Dogs Riding in Cars

There are laws when it comes to transporting livestock animals, like requirements for how they’re transported, how long they can be in the compartment without being unloaded, etc.

However, from what I found, there aren’t laws specifically talking about dogs and other house pets riding in vehicles.

Minnesota State Trooper, Sargent Troy Christianson, spoke with the Mankato Free Press and talked about dogs riding in cars, specifically dogs riding on the driver’s lap.

Can Dogs Lay On Your Lap While Driving?

The answer to whether a dog can lay on the driver’s lap is a little bit in the grey area.

Sgt. Christianson says, “There is no specific law stating where a pet is allowed to ride in a vehicle.” However, even though there’s no specific law against it, there is a distracted driving law.

If your dog is laying in your lap while you’re driving and that’s causing you to be distracted, that can get you pulled over and ticketed. But if a cop sees you with a dog in your lap and you aren’t distracted, there’s no reason to pull you over.

In the end, I personally wouldn’t recommend it because you never know what your dog might do which could lead to you being a distracted driver. But there is no explicit law saying you can’t have your dog hang out in your lap while you’re driving.

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