Can I Legally Drive With My Dog on My Lap in Maine?

As some of you may know (because I can't stop talking about him), I just got a new dog. His name is Moondog, and we are so smitten as a family!

He goes just about everywhere with us, because that is what we want; an active, adventurous dog to accompany our family throughout life. He's wonderful in the car, but he always wants to sit on my lap while I drive. I don't let him, because I assume  it's illegal. But is it?

(Catch the moment we surprised our son with his new dog HERE)

Isn't he precious?

Of course, many Maine laws are complicated, so let's try to break this one down.

There is no specific law stating that a dog can't sit on your lap while driving a car in Maine, according to Pet Age.

However, that doesn't mean you cannot get charged under the already-existing distracted driving law.

The Maine distractive driving law states that:

Operation of a motor vehicle while distracted’ means the operation of a motor vehicle by a person who, while operating the vehicle, is engaged in an activity: (1) That is not necessary to the operation of the vehicle; and (2) That actually impairs, or would reasonably be expected to impair, the ability of the person to safely operate the vehicle. – Excerpted from Title 29-A, M.R.S.A., section 2118: via Maine.gov. 

So if your doggy is on your lap and distracts you, you can be charged.

No matter what you choose, prioritize safety for both you and your pet. If it were me, I wouldn’t do it.