Comments on: California set to order the dogs off drivers’ laps

By: Gina Spadafori

Gina Spadafori — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:55:19 +0000

It’s illegal to have unsecured dogs in the open bed of a pickup in California, but you had them in an SUV. You also can be generally cited if, in the opinion of the law enforcement officer, your dogs present a distraction that would prevent you from driving safely.

You can also be cited in CA for putting your DOGS at risk if you leave them in a vehicle on a hot day.

Did the officer at LAX actually write you a citation? Because if so, it will have the reference to the violation written somewhere on it, and you can check that reference to see what code or statute he or she thought you violated.

By: rob

rob — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:47:56 +0000

I was just stopped by an ingrate who calls himself a policeman in LAX airport. Said he was citing me for carrying my (4) dogs in the back of my SUV. Can anyone tell me if this is really against the law? If so, it’s news to me, and I will certainly be contesting this citation. To the LAX wannabe cop: “get a life”!

By: CAROL THOMPSON

CAROL THOMPSON — Wed, 28 May 2008 02:11:04 +0000

I CANNOT BELEIVE HOW FAR WE HAVE TRAVELED DOWN THE ROAD OF A FREEDOMLESS AMERICA.

By: Dutch

Dutch — Mon, 26 May 2008 16:14:00 +0000

Actually Crime Dog there is already a law that applies to all jurisdictions in the state. California Vehicle Code, section 21700 states “No person shall drive a vehicle when it is so loaded, or when there are in the front seat such number of persons as to obstruct the view of the driver to the front or sides of the vehicle or as to interfere with the driver’s control over the driving mechanism of the vehicle.”

That pretty much dis-allows any dog in the front seat that isn’t wearing a seat belt and being well behaved. Driving with a child on your lap is not merely “wrong” it’s against the law - as it should be.

And if your standard is - anything that puts my family at risk. Perhaps you should stay off the road, only then will you have better than average odds of keeping your family safe. You should probably know what you’re talking about before you start ranting.

By: Gina Spadafori

Gina Spadafori — Mon, 26 May 2008 13:20:48 +0000

I see the inability to read with any degree of comprehension has popped up again (along with the typical pet-hater claims of “dog owners are stupid” and “dog-owners have psychological problems.”) Blah blah blah boy that’s new … not.

Mr. Crime Dog, you’re an idiot. No one here is suggesting that driving with a dog on his or her lap is advisable or safe.

We’re questioning if it’s necessary to have yet another law, this one specifically addressing an issue that could be — and likely is, in many places — already covered by statutes that forbid driving with unrestrained passengers or cargo, or with other driver distractions.

Take your pet-hate and your ignorance elsewhere.

By: crime dog

crime dog — Mon, 26 May 2008 10:57:39 +0000

If you were in my jurisdiction and you killed someone while driving with a dog on your lap. I would ask the court to sentence you to fifty years. You know that driving with a child on your lap is wrong. Don’t you? If you here justifying driving with your pet on
Your lap you may have a more serious physiological problem. It’s not cute! It’s not
Funny! It’s not only dangerous for you. But, If puts my family at risk. I guess what they say is true. “ There are not stupid dogs. Just stupid dog owners!!” Shame On You!!

By: Kristen

Kristen — Wed, 21 May 2008 03:51:58 +0000

Back to that can of peas, my girlfriend knows someone whose aunt was killed in a minor car accident when she was hit by a bible that came flying out of the back seat…

By: Janeen

Janeen — Tue, 20 May 2008 04:27:29 +0000

This is one of the reasons (unless the weather is utterly brutal) I stand outside to watch my students arrive the first night of obedience class. Seeing where and how the dog rides in the car and how he behaves when getting out of it gives me good insights on what to expect from his owner.

I do have to admit though, that I look at laws like this and wonder if where it all ends. It simply is not possible to legislate common sense or common courtesy.

By: Gina Spadafori

Gina Spadafori — Tue, 20 May 2008 02:50:22 +0000

Gosh, I dunno … not enough to do at the statehouse?

Although a lapdog could arguably be a distraction without being a visual one.

By: Joy

Joy — Tue, 20 May 2008 02:20:24 +0000

California law already prohibits people from driving with *anything” obstructing their view. Why the new law?