By Times Chronicle Staff
“No, you cannot drive with a dog on your lap,” says the BC Highway Patrol as it reminds drivers that it is a violation of the BC Motor Vehicle Act and subject to a fine.
The BC Highway Patrol is reminding drivers that driving with a dog in one’s lap is a violation of the BC Motor Vehicle Act and subject to a fine.
“Keep your windshield free of distractions, your hands on your wheel, and your dog secured in a passenger area,” the BC Highway Patrol said, adding it wants to help drivers “avoid getting a ticket for preventable behaviour.”
By way of example, the highway patrol noted that on April 9, a driver in Burnaby was issued a ticket for “driving while controls obstructed” for $109 because he was holding his dog while driving.
“Driving is a complex task. You need all of your attention for unexpected lane changes, pedestrians, weather and obstacles,” says Corporal Michael McLaughlin with BC Highway Patrol.
“Having a dog on your lap is illegal, and a minor collision could kill your best friend. It’s best if pets are belted in properly, ideally with a harness in the rear passenger seat, just like a human child,” he added.
Other obstructive driving behaviours that are illegal but common:
- Mounting your cell phone on your windshield;
- Fuzzy dice, air fresheners, tissue boxes and anything else that can obstruct your view through the windshield;
- Blankets, privacy screens, or tinting on passenger or driver’s windows that are forward of the B pillar (the vehicle’s roof pillar located behind the driver’s shoulder).
“We want everyone to give driving the respect it deserves,” says McLaughlin, adding that by doing so, “you are much more likely to avoid a ticket and the physical and emotional consequences of a crash.”
