Bill Could Ban Dogs And Cats Behind The Wheel

By Samantha Abernethy in News on Mar 29, 2013 8:40PM

Illinois legislators have introduced a bill that would ban drivers from holding a pet on one's lap while driving.

House Bill 1581 would make it a petty offense to have an animal in their lap while driving, punishable by a fine of $25. However, police would not be permitted to stop drivers solely based on the pooch's position. That sounds like a pretty toothless bill with a bark worse than its bite.

"Because I travel, I can't help but observe the number of people with dogs on their laps," bill co-sponsor state Rep. Dan Burke (D-Chicago) told DNAinfo. "It is a public safety concern. If a driver is distracted, certainly it would be a risk to other motorists on the road."

The bill cleared a transportation committee, but it faces opposition in the House. Why the delay? Well, it turns out the legislature has other priorities, like say pension reform and the state's unpaid bills and gay marriage and gambling and medical marijuana.

Drive on, Toonces.