ORLANDO, Fla. – Florida does have traffic laws and safety considerations when driving with a pet in the car, though there are no specific statewide laws that directly prohibit pets from being unrestrained while driving.
However, there are a few important points to keep in mind:
Careless or reckless driving
If a pet interferes with your ability to drive safely, you could be cited for careless or reckless driving under Florida Statute 316.1925 (Careless Driving) or 316.192 (Reckless Driving).
Obstruction of driver’s view
Florida law prohibits anything that obstructs a driver’s view or ability to control the vehicle. If your pet is on your lap or interfering with the steering wheel, this could lead to a citation under Florida Statute 316.2004.
Unsecured pets in open vehicles
If you are driving a truck or other open vehicle, Florida requires animals to be safely restrained (such as in a crate or with a harness) to prevent them from falling or jumping out.
Distracted driving
While Florida’s distracted driving law primarily targets texting, law enforcement could consider handling an unrestrained pet as a distraction.
Animal cruelty and endangerment
Leaving a pet unattended in a hot car can result in charges of animal cruelty under Florida Statute 828.12, which could be a misdemeanor or felony depending on the severity.
Best practices for driving with pets:
- Use a pet seatbelt harness or a secured crate.
- Keep pets in the back seat to prevent airbag injuries.
- Never let pets ride on your lap while driving.
- Avoid allowing pets to stick their heads out of windows, as this can lead to injuries.
If you have a traffic question for Trooper Steve, submit it here.