Before You Let Your Dog Ride in Your Lap, Know Michigan’s Law

In the summertime, there are some Michiganders who take full advantage of the nice weather and drive with all the windows down. To be fair, what's not to like about a nice breeze coming through your windows as you're driving around town? And the fact that you don't have to worry about ice or snow on the roads is pretty nice, too.

There's just something so quintessentially summertime about driving around with all your windows down and your music up.

But, there's something I've also noticed about some Michiganders who drive with all their windows down... and that's the fact that they also let their dog sit in their lap and stick their heads out of the window. WHILE they are driving.

The Problem With Letting Your Dog Ride in Your Lap

I get it—dogs love a good car ride. What's not to like about the wind blowing through your ears and all the good smells go directly into your nostrils at top speeds? But nothing about driving with your dog in your lap seems like a smart or safe idea.

Nothing about this seems safe. But, is it technically illegal in Michigan?

Is It Illegal to Drive With Your Dog in Your Lap in Michigan?

The short answer is no, there are no Michigan laws banning drivers from driving with their dog in their lap. So technically it's not illegal. However, it is highly discouraged.

Additionally, if your dog being in your lap causes you to drive recklessly, you could easily get a ticket for reckless driving.

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We all want to be safe on the road, so at the end of the day, perhaps keeping your pooch in the backseat is what's best for everyone on the road.