OTTUMWA, IOWA -- Driving with pets in the car is distracting, but is it against the law? That's what you wanted to know for Monday's Facebook Story of the Day.
In Iowa, there is no law that says driving specifically with pets is illegal. However, state code prohibits driving with an obstructed view. Among other things, pets can be considered a violation.
"If the front seat's too loaded, whether it's groceries, boxes or whatever, the operator is having a hard time or can barely touch the steering wheel, then that's a violation," said Ottumwa Police Chief Jim Clark. "Person has somebody sitting on their lap, obviously, that's a violation, just because they're supposed to be in a seatbelt in the front seat. As far as an animal, dog or anything, if someone has a dog in their lap, it could be considered obstructing their control of the vehicle."
Chief Clark also said it is up to the officer to determine if an animal or object is considered an obstruction, and it is under their discretion to issue a citation.
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