Can You Drive With a Dog on Your Lap in Michigan?

If you live in Michigan, you’ve definitely seen it — a dog riding shotgun, head out the window, living its absolute best life. But what about when that same dog decides your lap is the VIP section? Is that legal?

What Michigan Law Actually Say

Here’s the scoop: Michigan doesn’t have a specific law saying you can’t drive with your dog curled up on your lap. So technically, you’re not breaking any rules just by having Fido as your furry co-pilot.

READ MORE: Urgent Warning for Michigan Pet Owners

BUT (and it’s a big but), you can still get hit with a distracted driving ticket. Why?

Why It Could Still Lead to a Ticket

Because dogs — even the chillest ones — can suddenly lose their minds over a squirrel, another dog, or that one terrifying plastic bag blowing down the road. If your pup decides to jump, bark, or start doing the cha-cha on your steering wheel, that’s a distraction. And distractions = tickets.

Now, if your dog’s hanging in a crate, snoozing in the backseat, or calmly watching the world go by from the passenger side, you’re in much better shape. Bonus points if you have a human passenger acting as the in-car dog handler.

Bottom Line for Michigan Drivers

So, while it’s not illegal to drive with a lapdog in Michigan, it’s also not exactly a genius idea. The ticket might not say “Dog Violation,” but “distracted driving” hits the same.

READ MORE: Michigan Homeowners Warned - Don't Touch That Nest!

Moral of the story: love your dog, just not in the driver’s seat. Lap naps are for the couch, not the commute.