What are the rules for driving with dogs in California? We asked the CHP

From pets riding in pickup truck beds to sitting in your lap, California has a number of laws to keep animals safe while traveling.

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Can you get a ticket for letting your dog stick its head out the car window in California?

Are pets allowed to sit in your lap or roam around your vehicle?

We reached out to the California Highway Patrol to learn more:

Can my dog stick its head out the car window in California?

California law does not specifically prohibit dogs from riding in cars with their heads out of the windows, according to the California Highway Patrol.

“The California Vehicle Code does not specifically address dogs riding in a car with their head out the window,” the CHP said.

However, drivers can still be cited if their pet creates a safety hazard.

Can I get a ticket for having a pet in my car?

If a pet distracts a driver or interferes with the safe operation of their vehicle, the driver could be in violation of California’s basic speed law, the CHP said.

It’s against the law to “drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent,” according to California Vehicle Code.

“The officer would have to articulate that they are citing the driver for an unsafe speed because their pet is causing a distraction,” the CHP said.

The same law can apply to other distractions behind the wheel, such as eating, changing the radio, applying makeup, or using a smartphone.

“Distracted driving is anything that takes your eyes or mind off the road, or hands off the steering wheel,” the California Office of Traffic Safety said.

Can I drive with my pet in my lap in California?

California law does not specifically prohibit driving with a pet in your lap, according to CHP.

“It could be argued that a dog or animal riding in the owner’s lap while they are operating a vehicle can be a hazard,” the CHP previously told The Sacramento Bee.

If a pet interferes with your ability to safely control your vehicle, an officer could determine you’re driving unsafely.

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According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, an unrestrained pet in your lap can become a hazard because it can move unpredictably, block your view of the road or interfere with the steering wheel, pedals or other vehicle controls.

While driving, pet owners should use “an appropriate safety harness, crate, or carrier to keep them — and you — safe,” the association said.

What are penalties for distracted driving in California?

Whether a driver receives a citation is up to the investigating officer, the CHP said.

“Distracted driving is considered anything that diverts a driver’s attention from the roadway ahead or the safe operation of the vehicle,” CHP said.

Violating California’s Vehicle carries a for driving 1 to 15 mph over a safe speed, $70 for 16 to 25 mph and $100 for more than 26 mph.

After mandatory court assessments and fees are added, the , according to the 2026 Judicial Council of California Uniform Bail and Penalty Schedule.

Can dogs legally ride in the bed of a pickup truck in California?

While California’s Vehicle Code does not specify safety methods for the transportation of animals within a vehicle, including riding in a person’s lap, state law regulates how to secure an animal if it is riding in the back of a vehicle.

“You shouldn’t drive a pickup truck with a pet loose in the truck bed,” the American Veterinary Medical Association said.

Under California law, dogs can ride in the bed of a pickup truck as long as they’re transported safely.

That means the truck bed must either be enclosed, have side and tail racks at least 46 inches high or include a secure crate or other safety enclosure designed to keep the animal from falling or jumping out.

However, California law does provide a few exceptions.

The requirements do not apply to people transporting dogs for ranching or farming purposes, including those traveling to or from a livestock auction or driving on rural roads as part of a farming or ranching operation.