Background of the New Jersey pet restraint bill
As we’ve covered extensively already, there is currently a proposed bill before the state lawmakers in New Jersey to require pets to be harnessed while in a vehicle. Proposed and introduced by Democratic Assemblywoman, L. Grace Spencer (E-Essex) of New Jersey, the bill, if passed into law, will necessitate cats and dogs to be harnessed while being transported in a passenger vehicle. If it is passed into law, it may very well be the first law of its kind in the nation. The proposed bill states that dogs and cats must be restrained in some way that: (more…)
It looks like the New Jersey pet seat belt issue is rearing its ugly head again. You might remember the mess that was created when the NJSPCA issued a statement referencing a long-ago passed New Jersey law regarding the transportation of livestock and the application of that statute to allow police to issue traffic tickets to drivers who have unrestrained pets riding in their cars. The NJSPCA later backtracked on their statement and the tried to quell the public outcry confusion that ensued. (more…)
I’ve received quite a bit of feedback and questions regarding the pet restraint law. I outlined the origin of the law and the statement regarding the renewed emphasis on enforcement in an earlier post. One reader asked what the exact language of the law is. I have included the New Jersey statute 4:22-18 below, as well as the statute which spells out the penalty, 4:22-17. Traffic lawyers throughout the state should familiarize themselves with these rules as well. (more…)
According to Fox News, police in New Jersey are teaming up with with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals to place a renewed emphasis on enforcing a law that requires drivers to properly restrain their animals. But what constitutes a proper restraint for your pet? Elyse Coffey of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission told Fox News, “We’re not talking about dogs who will lay down nicely on the back seat,..we’re talking about cute lap dogs that sit on your lap and look like they are literally driving the car – or other dogs who hang so far out the window they could leap.” The report goes on to say that the law does not necessarily encourage drivers to buckle up their cats and small dogs, instead it mentions that there are a number of restraints available made specifically for certain pets. However, the language of the law only forbids pets from riding in the back of pickup trucks and from hanging out of windows. According to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, if you are pulled over and ticketed for the offense, you could be subject to criminal charges, as well as fines of up to $1,000. The individual traffic fines range from $250 – $1,000 for each offense and can accompany a disorderly conduct charge under New Jersey’s animal cruelty laws. (more…)
What’s worse that shore traffic? How about being issued a traffic ticket while waiting in shore traffic? Be sure to buckle up this Memorial Day weekend – several news outlets are reporting that police will be cracking down on drivers not wearing their seat belts this weekend as part of the national “Click it or Ticket” program. The program runs until June 3rd, but a strong message will be sent this weekend on the highways of Southern New Jersey. Nearly 150 agencies received $4,000 in funding each to run the seal belt checkpoints and increased patrols. (more…)
