Police are reminding people that driving with an unsecured dog is dangerous for you and your pet after a man was ticketed on the Lougheed Highway in Burnaby.
BC Highway Patrol said on April 9, 2025, a driver was issued a ticket for “driving while controls obstructed” because he was holding his dog behind the wheel. The ticket resulted in a $109 fine.
“Driving is a complex task. You need all of your attention for unexpected lane changes, pedestrians, weather and obstacles”, says Cpl. Michael McLaughlin with BC Highway Patrol.
“Having a dog on your lap is illegal and a minor collision could kill your best friend. It’s best if pets are belted in properly, ideally with a harness in the rear passenger seat, just like a human child.”
Other actions that are considered obstructive driving include mounting your cell phone on your windshield, having items like fuzzy dice, air fresheners, tissues boxes or anything else on the dash that obstructs your view.
Having blankets, privacy screens or tinting on the passenger or driver’s windows that are forward of the B pillar could also result in a ticket.
“We want everyone to give driving the respect it deserves,” adds Cpl.McLaughlin. “You are much more likely to avoid a ticket and the physical and emotional consequences of a crash.”
