More Regulations: NJ Drivers Can Be Ticketed $1,000 for Not ‘Restraining’ Animals in the Car

The Blaze ^ | June 4, 2012 | Erica Ritz

[Tolerance Sucks Rocks]

Following on the heels of Mayor Bloomberg’s ban on certain sugary drinks in New York City restaurants, a wave of absurd regulations has seemingly begun emanating outwards. In neighboring New Jersey, drivers can be fined up to $1000 for driving with “unrestrained” animals in the car, and the Mayor of Berkeley, California is looking to ban sitting on sidewalks.

According to CBS in Philadelphia, police and animal control officers will be authorized to ticket New Jersey drivers between $250 and $1,000 if they have “unrestrained” animals in the front seat of their car, on the driver’s lap, partially out the window, or even in the back of a pickup truck.

Dogs, apparently, should be placed in harnesses and then buckled in, and cats should go in a carrier which can be subsequently buckled in.

Ray Martinez, the head of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, says it is part of a larger “Click It or Ticket” effort to avoid distracted driving.

“It’s not cute,” he condemned. “It’s actually dangerous for the driver. It’s dangerous for other drivers and it’s dangerous for that pet.”

According to the New Jersey Newsroom, the regulation actually falls under the parameters of animal cruelty, and the fine can be coupled with a six month term in jail and a disorderly persons offense.

Col. Frank Rizzo, police superintendent for the New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Animal Cruelty, further clarified that the fine occurs for each “offense.”

“So, if you have more than one animal loose in your car, just do the math…” he said.

WTXF-TV interviewed New Jersey residents, most of whom were sympathetic with the regulation:

[Alamo-Girl]

Thanks for the ping!

[conservaKate]

yeah..I saw that mpg. nothing like a typo to ruin a rant.

Of course I meant mph.

Don’t like seeing animals in the back of open truck on the freeway. Saw one get hit by a semi once. It was not pleasant and I’ve never forgotten seeing that poor animal fly out the back of the truck. Never should have happened.