North Carolina legislation · 2025-2026 Session
North Carolina H1169: Prohibit Driving with Animal in Lap.
Status: In committee, May 4, 2026
What the bill says
An act to increase safety on the roads by prohibiting the operation of a motor vehicle while the driver is holding a live animal in the person's lap.
From the introduced text:
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT TO INCREASE SAFETY ON THE ROADS BY PROHIBITING THE OPERATION OF A MOTOR VEHICLE WHILE THE DRIVER IS HOLDING A LIVE ANIMAL IN THE PERSON'S LAP. The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts: SECTION 1. Part 10 of Article 3 of Chapter 20 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read: "§ 20-140.6. Unlawful to operate motor vehicle while holding live animal in lap. (a) Offense. - It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a vehicle on a public street, highway, or public vehicular area while holding a live animal in the person's lap. (b) Penalty. - A violation of this section shall be an infraction and shall be punishable by a fine of one hundred dollars ($100.00) and the costs of court. (c) Points. - No drivers license points or insurance surcharge shall be assessed as a result of a violation of this section. (d) Negligence. - Failure to comply with the provisions of this section shall not constitute negligence per se or contributory negligence per se by the operator in any action for the recovery of damages arising out of the operation, ownership, or maintenance of a vehicle." SECTION 2. There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of Transportation the sum …
Sponsors
- Hawkins, Zack (D, 31) · primary sponsor
- Greenfield, Julia (D, 100) · primary sponsor
- Ball, Cynthia (D, 49)
- Brown, Gloristine (D, 8)
- Brown, Kanika (D, 71)
- Butler, Deb (D, 18)
- Cervania, Maria (D, 41)
- Dahle, Allison A. (D, 11)
- Logan, Carolyn G. (D, 101)
Latest actions
- : Ref To Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
- : Passed 1st Reading
- : Filed
Subjects: BUDGETING, DOMESTIC ANIMALS, TRAFFIC OFFENSES, FINES & PENALTIES, TRANSPORTATION DEPT., PUBLIC, TRANSPORTATION, SAFETY
Common questions
- What is H1169?
- H1169 is a bill in the North Carolina Legislature (2025-2026 Session): Prohibit Driving with Animal in Lap.
- What does H1169 do?
- In its own words: An act to increase safety on the roads by prohibiting the operation of a motor vehicle while the driver is holding a live animal in the person's lap.
- What is the status of H1169?
- In committee as of May 4, 2026. Latest action: Ref To Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House (May 4, 2026).
- Who sponsored H1169?
- Hawkins, Zack (D, 31), with 8 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for H1169?
- On the North Carolina Legislature website: https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H1169
Source: official North Carolina record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.