'He jumped on me': How breaking this road rule cost a driver over $500
A dog-loving driver has lost four demerit points and been fined $561 for letting her dog sit on her lap while driving.
The motorist was driving through a school zone in northwest Sydney on Tuesday morning when she was spotted by Quakers Hill Highway Patrol and charged with driving a “motor vehicle with animal in lap”.
NSW Traffic and Highway Patrol Command posted a photo of the incident on their Facebook page to warn other drivers.
“Whilst stopped in traffic on Forman Ave, Glenwood, Police observed a silver Toyota travelling in the opposite direction. The driver of this vehicle was seen to have a small dog sitting on her lap as she drove past Police”.
As a result the driver was “issued a traffic infringement notice”.
Police say the driver told them “He jumped on me. I am driving home" but the infringement was still issued.
People have commented on the post saying that the driver had “no excuses” and pointed out the potentially dangerous situation.
“An animal is the same as a person, if you’re not restrained in a car and you have an accident, you’ll go flying through the window”.
Another person praised police for highlighting the law they see drivers break too often, “good job, this is more dangerous than eating and driving, so many people do it”.
NSW Roads and Maritime Services (NSW RMS) states that “a driver must not drive with an animal in their lap”.
When driving with animals in a vehicle “animals should be seated or housed in appropriate areas”.
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, download the Yahoo News app from iTunes or Google Play and stay up to date with the latest news with Yahoo’s daily newsletter. Sign up here.
