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 9 of Article 3 of Chapter 20 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:
"§ 20‑137.4B.  Unlawful to operate motor vehicle while holding live animal in lap.
(a)	Purpose. – It is the intent of the General Assembly to ensure the safety of all who are traveling on the public streets, highways, and other public vehicular areas of this State. The General Assembly finds that the operation of a motor vehicle by a person holding a live animal in the person's lap must be prohibited as it is a distraction that endangers the safety of the driver, any passengers in the vehicle, others traveling in the same vicinity, and the animal.
(b)	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.
(c)	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.
(d)	Points. – No drivers license points or insurance surcharge shall be assessed as a result of a violation of this section.
(e)	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.  This act becomes effective December 1, 2017, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.