Can You Legally Drive With Your Dog in the Front Seat in Maine?

If your dog loves riding shotgun, you might be wondering whether it's actually legal to have your furry co-pilot in the front seat while driving in Maine. 

Since getting Moondog, I've learned that he would happily go just about anywhere with us. The only problem? He'd prefer to be sitting as close to me as possible, which isn't exactly ideal when I'm behind the wheel. 

So, what does Maine law say? 

Can your dog legally ride in the front seat? 

There is no specific Maine law that outright prohibits dogs from riding in the front passenger seat. Maine does have laws about transporting dogs in the open beds of vehicles, but those rules don't specifically ban dogs from riding inside the car. 

However, there's a catch. 

Maine's distracted-driving law could come into play if your dog interferes with your ability to drive safely.

That means if your pup is climbing into your lap, blocking your view, or getting in the way of the steering wheel, you could potentially get into trouble. 

And even if it's legal, that doesn't necessarily make it safe. 

Think about what could happen if you suddenly had to slam on the brakes or were involved in an accident. An unrestrained dog can be seriously injured, and airbags can pose additional dangers to pets riding in the front seat. 

Read More: Can I Legally Drive With My Dog on My Lap in Maine?

My advice? Let your dog enjoy the ride, but keep them safely secured with a crash-tested harness or in an appropriate carrier. 

Because as much as we love bringing our dogs everywhere, we'd all prefer to arrive with our four-legged passengers safe and sound.