US bid to outlaw 'driving whilst holding pets'

A California politician wants to ban motorists from holding pets on their laps while driving and getting caught can result in a US$35 (€22.62) fine.

The bill passed the Assembly on a 44-11 vote and now heads to the state Senate.

The politician, Bill Maze, claims his legislation has nothing to do with pet-loving celebrities who are photographed driving around Los Angeles with their small dogs.

Mr Maze claims he introduced the bill after seeing a woman driving with three dogs on her lap.

He says pets are a distraction that put motorists and their passengers at risk.