Enacts GS 20-137.4B to make it unlawful to operate a vehicle on a public street, highway, or public vehicular area while holding a live animal in the person's lap. States the purpose of the statute is to ensure public safety, and makes a violation of the statute an infraction punishable by a $100 fine plus court costs. Provides that no driver's license points or insurance surcharge can be assessed a result of a violation. Establishes that failure to comply with this statute cannot 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. Effective December 1, 2017, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.