Enacts GS 20-140.6 making it an infraction punishable by a $100 fine and costs of court for a person to operate a vehicle on a public street, highway, or public vehicular area while holding a live animal in the person’s lap. States that no drivers license points or insurance surcharge can be assessed as a result of a violation of this statute and that failure to comply with the provisions does not constitute negligence per se or contributory negligence per se by the operator. Effective December 1, 2026, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.

Appropriates $50,000 for 2026-27 from the General Fund to the Department of Transportation to be used to conduct a public awareness campaign regarding act’s requirements. Effective July 1, 2026.