Is It Legal to Drive a Motorcycle with a Dog in Your Lap in Montana?

You know how when people visit Montana they get excited when they see deer or other wildlife that we Montanans see all the time? Well, I was the same level of excited when  I saw a bulldog on a motorcycle in Missoula last week.

It clearly wasn't the first time the bulldog had taken a ride because the dog looked like it knew how to lay on the bike for maximum comfort and safety. It looked relaxed, too. Yet I had to wonder, is it even legal in Montana to ride a motorcycle with your dog?

Let's start with harness laws.

Does Montana Require Dogs to be Harnessed in the Car?

Orvis News has a handy map of the United States showing the types of dog restraint laws in each state. According to their map, Montana doesn't have a law saying dogs have to be restrained in vehicles.

I also couldn't find anything specific in the Montana Code, the Missoula County Animal Control Ordinances, or the City of Missoula Animal Control Ordinances.

What About Dogs on Motorcycles in Montana?

So if there isn't a law about dogs being harnessed in cars, you probably wouldn't be surprised to learn that I couldn't find anything saying you can't have a dog on a motorcycle in Montana. (For what it's worth, Google's AI overview also said "Yes, dogs are generally allowed to ride on a motorcycle in Montana as long as certain safety and legal rules are followed.")

However: I did find an article from Devitt Insurance saying "Rule 57 of the Highway Code says that animals must be 'suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly.' They go on to say that if you're on a motorcycle or something similar you will have to have a safe way to transport the animal.

And highway codes fall under Federal Regulations so yes, there are some restrictions when it comes to having your dog on a motorcycle.

Missoula Couple Make Documentary About Sidecars

If you want to learn more about dogs in sidecars, check out the documentary "Sit Stay Ride: The Story of America's Sidecar Dogs" which was filmed by Missoula couple Eric and Geneva Ristau.

If you love adventurous Montana animals, keep scrolling to see Missoula's "Air Quali-Kitties." Then check out beautiful photos of the world's ugliest dogs.