Answer 1: Legally yes they can. However, I know some people have mentioned they find the extra glow of lights too bright when meeting an oncoming vehicle while conditions are fine.

Question 2: What are the rules for having pets in vehicle? Can you get a ticket for having a dog on your lap, window open and their head hanging out? I thought they could get ticketed as long as it was interfering with their driving. 

Answer 2: There are no specific laws stating where a pet is allowed in a vehicle but there are some laws that pertain to the container material and size. But as for a dog on a lap, or head hanging out an open window, there would be no violation of law and no citation issued for just that in itself. With that being said, just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. As you mentioned, if it “interferes with their driving”, a citation most certainly could be issued. Some of the most major issues that we talk about in traffic safety are “distracted driving” and “seat belt use”. In my opinion, both of those apply to unsecure pets. I’ve said this before and I will say it again, nobody plans on getting in a crash. But they happen. By having your pet sit on your lap or anywhere else loose in your vehicle will add a dangerous factor for them being a visual obstruction or becoming a projectile in the event of a crash. I’ve investigated numerous crashes where pets were unsecured in a vehicle. Some of those pets were injured and killed, and some slammed into the other occupants in the vehicle causing unnecessary injuries to the people. If you really care about your pet I think you should take the extra time and effort to secure them in a proper pet carrier. Even for the quick trip. One crash in particular stands out in my mind. The family involved ended up being fine, but their dog that got slammed around violently causing severe internal injuries. The dog, wounded and frightened ran off from the crash site and was never found again. It was a very sad and preventable ordeal. So please, think about your safety and your pet’s safety and always use good common sense. 
If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws in Minnesota, please send your questions to: Trooper Jesse Grabow – Minnesota State Patrol at 1000 Highway 10 West, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501. Or reach me atjesse.grabow@state.mn.us<mailto:jesse.grabow@state.mn.us>