SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Pull over and put down the dog.

A California lawmaker wants to ban motorists from holding pets on their laps while driving. Getting caught could net a $35 fine.

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

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

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

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

Cynthia Thompson, a dog owner, told Sacramento television station KCRA she would not consider driving with her pet on her lap.

"It's not safe," Thompson said Tuesday outside of Cha Cha's Doggie Daycare. "There's too many bad drivers out here now."

"I agree with it," pet owner Candy Scletter added. "I've personally been rear-ended because a gal had a dog on her lap."