Drivers could face fines of up to £5,000 for a simple mistake when travelling with their dogs. Kara Gammell, Pet Insurance Expert at MoneySuperMarket, has urged road users to take the risks seriously.
Highway Code Rule 57
Under Rule 57 of the Highway Code, dogs must be suitably restrained when in a vehicle. While there is no specific fine for failing to do so, drivers can still be penalised for offences such as 'driving without due care and attention' or 'careless driving', which may result in fines or points on their licence.
Gammell stated: “If a dog is injured in an accident and hasn’t been properly secured, insurers may see this as negligence. That means vet bills could be refused, leaving owners to cover the cost themselves.”
Safety Risks
Beyond the financial impact, an unrestrained dog can distract the driver or be thrown forward in a collision, increasing the risk of serious injury to both pets and passengers. Taking a few extra moments to secure your dog properly can make a real difference to everyone’s safety.
The Highway Code advises: “When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly. A seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars.”
Potential Dangers
Having an unrestrained dog in your car can be extremely dangerous. They could be thrown forward in an accident or suddenly lurch at you while you're driving. They could also knock the gear stick or handbrake unintentionally.
Restraint Options
Go Compare explained: “If your dog is crate trained, using a crate for travel can be a good idea. It should be big enough that your dog can sit, stand up, turn around and lie down in it easily. However, if you have a larger breed, you might find it is too large to fit into your vehicle. If so, a well-fitting harness that clips onto a fixture in the boot or to your car’s seat belts in the back seat is another option.”
