With the summer holiday season approaching, many families are preparing to hit the road for their getaways, often bringing along their four-legged companions. However, motorists may not be aware that they risk fines of up to £5,000 for a simple mistake when traveling with their dogs.
Highway Code Rule 57: Dogs Must Be Restrained
Kara Gammell, Pet Insurance Expert at MoneySuperMarket, has urged road users to take the dangers seriously. She reminded pet owners that under Rule 57 of the Highway Code, dogs must be suitably restrained when traveling in a vehicle.
"While there isn't a specific fine for not doing so, drivers can still face penalties such as 'driving without due care and attention' or 'careless driving,' which may result in fines or points on your license," Kara explained. "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."
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.
What the Highway Code Says
The Highway Code states: "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."
Many motorists may be unaware that traveling with an unrestrained dog poses significant risks. In the event of a collision, your pet could be propelled forwards, or unexpectedly lunge towards you while you're at the wheel. Alternatively, they might accidentally dislodge the gear stick or handbrake.
Tips for Safe Travel with Dogs
Go Compare advises: "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."
By following these guidelines, drivers can avoid hefty fines and ensure the safety of their pets and passengers during summer road trips.
