Drivers face £5k fine for making common mistake while driving with pets

BIG smile, tongue lolling. Your dog might love nothing more than sticking its head out a car window, but it risks a hefty penalty.

Drivers could have to fork out £5,000 if their furry friends are caught enjoying the fresh air as rules state they have to be restrained in vehicles.

3

3

Pets roaming freely around the car can distract drivers and block their view increasing the risk of an accident.

Rules state that pets have to be safely constrained in either a belt harness, a pet crate or cage, or in the boot of an estate car with a dividing dog guard.

Rule 57 of the Highway Code says: “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.”

While disobeying the Highway Code doesn’t carry a direct penalty, drivers could be pulled over by police and fined up to £1,000 if spotted with their pooch’s head out the window.

That could then escalate to a failure to drive with due care and attention – also known as careless driving – which carries a maximum fine of £5,000 and nine penalty points if the case goes to court.

In extreme cases, if an accident is caused as a result of an unrestrained pet, it could lead to a driving ban and a compulsory re-test.

To make matters worse, your insurer is likely to refuse a payout in the event of an accident, leaving you with a sizeable damage repair bill.

Experts estimate that if a car crashes at a speed of 25mph (40 km/h), an unrestrained dog can develop projection forces 40 times that of its weight – posing a risk to the driver, any passengers and itself.

In August 2021, a motorist was in the dog house with police in Leicestershire for driving with their canine on their lap.

The pet’s paws were on the motorists arms as they had their hands on the wheel, while the canine was also blocking the view out the front.

Leicestershire Roads Policing Unit tweeted: “If you have a poorly puppy we advise you don’t let it sit on your lap and put its paws on your arms whilst you’re driving.

“We also strongly advise you don’t let it put its paws on the steering wheel and completely obstruct your view.

“Driver dealt with and dog moved to the boot.”

3