Motorists can be fined for driving like this – but can you spot why?

THIS Range Rover driver could have to fork out an eye-watering £5,000 fine for one simple mistake.

A motorist was spotted travelling though London with their dog hanging half its body out the window – a mistake that could cost them their licence.

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If the pooch was spotted by an official in uniform, the owner could have been slapped with a hefty penalty.

Rule 57 of 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.”

The code is in place to ensure the driver, passengers and animals are safe, as unrestrained pets could cause accidents.

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 and any passengers.

If the police notice man’s best friend sticking their head out the window, they can fine the driver £1,000 – for driving without proper control, if they were distracted by the dog.

This could escalate to a £5,000 fine and nine penalty points on their licence if an officer believes the motorist was failing to drive with due care and attention – known as careless driving.

Amanda Stretton, motoring editor at Confused.com, said: “Many drivers will be joined by four-legged companions as they set off on trips across the UK.

“But drivers must restrain their dogs properly, or they could receive fines up to £5,000.

“Driving with an unrestrained pet can also invalidate your car insurance, meaning having to personally pay out for repairs in the event of a claim.”

In the most extreme cases, if there is an accident as a result of an unrestrained pet, the driver could face a driving ban and a compulsory re-test.

In August 2021, a driver was given a ticking off by cops in Leicestershire for motoring along with their pooch on their lap.

The pet had its paws on the motorists arms as they had their hands on the wheel.

Cops also said the canine was blocking the view out the front windscreen of the white Vauxhall Adam.

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.”