Can I be fined for letting my dog hang out of my car window?
DRIVERS must follow the Highway Code – or else they could face fines or even driving bans.
But what exactly does it say about having man’s best friend as a passenger? Here’s all you need to know…
Can I get fined if my dog hangs out of the car window?
Drives could face a £5,000 fine if they don’t properly buckle up their dogs.
Unrestrained pets could cause accidents if they are left to roam around inside cars.
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 Vauhall 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.”
road laws
Do dogs have to be in a crate in a car?
No, a dog does not have to be in a crate, but it does need to be “suitably restrained”.
This means the pet can be in a belt harness, a pet crate or cage, or in the boot of an estate car with a dividing dog guard.
What does the current law state?
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.”
While disobeying the Highway Code doesn’t carry a direct penalty, drivers could be pulled over by police and fined up to £1,000 for driving without proper control if their pet distracts them.
That could be stepped up to failing to drive with due care and attention (careless driving) which carries a maximum fine of £5,000 and nine penalty points if the case goes to court.
In extreme cases, the incident could also result in 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.
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.”