Many British dog owners are unaware of the a Highway Code rule that could land them with a huge fine or even cost them their driving licence, experts have warned.
Dog owner drivers in the UK could end up with a fine of £5,000 for not abiding to a Highway Code rule – which many are not aware of, says car accessory firm Halfords.
Owners of much-loved pooches could be unknowingly breaking the law if heading to the countryside for walkies – or even on a quick visit to the pub.
Beloved dogs travel pretty much everywhere with their owners these days, even accompanying owners to a holiday home for a break – and this could mean a long car journey.
But even a family day out with a dog – or other pet – could turn out to be costly if the rule for road users isn’t followed.
Highway Code rule 57 states that dogs (and other pets travelling in vehicles) must be suitably restrained at all times, but many furry friend owners are unaware the rule exists.
The official rule stipulates that dogs must be restrained using a harness, pet carrier or a dog cage or dog guard.
It could save owners from “heartache” and is in place to protect not only drivers, but also pets travelling in vehicles.
Drivers could face a maximum fine of £5,000 for careless driving if they cause an accident because of a pet distracting them at the wheel.
The Highway Code rule 57 states that restraining dogs prevents the driver from losing concentration – and it also prevents pets from causing injury to themselves or the person driving.
Car marketplace, Auto Trader, surveyed Brits to see how many were aware of the rules about travelling with pets.
The survey results showed that nearly 25% do not restrain their dogs when travelling. And 34% of British driver dog owners knew nothing about the Highway Code rule 57.
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.”
Dogs are permitted to ride in the front seat beside owner drivers as long as they are “suitably restrained” with a seat belt harness while in motion.It’s also advised that if dogs are travelling in the front seat, the passenger-side airbag should be disabled – this is to prevent any injury while on the road. Moving the seat right back is also said to be the safest way to transport a dog in the front seat
The dangers of unsecured pets in vehicles includes dogs causing distraction, they may accidentally push car controls such as the indicators while the vehicle is moving.
Dogs can also jump onto the dashboard or climb over the owner while they are driving.
As well as drivers potentially being slapped with an on-the-spot fine of up to £5,000, there are other implications.
Drivers could end up with nine points on their license for not observing the rule – or even end up with a full driving ban.
Nick Zapolski, founder of ChooseMyCar.com, brought the subject to light last year, he reported that many drivers are unaware of Rule 57 and could be at risk of losing their driving licence.
Writing on the ChooseMyCar website he commented: “It always raises a smile when you see a happy dog with its head hanging out the window, ears flopping in the wind, but it’s an obvious way to demonstrate that you aren’t following Rule 57 – and that could cost you your licence.
“And it’s not just that – in the event of an accident, an unrestrained dog could do serious damage to itself and the people in the car. It’s cheap and simple to get a seatbelt for your dog or a dog guard for the boot – and can save a lot of heartache.”