Drivers have been warned by experts to be vigilant when travelling with dogs and other pets in their cars – as one mistake could cost them up to £5,000
Millions of Brits hit the road every day, whether it’s for the school run, commuting to work or popping to the shops. In 2024, there were approximately 46 million fully registered driving licences in the UK. While not all licence holders are active drivers, that’s still a significant number of motors on our roads.
If you’re a daily driver, you’ll be well aware of the Highway Code rules that govern our roads. However, it seems there are some lesser-known regulations that could catch motorists out – and ignoring them could prove expensive. One such rule relates to transporting animals in your vehicle. Many pet owners regularly pop their pooches in the car for a trip to the park, a visit to the vet or even a family outing.
But the Highway Code has strict guidelines about carrying dogs in cars, and failure to adhere to these can result in a hefty fine of up to £5,000. In extreme cases, it could even lead to a driving ban.
The rule concerns unrestrained animals in vehicles, a common issue for dog owners who let their pets stick their heads out of the window while on the move.
This was recently highlighted in a Reddit post, where a user queried whether it was “safe” for dogs to stick their heads out of car windows. They noted that they often see animals doing this, but internet searches always advise against it.
Commenters backed this view, warning that it poses serious risks to your pooch. Not only might you face an emergency dash to the vet if something goes wrong, but you could also be hit with a substantial police fine.
One person revealed: “I’ve worked in emergency veterinary medicine to have seen dogs either leap out of open windows while the car is moving or get thrown during a car accident out the window. I indulge my dogs at stop lights, but once we’re moving, those windows are up. It’s in the end your risk to take.”
Another added: “I have enough friends in emergency medicine (vet and human) to allow anyone in my car to stick anything out the windows. The horror stories are not rare and are very disturbing.”
A third commented: “Besides the risk of trauma in a sudden stop/accident, there’s the risk of sand and debris damaging their eyes. To the dog, it’s awesome, but they don’t understand the risks – sadly, neither do some of the caretakers.
“If you saw a toddler with its head out the window, people would be appalled. Why is it any less dangerous for a dog? Inertia is unforgiving; secure yourselves and your loved ones in case of accidents.”
What does the law say about dogs in cars?
The Highway Code stipulates that dogs and other animals must be “suitably restrained” whilst in a vehicle. This is to shield the animals from harm and ensure they don’t distract the driver.
Highway Code Rule 57 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 safely restraining animals in cars.”
Motorists caught flouting this rule could be slapped with an on-the-spot penalty of up to £5,000. They may also receive up to nine points on their licence, and in severe circumstances, could face a complete driving ban.
Nick Zapolski, founder of Choose My Car, 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.”