Dog owners who let their pets hang out of their car windows have been warned that they could be slapped with a hefty fine this summer as it poses a ‘serious risk’
Dog owners who allow their pets to hang out of car windows have been warned they could face a hefty fine this summer.
This is due to Rule 57 of the Highway Code, which states that drivers should not let their pet in the car unless they are suitably restrained. If an animal is found to have caused or contributed to a road accident, the owner could be fined up to £5,000 and receive points on their licence. It could also invalidate their car and pet insurance.
Dog owners who let their pets hang out of their car windows could be hit with a hefty fine this summer. Motoring experts at LeaseCar.uk have issued a warning to Brits with unruly dogs in vehicles, stating they could face a fine of up to £5,000. This is due to Rule 57 of the Highway Code, which states that drivers should not let their pet in the car unless they are suitably restrained.
If dogs are allowed to stick their heads out the car window on a hot day, it could be evidence that they’re not properly secured. 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.
If an animal is found to have caused or contributed to a road accident, the owner could be fined up to £5,000 and receive points on their licence, reports Birmingham Live. It could also invalidate their car and pet insurance. To ensure safety, pets should be properly restrained in a car, either through a belt harness, a pet crate or cage, or placed in the boot with a dog guard separating it from the back seats.
Allowing your dog to stick its head out of the car window can pose a risk to its health and safety, as it could be injured by flying debris or hit an object outside the car. Small dogs could even fall out of the vehicle if the window is open wide enough. Tim Alcock from LeaseCar.uk warned: “We all love seeing our dogs enjoying the summer breeze with their heads hanging out the car window, but it actually poses some serious risks.
“Not only is it breaking the Highway Code and potentially distracting the driver, but your furry friend could get hurt by flying debris or, in a worst-case scenario, fall out of the car. It’s really crucial to keep pets properly restrained in the car. Think of it like a seatbelt for your dog.
“It’s easy to keep our pets safe in the car this summer. A pet harness, crate, or dog guard in the boot can make all the difference in preventing accidents and avoiding hefty fines.”
