Drivers face £5,000 fine if they don’t buckle up their dog – as motorist is caught letting pooch ‘STEER’ car

DRIVERS 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.

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."

Last week, 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."

Local Helen Baldwin said: “I thought dogs/pets should be restrained whilst travelling in a vehicle?”

Another said: “Heard of a drunk driver and more increasingly a drugged driver but a dog driver. New one on me.”

According to research by Confused.com, more than half of pet-owning drivers don't realise letting their pet loose in the car may also invalidate their insurance.

The study found one in 10 drivers has had an accident while travelling in the car with a pet, or know someone who has.

While one driver reported their dog jumped out of the window while stationary at traffic lights - and another received a fine for letting their pooch climb to the front.

It's not just dogs, either, with cats being equally dangerous. One driver reported their moggy settled in the footwell beside the pedals after escaping from its box.

By letting pets ride shotgun or hang their heads out of the window, millions of drivers are unwittingly breaking the law and leaving themselves open to a fine, points and invalidated insurance.

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 pay out 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."