against the paw
Is it illegal to let my dog hang out of my car window? Plus how much you can be fined
Plus find out if your dog needs to be in a crate in the car
DRIVERS must comply with the Highway Code to prevent fines or even driving bans.
But what does the code say about having your dog as a passenger? Here’s all the information you need to know.
1
Can I get fined if my dog hangs out of the car window?
Dog owners who let their dogs hang out of their car windows could face a hefty fine of 5,000.
Under the Highway Code, drivers must secure their dog in a seatbelt harness or a carrier when driving.
Mark Tongue, of Select Car Leasing, said: “We’d recommend you don’t let your dog stick its head out of the window.
“Not only does that potentially illustrate that the animal is not restrained properly, there’s also the obvious risk of its head coming into contact with something, like a bush or a tree, resulting in a bad injury.
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“And make no mistake - if you don’t have your dog properly restrained, and it’s causing distraction, you could be prosecuted by the law.
“Don’t take the risk. Make sure both you and your pooch are buckled up properly.”
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.
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Unrestrained pets could cause accidents if they are left to roam around inside cars.
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Experts estimate that if a car crashes at a speed of 25mph, an unrestrained dog can develop projection forces 40 times that of its weight.
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.
Drivers must restrain their dogs properly, or they could receive fines up to £5,000
Amanda Stretton
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."
Is it good for dogs to hang out the car window?
While dogs enjoy sticking their heads out the window, your beloved pet could get injured by flying debris or hit an object outside the car.
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There’s also the obvious risk of them falling out, especially if they are a small dog.
Additionally, your dog's ear tissue might become damaged by the wind, posing yet another potential danger.
TOP TIPS FOR DRIVING WITH YOUR PET
- The Highway Code recommends using a "seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard" to restrain animals in the car
- Experts believe using a cage or crate in the boot is the safest way to transport your pet
- Don’t feed your pet within two hours of starting a long car journey to avoid carsickness
- Pack a favourite toy or blanket to give your pet a sense of familiarity
- Use sun shades on the windows when it is hot or the sun is bright and never leave a pet in a hot car
- Always carry a large water bottle (5 litres minimum) in case your pet overheats and needs to be rapidly cooled in an emergency
- Don’t allow your pet to ride with its head hanging out of the window, as it's potentially dangerous and can cause injury
- (Source: The Company of Animals)
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