Why simple error while driving with your dog could cost you £5,000 fine

DRIVERS could face fines of up to £5,000 if they drive incorrectly with dogs in the car.

Pet owners risk invalidating their insurance by driving with animals not safely secured in their vehicle.

Can I get fined for taking my pet in the car?

You cannot be fined just for having your pet in the car - and you're perfectly entitled to put them in the front seat, too.

However, if they're not wearing a form of restraint, then an issue arises.

Does my pet need to be strapped in?

Regardless of where in the vehicle your pet is, they must be strapped in.

Rule 57 of the Highway Code lists a ";seatbelt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard" as valid restraints.

Failure to do this could see you face a fine of up to £5,000.

That's because unrestrained pets can cause accidents if they're left to wreak havoc in a moving vehicle.

Violating the Highway Code doesn't carry a direct penalty, but you could get pulled over by police and fined for £1,000 for driving without proper control.

That penalty could be amped up to £5,000 and nine penalty points if you're found to have driven without due care and attention, and find yourself in court as a result.

Can I put my pet in the boot?

As an alternative to restraining your pets in the front, owners can opt to put their furry friends in the boot.

Again, they cannot roam free inside the space but must be properly restrained.

Experts believe that using a cage or crate in the boot is the safest way to transport your pet.

If you've got an estate car, a dividing dog guard and a restraint is a perfect combination.

Am I still covered by my insurance with a pet in the car?

Owners are only covered by insurance when their pet is correctly strapped in.

Insurance policies assume motorists are obeying the Highway Code and driving responsibly.

Failing to restrain your pet in the car will be taken by your provider as unnecessary carelessness - and could see your insurance invalidated.

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.

Other good advice for taking your pet in the car includes feeding them more than two hours before driving to avoid carsickness, packing a favourite toy or blanket, bringing a big water bottle and using sun shades on your windows.