Belt Up Pups Or Face Up To £5,000 And 9 Penalty Points

Motorists are warned to take precautions when travelling with their dogs to avoid accidents and penalties.

Experts from Quotezone.co.uk have urged pet owners to ensure their pets are suitably restrained while driving.

Motorists failing to do so can face fines of up to £5,000 and nine penalty points on their licence.

New pet owners surge around Christmas time, meaning there could be many out-driving with their pups for the first time without the necessary knowledge of the laws around dogs in vehicles.

The Highway Code states that dogs must be restrained with a seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard, so they cannot distract the driver or cause injuries to themselves or others in the car.

In the worst-case scenario, if there’s a car crash and the airbags activate, it may cause serious injuries to the dog if left to roam free in the vehicle.

Drivers breaching the rule are deemed to be driving carelessly, meaning they can be hit with three to nine penalty points and receive a fine of £1,000 that can go up to £5,000 if taken to court.

Quotezone.co.uk CEO and Founder Greg Wilson said: “In addition to avoiding financial penalties, it’s critical to know the rules of the road to keep everyone safe.

“Although many motorists perceive nothing wrong with letting their four-legged companions roam freely inside the vehicle and stick their heads out the window, doing so can endanger the pup’s life.

“Every pet owner must make sure their pup is well looked after and restrained appropriately when travelling in a car, obeying the rules of the Highway Code, or risk invalidating both their car and pet insurance – leaving them unprotected should they need to make a claim.”

Here are Quotezone.co.uk’s tips on how to safely travel in the car with a dog:

1. Be secure

The safest way to restrain dogs is to use a crate, travel harness, carrier or a boot gate/dog guard. Dog owners can choose the most suitable solution for their pets and install it in the vehicle.

2. Switch Off The Passenger Airbag If The Dog Is In The Front Seat

Dogs are allowed to sit in the front. However, the passenger airbag must be turned off, and the seat should be moved back as far as possible.

3. Don’t Feed The Dog Just Before Or During The Drive

Pet owners should leave a gap of at least two hours between feeding their dogs and going for a drive. Otherwise, there may be much cleaning up if the dog gets motion sickness.

4. Pack Plenty of Water

It’s essential to keep your pup hydrated along the journey. The good idea is to get a non-spill water bowl so the dog can access water throughout the drive.

5. Take Regular Stops On Long Trips

Plan your journey so you have extra time to have stops for walks and get some fresh air. These stops are critical when the weather gets warmer, as dogs have more difficulty adjusting to the heat.

6. Don’t Leave The Dog In A Hot Car

Never leave your dog unattended in a car on a warm day, as it can cause them suffering and harm. They can quickly become dehydrated or experience heatstroke even with the windows open.

7. Don’t Let Your Dog Hang Out The Window

Although pups seem to love the fresh air, it’s hazardous to let dogs put their head out the window of a moving car, as well as wind damage to eyes and ears and a risk of getting hit by flying debris. There’s also a chance of hitting unexpected items outside the car.

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