Dog Owners Warned of Hefty £5,000 Fine They Could Face This Summer

Dog owners who let their pets hang out of their car windows could face a hefty fine this summer.  Motoring experts have warned that Brits with unruly dogs in vehicles could face a fine of up to £5,000.

Rule 57 of the Highway Code states drivers shouldn’t let their pets in the car unless they are suitably restrained.

So, if dogs are allowed to roll out the car window on a hot day, it could be evidence that they’re not buckled in properly.

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 hit with points on their licence. This could also invalidate their car and pet insurance.

To be suitably restrained, the pet can be in a belt harness, a pet crate or cage, or in the boot of a car with a dividing dog guard between the boot and the back seats.

Letting your dog hang its head out of the window of your car also poses a health and safety risk, as the dog could be injured by flying debris or hitting an object outside the vehicle.

Small dogs might even fall out of the vehicle if the window is wide enough.

Tim Alcock from LeaseCar.uk said: “We all love seeing our dogs enjoying the summer breeze with their heads hanging out the car window, but it 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 crucial to keep pets adequately restrained in the car. Think of it like a seatbelt for your dog.

“Keeping our pets safe in the car this summer is easy. A pet harness, crate, or dog guard in the boot can make all the difference in preventing accidents and avoiding hefty fines.”