Highway Code code warns dog owners about breaking rule with £5,000 fine

dailyrecord.co.uk:

The rules for driving with a dog may be stricter than you think as the Highway Code stipulates that dogs must be 'restrained' in cars.Pet owners also may not know that letting their dogs in the front seat is actually a grey area.Indeed, the Highway Code stipulates that dogs must be 'suitably restrained' in a car so they can't distract the driver of cause injuries - either to themselves or the motorist.If not, motorists could be fined up to £2,500 for driving without care and attention with the fine for 'careless driving' going even further at £5,000, Wales Online reports.The Highway Code goes so far as to recommend seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard to restrain animals in the car.

Car expert Mark Tongue at Select Car Leasing, told The Mirror: “Most dog owners will know they need to keep their pet suitably restrained when they’re in a car, as stipulated by the Highway Code. “But many owners are left confused as to whether dogs are allowed in the front seat or not.

It’s something of a grey area.“Whilst not particularly recommended - dogs should generally be in the backseat or boot for their own safety.“You should only ever have your dog by your side while driving if you’re able, and know how, to disable the front passenger airbag, as some vehicles don’t actually have an override function.“Failing to disable the airbag could result in catastrophic injuries for a dog.

An airbag is designed to provide protection for a human, not a canine, and the cushioning is simply in the wrong place.“When an airbag deploys it does so with so much force it could even crush a dog cage.”Disabling the front passenger airbag differs according to the vehicle manufacturer and model.Did you know you can keep up to date with the