Drivers risk a £5,000 fine if they let their dog stick their head out of a window under strict Highway Code rules

DRIVERS could be slapped with a £5,000 fine if they let their dog stick its head out of the window under strict Rules of the Road rules.

Man’s best friend needs to be secured while driving – like this unbelted pets can cause accidents when they have to walk around in cars.

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This means the pet can be in one belt harnessa pet crate or cage, or in the trunk of a station wagon with a separating dog guard.

Rule 57 of the Highway Code states: “When you are in a vehicle, ensure that dogs or other animals are adequately restrained so that they cannot distract you while driving or injure you or yourself if you stop quickly.”

“A seat belt, pet carrier, dog crate, or dog guard are all means of restraining animals in the car.”

While violating the Highway Code carries no direct penalty, drivers could be stopped by the police and Fine up to £1,000 for uncontrolled driving when distracted by their pet.

This could be compounded up to a failure 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 can also lead to a driving ban and a mandatory repeat test.

To make matters worse, in the event of an accident, your insurer will likely refuse to pay you out, resulting in a sizable repair bill.

Amanda Stretton, Confused.com Author Editor, said: “Many drivers are accompanied by canine companions when they embark on journeys across the UK.

“But drivers must restrain their dogs properly or they could face fines of up to £5,000.

“Driving with an unbelted pet can too invalidate Your car insurance, so that you have to pay for repairs yourself in the event of damage.”

In August 2021, a driver was boxed off by Leicestershire Police for an accident ride along with their puppy on their laps.

The pet had its paws on the motorist’s arms as they had their hands on the steering wheel.

Cops also said the dog was blocking the view out of the white Vauhall Adam’s front window.

The Leicestershire Roads Policing Unit tweeted: “If you have a sick puppy we advise you not to let him sit on your lap and rest his paws on your arms while you drive.

“In addition, we strongly advise against it putting its paws on the steering wheel and completely obstructing your view.

“Did driver and put dog in trunk.”