Drivers could be fined £5k for having cats and dog in car

Motorists could be hit with fines reaching £5,000 if they travel with their pet cat or dog in their vehicle. Having your pets loose inyour car whilst driving could create a safety hazard and might even heighten your chances of being involved in a crash.

Under the law, all animals must be correctly secured when travelling in a moving vehicle to avoid distractions and potential collisions. Failure to comply with this regulation could lead to a £1,000 penalty or even prosecution, where fines can rise substantially.

Rule 57 of the Highway Code states: "When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly. A seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars."

Should your case proceed to court, you could face penalties reaching £5,000 for an unrestrained animal. You might also receive up to nine penalty points on your licence, which for newly qualified drivers in their first two years could mean losing your licence completely.

Impact on insurance

Most British insurance policies allow pets in vehicles, provided they are properly restrained.

If an unrestrained pet is found during an insurance claim, it may void the policy and potentially create legal difficulties, as you were not technically covered at the time of the incident. While comprehensive insurance generally covers the driver and any passengers in the event of a road accident, it usually doesn't extend to pets in the car.

However, there may be exceptions depending on the specifics of your policy.

Reducing risk of accidents with pets in cars

To reduce the risk of accidents when transporting your pet in your vehicle, ensure they are properly restrained. The Highway Code recommends using a dog cage, dog guard, or a well-fitted seat belt harness as effective methods of restraining an animal in a vehicle.

Moreover, keeping your pet in the backseat can also lessen the likelihood of driver distraction and could even be safer for the pet itself, as they could be injured by an airbag in the front seat in the event of an accident.