Is It Illegal To Have An Unrestrained Dog In A Car?

Many of us love our furry companions, and it can be great fun to take your dog on a walk somewhere interesting via the car. It can also be essential to travel with your dog for holidays or for vet visits. However, a lot of people have concerns about the legality of having dogs in their cars. So what is the law on driving with a dog in the car?

Is it illegal to have an unrestrained dog in a car?

There is no law that specifically prohibits having an unrestrained dog in the car with you. However, there are other factors to consider here in regard to your insurance.

Have you checked the highway code?

The highway code sets out regulations for driving. Rule 57 of the highway code concerns driving with pets, and it states that you need to make sure that having a pet in the car cannot cause an accident. This means you need to ensure that your pet cannot distract you. Can dogs sit in the front seat then? Yes, there are no laws preventing dogs from sitting in the front seat but you should be careful. You need to make sure that your pet cannot injure you, a passenger, or themselves if you have to stop suddenly and that they are secure.

Can dogs sit in the front seats?

Having a dog in the front seat means that they are more likely to distract you, and they could even get in the way of you safely driving your car. It is not advisable to have a dog in the front seat. Can dogs sit in the front seat then? Yes, there are no laws preventing dogs from sitting in the front seat but you should be careful. You need to make sure that your pet cannot injure you, a passenger, or themselves if you have to stop suddenly and that they are secure.

Can a passenger hold a dog in a car?

It is important to make sure that your dog is properly restrained while in the car. It may be suitable to have a passenger holding a dog to help restrain them, but you need to make sure that the dog cannot get loose and cause a distraction while you are driving. Having a passenger hold a dog may in fact be beneficial if your dog is nervous in cars or if they get travel sick, as having a passenger hold them may help avoid these issues.

What happens if there is an accident?

If you have an accident while your dog is in the car, you may need to prove that your dog was suitably restrained and did not contribute to the incident. If your dog could have caused the accident, you may find that your car insurance is not valid, plus you may get fined for reckless driving.

Does fully comprehensive insurance cover it if my dog causes an accident?

No, generally fully comprehensive insurance will be invalid if your dog causes an accident. It is a good idea to check your insurance policy to

How can I restrain my dog?

There are various ways to safely restrain your dog. You could use a dog harness that attaches to the car seat or seatbelt. You could also look at dog grates, which stop dogs from getting into the front seat.

This article is intended as generic information only and is not intended to apply to anybody’s specific circumstances, demands or needs. The views expressed are not intended to provide any financial service or to give any recommendation or advice. Products and services are only mentioned for illustrative rather than promotional purposes.