Highway Code rule could see you fined up to £5,000 for driving with pet in car

Highway Code rules mean you could face thousands in fines and penalty points for driving with your pets in the car.

Introduced earlier this year, Rule 57 of the Code means that you can be given a £1,000 on the spot fine for careless driving if distracted by a pet while behind the wheel.

The 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."

You could also be taken to court if found to break the rule with fines then increasing to up to £5,000 with nine penalty points also added to your licence.

In extreme cases, breaking this rule could also result in a driving ban and a compulsory re-test.

Being distracted by your pet in the car could land you with a hefty fine and penalty points. (Getty)

Fortunately, in light of National Pet Month this April, car leasing company Vanarama surveyed UK motorists to find out a bit more about their driving habits when pets are in the car.

The research revealed that up to 2/3 of road users make a simple mistake that see fines rack up.

In a bid to health drivers avoid hefty penalties, Vanarama have shared their top eight tips for preventing pet-related accidents from occurring while in the car.

Eight expert tips to keep your pet safe in a car

Here are Vanarama’s top tips for creating a more comfortable drive for your furry friend...

1. To stick to the law of using a ‘restraint’, purchase a harness, carrier, or cage. Most pet owners prefer to use a harness, however, make sure that it’s not too tight when putting it on. You should be able to comfortably get two fingers between the harness and your pet.
2. Allow your pet to have enough time to digest their food . If your pet gets car sick, refrain from feeding them just before a car ride. They should eat a minimum of two hours before you set off as this gives them enough time to properly digest their food. Or, alternatively, if it’s a short ride, feed them once you’ve arrived at your destination.
3. Keep your dog in the back seat or the boot as they’re less likely to be seriously injured if you have an accident. However, if they must sit in the front seat for miscellaneous reasons, make sure that they have a harness on and that the seat is as far back as it can be.
4. When driving long distances, make sure to have regular breaks . This gives them a chance to go to the toilet, have some water and also stretch their legs so that they become less fidgety and likely to cause an accident.
5. Always exercise your dog before travelling long-distance. This is an effective way of tiring them out before a long trip. They’ll also be less nervous and more likely to sleep throughout the duration of the drive.
6. If it’s a hot day, make sure your pet is kept cool . You could either keep the air conditioning on in the car, buy a cool pad for them to sit on or crack the window open for a little breeze. However, if you do this, make sure it’s not open wide enough for them to be able to put their head out of the window.
7. Bring pet toys with you . This will help them feel more comfortable due to familiarity. Or, alternatively, you could treat them to a new toy on a long ride so that they’re excited by the novelty of a new present.
8. Make sure child locks are turned on. Nothing could cause a more disastrous situation than a pet accidentally opening a window or door. With this in mind, make sure the power switch for your windows is turned off, and that there are child locks switched on in the back.

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