Changes to the Highway Code have placed new responsibilities on motorists who who drive with a dog in their car.
The changes were introduced earlier this year and the one that pet owners need to be aware of relates to having a four-legged passenger in a car.
Rule 57 of the Highway Code states that pets should be “suitably restrained” when travelling in a car, to keep them safe should the driver be forced to stop quickly.
It says when in a vehicle, a driver should make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract the driver while driving or injure the driver, or themselves if a vehicle stops quickly.
It advises using a seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage, or dog guard as a way of restraining an animal in a car.
It may be enjoyable to see a dog with its head out of a car window and ears fluttering in the wind but it can land the driver in the doghouse with the law and result in a fine of up to £5,000.
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