Pet owners could face huge fines for not restraining their doge properly in a car

Rule 57 of the Highway Code states that when in a vehicle, dogs or other animals should be suitably restrained so they can’t distract drivers 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.

While the code isn't legally binding, those who let their dogs run around their cars could face being pulled over by police for driving without due care and attention.

This can lead to a maximum fine of £2,500 and nine points on your licence.

As well as this, you could also face prosecution under the Welfare of Animals (Transport) (England) Order 2006 which states: “You must not transport an animal in a way that causes, or is likely to cause, injury or unnecessary suffering to that animal."

But according to a survey of more than 1,000 people by car leasing specialist Leasing Options, many drivers don’t know the law on having pets in their car or how to keep their animals safe during journeys.

More than half (56 per cent) of motorists could be unknowingly breaking the Highway Code when it comes to travelling with their pets.

One in five (22 per cent) of pet owners do not restrain their pets while travelling in a vehicle and 12 per cent would allow their pet to sit unrestrained in the passenger seat.

One in 10 (nine per cent) drivers stated travelling with their pet makes them feel distracted and nine per cent of male drivers even admitted they have lost control of their vehicle while travelling with their pet.

For those who abide by the rules, the top three methods for restraining their pets are specific pet seat belt (30 per cent), cage (29 per cent) and travelling grate/container (27 per cent).

Lisa Richards, RSPCA welfare expert, said: “If your pet is joining you in the car then it’s really important to make sure they’re safe and can be transported in a way that will not cause injury or unnecessary suffering.

“The UK’s Highway Code states that dogs must be restrained in a vehicle so they are safe during an emergency stop and so they do not distract the driver.

“It’s reported that a high number of dogs can struggle with travel, often due to motion sickness or due to anxiety, so it’s important to keep a close eye on your pet to make sure they are not displaying signs of travel-related problems such as barking, whining, jumping, attempting to run around the car, salivating, vomiting, attention-seeking, licking, cowering, hiding or restlessness.

“If the problems remain, the RSPCA advises seeking advice from a vet or clinical behaviourist.”