Driving pets in the car – How can this lead to a fine and penalty points on your license

Millions of Americans will escape to celebrate their holidays on the roads and enjoy a long weekend. It is estimated that around 22 million journeys are made during the weekend and the roads should be more crowded than usual. Families will probably want to bring their beloved pet on a day trip after a long weekend, but this could be a problem. There are about eight million pet dogs in the UK and 56% of homeowners say that they are enjoying more of their vacations when they are with their dog.

Driving with your dog or cat can be extremely difficult, even if it is only a short trip to the vets. Car journeys can be extremely stressful and expose the driver to fines and points.

Many Brits may not be aware of this, but Highway Rule 57 states that animals must be properly restrained so as not to distract drivers.

If a pet is the cause of a car accident, the insurers will probably not pay.

Traveling with an unconstrained pet would warrant that drivers be arrested and charged with driving without care and attention – a fine of up to £ 2,500 and nine penalty points.

The CarShop team has revealed some tips when driving with your pet:

Safety tips for traveling in the car with your pet

1. Make sure pets are securely fastened in the rear seat and away from airbags that may cause damage.

Dogs must wear a harness that can be fastened to the seatbelt closure and placed behind the pbadenger seat, NOT the driver's seat, to avoid distraction.

Cats, hamsters and other domestic animals must travel in a cage that can be securely fastened with a seat belt.

2. If pets are anxious travelers, rebadure them with a familiar environment, such as their favorite toys, chew toys, blankets and bedding.

If they live in a cage small enough, bring everything should limit their agitation. Anything that feels the owner of an animal or his home will cool them down.

3. Try not to feed pets within two hours of a trip to minimize nausea and stomach upset. However, if the trip takes a few hours, make sure the car contains food, especially for smaller animals, such as hamsters.

4. When you take dogs on a trip, preparation is the key. Plan your trips in advance and make sure that there are many places to stop, beautiful parks and long walks along the course will make it a much more enjoyable and relaxing experience for both the owner and the animal.

Try to regularly take the dogs by car into fun places before a big road trip so they badociate the car with fun, which allows them to be happier travelers.

5. Use sunshades on windows in hot weather and always take plenty of water to avoid any risk of overheating animals. NEVER leave a pet alone in a car, even in cold weather.

Make sure the windows are slightly open but not enough so that pets can jump or head out as this is extremely dangerous.