How much do you know about dog car regulations?

Spoiler: Probably not enough! Find out everything you need to know here with us. 

With the Highway Code, as we know, you can't joke. And not only because you can run the risk of incurring accidents that damage us and others, but also - more trivially - you can happen to run into economic sanctions that no one ever likes.

So why is the law governing the transport of pets in cars so unknown to most people? 

Let's find out together everything there is to know so that no one can say: "hey, but I didn't know that!". Because we all know, in fact, that not knowing is not an excuse, right?

Updated to 3 June 2022, the Regulation is contained in the Highway Code, with two paragraphs (of articles 169 and 170) specific to the subject, one relating to cars, the other to motorcycles.

But let's see in detail what the law tells us today: 

Article 169, paragraph 6: “ it is forbidden to transport more than one domestic animal, and in any case in conditions that constitute an impediment or danger to driving”. 

What does this mean? Well, that there is no real obligation established by the law to place the dog in a specific point of the car, nor does it indicate how the dog must be tied up. The point here, however, is not what the law says, but what it does not say: that is, that it will be up to the officers to evaluate whether the dog has the possibility of disturbing or - quoting the law "constituting an impediment" to the driver while driving.

The advice? Obviously, do not let him loose but also do not hold him in your arms (this also applies to small dogs that can wriggle). 

And if I need to transport more pets, what can I do?

In this particular case, the same paragraph 6 of article 169 comes to the rescue, which states that "the transport of domestic animals in a number greater than one is prohibited" but also that "the transport of domestic animals only is permitted, even in a number greater than one (ed.) provided that they are kept in a special cage or container or in the rear compartment behind the driver's seat, specifically divided by a net or other similar suitable means which, if permanently installed, must be authorised by the competent office of the Department for Land Transport".

In short, transporting our four-legged friends all together is possible, but we must take some extra precautions.

And if I don't respect the rule, what do I risk?

We have said from the very beginning that, even before a financial penalty, what should lead us to respect the rules is the desire to keep ourselves, our faithful companions and the world around us as safe as possible, but alas there is always a but, the fear of a financial penalty always remains an excellent and additional deterrent!

It is no coincidence that fines are expected and quite hefty too: 

• A point on the driving licence and a fine of 87 to 344 Euros is the administrative sanction provided for those who do not comply with the provisions of Article 169, paragraph 6;
• A fine of 430 to 1,731 euros instead, for those who install a fixed barrier or dividing net without requesting regular authorization from the competent body.

But my dog ​​doesn't like the car: how can I help him?

The first few times will certainly be the most difficult, but the power of habit in both humans and our faithful companions can do a lot. This is why the first piece of advice is definitely to get the dog used to it by taking short trips, at least initially. Scheduling regular stops, however, is always a good thing, even for the most “experienced” dogs.

Air exchange is also very important (and often underestimated). Especially in the summer, the intention is to use the air conditioning but it is preferable to always choose the window: dogs suffer a lot from temperature changes!

Of course, but this is a bit like discovering hot water, driving gently and avoiding sudden braking or turns is always a good thing.

Hey, do you have any other tips that will help your friend make the most of the car ride? Write to us!