Dog Restraint Laws in the UK
If you take your dog with you in your car to work, school, or simply to the park or beach, you need to ensure they are safely restrained.
Most Brits don’t know that the Highway Code advises that dogs should be restrained in vehicles. These rules are in place to protect your dog in case an accident happens and to ensure your dog doesn’t distract the driver.
Below are the general guidelines for dog restraint laws in the UK.
Dog Restraint Laws - England
According to the Highway Code, an animal must be suitably restrained so they do not distract the driver and can’t cause injury in the event of a sudden stop.
Your dog shouldn’t be on the driver’s lap, in the front passenger seat, or unrestrained and able to obstruct your vision in the vehicle.
You could be fined and even face prosecution if your dog causes an accident because they are not restrained.
If you ride a motorcycle, your dog shouldn’t be between you and the handlebars. They must not be in a position where they can interfere with your control of the bike. We highly recommend using a pet carrier for safety.
Dog Restraint Laws - Scotland
In Scotland, although there are no specific laws stating you must restrain your dog, you can be fined if your dog is injured because they were unrestrained whilst you were driving.
Even if the laws don’t explicitly state to restrain your dog, we strongly recommend you do.
It’s the safest way to protect both you and your dog.
If you want to travel with your dog in the back of a pickup truck, ensure your dog is restrained. Stops your dog from falling out, jumping off, or being dragged away by securing them to the vehicle with a leash or protective cage built for this purpose.
When tethering a dog, make sure the vehicle restraint is long enough for movement but short enough to prevent reaching the sides. Ensure it is properly attached to both the vehicle and the dog’s harness.
Do not use a choker chain to restrain them, it is dangerous and could cause serious injury.
Also, remember that your dog won’t be comfortable standing on a hot metal tray and may burn themselves, so check for heat with your hand first.
Dog Restraint Laws - Wales
In Wales, your pet must be adequately restrained and cannot distract the driver.
You will receive fines and penalty points if the driver is distracted and loses control of the vehicle because of an unrestrained animal. The dog also cannot be on the driver’s lap.
Like other parts of the UK, ensure your dog is safely restrained in the back of a pickup truck. You can receive fines if they are injured because you failed to use vehicle restraints.
Dog Restraint Laws - Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is similar to the rest of the UK; under dog restraint laws, your dog must not be able to distract the driver.
It is also illegal to leave your dog unattended in a vehicle for prolonged periods, especially in extreme temperatures. Ensure your dog has sufficient ventilation and is not exposed to undue risk.
Dog Restraint Laws - Republic of Ireland
In the Republic of Ireland, dogs must be restrained in a vehicle. They cannot sit on the lap of the driver and must be tethered or secured in a manner that prevents them from causing distraction.
How to Restrain Your Dog Safely
There are many different ways to safely restrain your dog when travelling in a vehicle. Here are our top recommendations for various sized dogs and mobility:
1. Harnesses to Secure Your Dog
To keep your dog safe whilst you drive, we recommend using a harness that lets you secure your dog with a seatbelt. Think of it as a dog seat belt.
This way, you can secure your dog in the backseat. This location is ideal because they have enough space to stand, sit and look out a window, plus it is well ventilated. In this position, they can’t distract the driver like they might in the front seat.
2. Try Using Mesh Barriers
If your dog is known to be a bit of a wiggle worm, invest in some mesh barriers to put between the front and back seats. These barriers allow you and your dog to see, but stop your dog from being able to climb into the front and take the driver's eyes off the road.
3. Dog Booster Seats for Medium-Sized Dogs
If you have a small to medium-sized dog who loves to hop onto your lap to get a better view, try a booster seat. This allows them to see out of a window comfortably, without needing to bother and annoy a human. Plus they won’t need to scratch your doors because they can actually see.
Keep Your Dog Relaxed in the Car
A car trip with your dog is much more enjoyable when they are relaxed and too occupied to distract you.
Keep them busy by bringing along their favourite toys.
Avoid enrichment toys that involve food, as this could result in an upset tummy.
Also avoid toys that are too loud, so as not to distract the driver with noise.
Browse our range of dog travel accessories, you’ll find great solutions for travelling with your dog. From mesh barriers to booster seats, we’ve got you covered!
