It is not uncommon to see a dog with a car head on a car on our roads, especially when heat begins to increase. This scene, which may seem fun, hides dangers to your four -legged friend and can also affect your wallet as you don’t respect the road code can result in heavy fines.
THE RISKS OF THE AIR
Experts indicate that many dogs love to feel the fresh air by putting their heads out of the window. In addition to seeking to refresh themselves, dogs are attracted to a variety of new aromas that arouse their olfactory sensors. With about 200 million sensory cells, dog smell is extremely determined. However, the wind can irritate mucous membranes, cause otitis or make pieces of sand or debris enter your eyes, causing injuries or allergies.
Additional Hazards on the Road
Another risk to consider is the possibility of injuries caused by objects that can be projected on the road while the vehicle is moving. To prevent such situations, the state of Florida in the United States is considering a law that prohibits not only the practice of leaving the dog with the head out of the window, but also any part of the animal’s body.
Standards in Portugal
According to, in Portugal, although there is no specific ban on the road code on this behavior, this does not mean that the driver cannot be fined. The transport of pets in vehicles is regulated and drivers should be aware of these standards to avoid problems.
Animal transport legislation
The transport of children requires the observance of strict rules, and the same applies to pets. Article 56 of the road code, which deals with cargo transportation, contains important guidelines to ensure the safety of all road users.
In Title II – the traffic of vehicles and animals, section VI, which refers to the transportation of people and cargo, it is established that “the traffic of vehicles or animals carried in such a way that may be danger or embarrassment to other users are prohibited. of the road or damage the floors, facilities, works of art and marginal properties ”.
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Rules for the arrangement of the load
In addition, point 3 of the same article stipulates that, in the arrangement of the load, it must ensure that, in paragraph A, “the balance of the vehicle, stopped or in march” is properly ensured. In paragraph B, it is underlined that the load cannot fall on the road or oscillate to make transportation dangerous or inconvenience.
FINE RISKS
Thus, by allowing your dog to travel with your head out or without any containment, you risk being fined. Animals should always be comfortably accommodated inside their transport box. For large dogs, it is necessary to use adequate retention systems, which avoid more serious problems in case of sudden brakes or accidents.
Avoiding distractions behind the wheel
In addition to safety issues, keeping the dog contained avoid distractions during driving, providing a quieter trip. Fines for those who do not comply with transport standards can vary between 60 and 600 euros, a penalty that can be easily avoided.
Owner’s responsibility
Therefore, it is essential to ensure that your pet is always safe and properly packed during travel. Care in the way your dog transports not only complies with the law, but also shows responsibility as a owner.
By adopting these measures, you will be promoting the safety of your pad also and to avoid unpleasant road surprises. With a little preparation and attention, car trips can be pleasant to you and your faithful friend.
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