Traveling by car with a companion animal is a common practice in Portugal, but the law is clear regarding the safety rules that must be followed during transport. When these rules are ignored, the driver risks high fines and other legal consequences, even on short daily journeys.
Contrary to what many think, the Highway Code (CE) does not have a specific article dedicated to the transport of pets.
Even so, the way in which they are transported is clearly within the general rules on driving safety and cargo transport, according to the portal specializing in driving rules Road Safety.
EC about animals in the car
The legal framework begins with article 11 of the EC, which establishes the driver’s general duties. Paragraph 2 determines that “drivers must, while driving, refrain from carrying out any acts that are likely to harm the ability to drive safely”. An animal loose in the passenger compartment, moving between seats or interfering with the steering wheel, clearly falls into this situation.
No. 4 of the same article provides, for these infractions, a fine that can vary between 60 and 300 euros.
Animals treated as “cargo” for legal purposes
Whenever the animal is transported in a way that could compromise safety, article 56 of the EC, relating to cargo transport, also applies.
Paragraph 2 is clear in prohibiting the transit of vehicles “loaded in such a way that they may constitute a danger or embarrassment to other road users”. A loose dog or cat can distract the driver or worsen the consequences of sudden braking or an accident.
Article 56(3) establishes concrete rules on the disposition of cargo, including the obligation not to reduce the driver’s visibility, which is common when the animal covers mirrors, windows or moves freely inside the car, says the same source.
Fines that can reach 600 euros
The financial consequences vary depending on the infraction committed. Violation of paragraphs 1 and 2 of article 56 is punishable, in accordance with paragraph 5, with a fine of between 60 and 300 euros.
When it comes to non-compliance with the cargo disposition rules provided for in paragraph 3, namely the reduction of visibility or risk to safety, paragraph 6 of the same article provides for heavier fines, between 120 and 600 euros. In certain situations, the law also allows the immobilization of the vehicle until transport is regularized.
Road safety and animal protection
These norms do not exist just to punish. An unrestrained animal can be thrown when braking suddenly, causing serious injuries to the animal and the occupants of the vehicle and worsening the damage in the event of an accident.
Furthermore, transport must respect basic animal welfare rules, provided for in Decree-Law No. 315/2003, which requires that animals be transported in conditions appropriate to their species, with sufficient space, ventilation, adequate temperature and safety, according to the source previously cited.
How to correctly transport the animal
The law does not impose a single method, but the objective is always the same: to prevent the animal from interfering with driving or posing a risk.
In practice, the most common solutions involve the use of properly fixed carriers, rails or separators in the luggage compartment, or specific harnesses that attach to the seat belt, in the rear seat, in accordance with .
Documents that are advisable to take
Even when traveling within Portugal, it is prudent to carry the animal’s registration and health record or vaccination card in the car, especially when the journey involves accommodation, veterinary services or emergency situations.
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