During vacation departures, many masters risk fine in addition to endangering the lives of their animal.
When you prepare the holidays with your pet, you first think of what seems most obvious. We make a list: kibbles, treats, bowls, a little fresh water for the journey, and of course its favorite toys. Some even slide a familiar coverage or a cushion to reassure it. Everything is ready to feel good, even during long hours on the road. We consider him a family member, so we want everything to go as best as possible.
But by dint of focusing on your well-being, you often forget an essential point. The dog moves on the bench or in the trunk, we start the car … and we neglect what the highway code requires: security. This fundamental principle does not only concern the driver or human passengers. Animals also have to be protected because in case of sudden braking or shock, they may not only be injured, but also to endanger other occupants of the vehicle.
This is why, it is essential not to neglect the safety of your dog on board. For this, there are two rules in particular to respect for any car trip. Indeed, as explained on his site Maître Franck Cohen, specializing in road law, dog owners must attach their animals. He quotes article R412-1: “In circulation, any driver or passenger of a motor vehicle must wear a approved safety belt as soon as the seat he occupies is equipped.”
In addition, the animal should in no case be bothering the driving of the motorist. Article R412-6 stipulates: “Any driver must be constantly in state and in position to execute conveniently and without delay all the maneuvers incumbent on him. His possibilities of movement and his field of vision must not be reduced by the number or position of the passengers, by the objects transported or by the affixing of non -transparent objects on the windows.” As a result, it is necessary to equip your vehicle accordingly, by installing a special dog seat for dogs, a seat belt for animals, a separation grid at the back of the vehicle or a transport box.
Any breach of these rules can cause a ticket during a check. If the dog is free in the passenger compartment, “Just with his cushion and without a transport basket”the owner risks a fine of 35 euros. But “If the police officer considers your dog as an unattached passenger, he can decide a class 4 ticket, with a fine of 135 euros, reduced to 90 euros and increased to 375 euros”, explains lawyer Franck Cohen. A forgetfulness which can therefore cost dearly, for a precaution however simple to set up!
