Highway Code Rule 57: Are You Travelling Safely with Your Dog?

If you regularly travel with your dog in the car, you might think you're doing everything right – but are you actually complying with the law?

Many drivers in the UK are unaware that there are specific rules about transporting pets safely in vehicles. Failing to follow them could put both you and your dog at risk and, if your pet causes a distraction, could even result in fines, penalty points or more serious consequences.

Whether you're heading to the park, taking a road trip or simply travelling to the vet, making sure your dog is properly restrained isn't just good practice - it's a legal responsibility.

Let's take a closer look at what the Highway Code says about travelling with dogs in the car and the safest ways to stay compliant.

What Does Highway Code Rule 57 Say About Dogs in Cars?

According to Rule 57 of the Highway Code:

"When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly. A seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars."

In simple terms, your dog must not be free to move around the vehicle while you're driving.

If your dog climbs onto your lap, moves into the driver's footwell or distracts you in any way, you could be considered to be driving without proper control of your vehicle.

Depending on the circumstances, this could lead to:

• A fine
• Penalty points on your licence
• Invalidated insurance claims
• Prosecution if an accident occurs

Why Is It Important to Restrain Your Dog in the Car?

Driving with an unrestrained dog is far more dangerous than many people realise.

During heavy braking or a collision, an unsecured dog can be thrown through the vehicle with tremendous force, increasing the risk of injury for everyone inside.

Properly restraining your dog helps to:

• Protect your dog during sudden braking or an accident
• Prevent injuries to passengers
• Reduce driver distractions
• Keep everyone safer on every journey
• Help you comply with Highway Code Rule 57

Choosing the right travel solution gives you peace of mind every time you get behind the wheel.

The Best Ways to Keep Your Dog Safe in the Car

The Highway Code recognises several suitable ways to restrain your dog, including dog guards and dog cages (crates). The best option for you depends on your vehicle, your dog's size and how you prefer to travel.

Travall Dog Guard: A Safe, Practical Solution

One of the simplest ways to comply with Highway Code Rule 57 is by installing a Travall Dog Guard.

Positioned between your vehicle's boot and passenger compartment, the dog guard creates a secure barrier that allows your dog to travel comfortably in the boot while preventing them from entering the cabin.

Why choose a Travall Dog Guard?

Crash Tested for Greater Confidence

Travall Dog Guards are crash tested to provide dependable protection when it matters most, helping to keep your dog safely contained in the boot area.

Vehicle-Specific Fit

Unlike universal dog guards, Travall Dog Guards are designed specifically for your exact make and model of vehicle, providing a precise, secure fit without compromising your interior.

Easy Installation

There's no drilling or permanent modification required. The guard installs using your vehicle's existing mounting points, making installation quick and straightforward.

Lifetime Warranty

Built from high-quality materials, every Travall Dog Guard is backed by a lifetime warranty for complete peace of mind.

Stay Highway Code Compliant

By preventing your dog from entering the passenger compartment, a dog guard helps reduce distractions while driving and supports compliance with Rule 57.

Travall Dog Crate: Maximum Safety and Comfort for Every Journey

If you're looking for an even more secure travel solution, the Travall Dog Crate is another excellent way to travel safely with your dog while complying with Highway Code Rule 57.

Purpose-built for safe travel, the Travall Dog Crate provides your dog with a secure, enclosed space that helps them stay calm and comfortable throughout the journey.

Why choose a Travall Dog Crate?

Crash-Tested and TÜV SÜD Certified

The Travall Dog Crate has been crash tested and certified by TÜV SÜD - the same internationally recognised safety organisation trusted to certify child car seats, it offers genuine crash protection, not just containment. This independent certification gives you added confidence that your dog is travelling in a thoroughly tested restraint system.

Designed Around Your Dog

Available in sizes tailored to different breeds, the crate offers excellent airflow and a rattle-free design to help create a calm, comfortable travelling environment.

Built to Last

Manufactured using premium chew-proof materials, reinforced fittings and secure fixing straps, the crate is engineered for long-lasting durability. A burst-proof latch adds an extra layer of security, while every crate is backed by a 2-year warranty.

Easy to Assemble and Portable

The Travall Dog Crate can be assembled in under 30 minutes and is fully portable, making it easy to install, remove or transfer between vehicles whenever needed.

Everyday Convenience

With one-hand door operation, reversible hinges and optional crate lifters available, loading and unloading your dog is quick, simple and stress-free.

Helps You Travel with Confidence

A properly secured dog crate not only helps satisfy the requirements of Highway Code Rule 57, but also gives your dog a dedicated, secure space for every journey, reducing movement and helping them feel more settled while travelling.

Dog Guard or Dog Crate: Which Is Right for You?

Both the Travall Dog Guard and Travall Dog Crate help you comply with Highway Code Rule 57 while making journeys safer.

A Dog Guard is ideal if:

• Your dog travels comfortably in the boot
• You need to maximise boot space
• You regularly transport larger dogs
• You want quick installation and easy everyday use

A Dog Crate is ideal if:

• You want the highest level of containment while travelling
• Your dog feels more relaxed in an enclosed space
• You regularly travel long distances
• You want an independently crash-tested and TÜV SÜD-certified travel solution

Whichever option you choose, properly restraining your dog is one of the simplest ways to improve safety for everyone in the vehicle.

Travel Safely with Your Dog Every Time

Following Highway Code Rule 57 isn't just about avoiding penalties - it's about protecting your dog, your passengers and everyone else on the road.

Whether you choose a Travall Dog Guard or a Travall Dog Crate, you'll be investing in a safer, more comfortable way to travel together.