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Travelling with a dog in the car: the Highway Code rule families need to know

Travelling with a dog in the car: the Highway Code rule families need to know

Taking your dog on a family car journey? Experts explain how to restrain them safely, spot stress and make longer trips more comfortable.

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Finn Byrne

Published: August 14, 2026 at 6:50 PM

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Whether it's the school run, a UK staycation or a trip to see the grandparents, travelling with your dog can add another complication to an already packed family car. Will they settle down and snooze, or will you spend the journey listening to barking and whining from the back?

Comfort matters, but safety comes first. Rule 57 of the Highway Code says animals should be suitably restrained in vehicles so they can't distract the driver or injure themselves or others if you stop suddenly.

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To explain how to get it right, we've drawn on advice from two animal behaviour experts: Adem Fehmi, a Canine and Feline Behaviour Association registered dog behaviourist and therapist and owner of Dog-ease, and Dr Jenna Kiddie, a companion animal behaviour and welfare specialist and Head of Canine Behaviour at Dogs Trust.

What does the Highway Code say about dogs in cars?

Your dog shouldn't be free to wander around the car while you're driving.

Dr Kiddie says: “a lot of dog owners don’t know the rules surrounding restraining dogs in cars and that the highway code actually rules that dogs must be restrained.”

Rule 57 of the Highway Code states: “When in a vehicle, make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while 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.”

While not every rule in the Highway Code is itself a legal requirement, GOV.UK explains that some rules are backed by law and failure to comply with relevant rules can potentially be used as evidence in court proceedings.

When in a vehicle, make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while driving or injure you, or themselves if you stop quickly.

The Highway Code, Rule 57

Where is the safest place for a dog in a family car?

The right set-up depends on your dog's size, age and mobility, as well as your vehicle.

Dr Kiddie advises: “I would always recommend that dogs should be placed in the backseat or the boot, as long as it is a hatchback-style boot. If you are putting them in the backseat, then they need to be harnessed properly to the seat/seatbelt to keep them safe.”

Larger dogs may have more room in an appropriate boot area, used with a suitable dog guard, while a secure pet carrier or crate can be an option for smaller dogs.

There is another important consideration for parents, children and dogs sharing the back seat.

Fehmi says: “If you have children sitting in the back seat, I would then advise always using the boot or, at minimum, an enclosed car-safe pet carrier with sides that do not allow children and dogs to interact.

“This helps to ensure that you are able to stay focussed on driving, that you do not become distracted, and that everyone in the vehicle is safely contained and travelling in the safest way possible.”

How to keep your dog comfortable in the car

Once your dog is appropriately restrained, familiar items can help make their travelling space more comfortable.

Dr Kiddie suggests adding a favourite blanket or toy if your dog is travelling in the boot or a crate.

The fit of their restraint matters too. She explains: “The harness must be adjusted to suit the size of the dog, and when attaching your dog to the harness, they must be able to sit, lie, stand up, and turn around.

“You should make sure they won’t be able to get into the front or tangle themself up. It’s important to make sure the driver can’t be touched or distracted.”

Weather matters too. Fehmi recommends thinking about shade and direct sunlight, with window shades and suitable cooling products among the options during warmer weather.

How can you tell if your dog is stressed in the car?

Rather than assuming barking or restlessness is simply difficult behaviour, pay attention to your dog's body language.

Dr Kiddie says: “Dogs are really expressive, so you can usually tell how they’re feeling by taking note of their faces and bodies. You want to make sure that they aren’t tense, and this is especially noticeable across the brow and nose.”

She says signs of a more relaxed dog can include rounded-looking eyes, ears in a neutral position and a loose rather than upright tail.

A relaxed and confident dog is interested in what is happening around them and looks around. They shouldn’t be overly excited or barking as this suggests they could be overly excited, and barking could be distracting to a driver.

Dr Jenna Kiddie, companion animal behaviour and welfare specialist

How often should you stop when driving with a dog?

For longer trips, build regular breaks into the journey so your dog can stretch their legs and go to the toilet.

Fehmi recommends planning ahead because not every service station has a suitable grassy area.

“It is important to schedule regular breaks where your dog can stretch their legs and go to the toilet. Remember that whilst some service stations will have a patch of grass your dog can toilet on, not all will, which may pose a problem if your dog is unwilling to go to the toilet on a path or concrete area.”

Dr Kiddie adds that the recommended breaks for drivers on longer journeys provide a useful opportunity to check your dog too. The Highway Code advises drivers to take a break of at least 15 minutes after every two hours of driving.

5 car safety risks dog owners should know about

1. Hot weather

Cars and hot weather can be a dangerous combination for dogs.

Fehmi advises "not to travel by car in hot weather unless absolutely necessary. In this instance, I would also try to travel in a car that has adequate aircon and where your dog is able to be shaded from direct sunlight. Heat stroke can be fatal for your dog, so remember to always plan ahead when possible and check the weather forecast.”

Never leave a dog unattended in a hot car.

2. Travel sickness

Both experts advise avoiding a meal immediately before setting off if your dog is susceptible to travel sickness.

Dr Kiddie says, “before going on a driving trip, don’t let your dog eat a meal within an hour of the journey to avoid stomach upset.”

If your dog regularly experiences travel sickness, speak to your vet rather than simply avoiding food for increasingly long periods.

3. An incorrectly fitted restraint

A restraint needs to be secure without preventing your dog from getting comfortable.

Dr Kiddie warns: "the seat belt harness should never be on the collar because it increases the risk of strangulation."

Make sure your dog can't become tangled, reach the driver or escape from its restraint.

4. Driver distraction

A loose dog isn't only at risk themselves, they can distract the person driving.

If you're using a crate or carrier, it should be appropriately secured rather than able to slide around the vehicle. Your dog's restraint should also prevent them from reaching the driver and controls.

5. Open windows

That familiar sight of a dog happily sticking its head out of the window isn't a safe way to travel.

Dr Kiddie says: “even though it might be seen in movies, dogs should never have their head or paws out the window as the dog can be seriously injured by hazards such as debris and passing traffic. There is also a chance they could escape through a wide-open window.”

Before setting off with your dog

A successful family car journey starts before you've even turned the key. Make sure your dog has an appropriately fitted restraint, their travelling area is comfortable and the temperature is safe.

For longer journeys, plan suitable breaks and take water with you. If your dog repeatedly shows signs of distress, sickness or fear in the car, speak to your vet or an appropriately qualified behaviour professional rather than trying to push through longer journeys.

Most importantly, the driver needs to be able to concentrate fully on the road. Keeping your dog secure isn't simply about making the journey more peaceful, it's part of keeping everyone in the car safer.

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Finn ByrneEcommerce Writer

Finn Byrne is a Digital Writer for Immediate Media. He works across several brands including The Recommended, RadioTimes.com, MadeforMums and BBC Gardeners’ World. Finn has previously written for publications including MyLondon, The Mirror, The Express, and The Star. When not writing Finn enjoys spending time on the football pitch and getting stuck into a book.