New EU rules for the transport of animals in cars can become a real surprise for many drivers. No dog seat can mean more than mandate, but besides a possible safety hazard for both the animal and passengers. According to the fresh proposals, the EU wants to introduce stricter penalties for persons who do not comply with the rules for the carriage of quadrupeds in vehicles. Before you go on the road, find out what changes might happen to you and why it is worth investing in the right protective equipment for your dog.
Animals in cars: existing regulations
To date, in Poland and in many another EU countries the rules on the transport of animals in cars have not been peculiarly restrictive. Although drivers were required to supply passenger safety and animals, no mandatory usage of the dog seat was not a serious offence. It was usually adequate to guarantee that the animal was immobilized in a vehicle, which frequently consisted of keeping the dog on his knees or wearing straps so as not to disturb the driver's work.
New EU legislation: What is changing?
The European Union is planning to make changes that can powerfully affect the way we transport our animals in cars. fresh rules to introduce obligation to usage appropriate seats or another protection measures for dogs and cats carried in vehicles. This proposal is due to increasing concern for safety both animals and people travelling in cars. No seat for a dog may consequence in advanced fines.
As expected, in the case of fresh legislation, ticket for transporting a dog without a seat can carry even PLN 500. Transporting a dog without adequate safety not only exposes the owner to financial penalties, but besides to serious consequences in the case of a road accident. A dog that is not adequately fastened or immobilized may become Lethal threat both for themselves and for passengers.
Why is simply a dog seat necessary?
The dog in the car is not only a traveling companion – it is besides a responsibility. While driving, animals that are not fastened or seated in suitable car seatsThey could be a threat. Dog seat is not only protective but besides restricts the freedom of movement of the animal, thus reducing the hazard of distraction of the driver.
It is besides worth remembering that the dog not attached to the car becomes A live bullet in case of emergency braking or accident. According to data European Road Safety AssociationUnprotected animals can contribute to serious injuries both at home and in the passenger car.
What seats will be accepted?
Various types of car seats for dogs are available on the market, which disagree both sizeand mounting system. The fresh EU rules indicate that only seats which:
- They're going through safety tests. (e.g. frontal collisions), which guarantees their opposition to advanced forces in the event of an accident.
- They are adapted to the weight of the dogto supply comfort and at the same time effective protection.
- They can be securely attached to the safety belt or mounted in the Isofix system, which is already standard in many modern cars.
Seats with approval and safety markings will gotta become a standard, and their introduction to the marketplace is to be regulated by the applicable standards.
Changes in regulations: What penalties await us?
Driving a dog without a car seat is not only a safety hazard, but besides serious financial penalty. The introduction of fresh government means that fine for deficiency of adequate protection for the dog is going to be equal to 200 zł to 500 zł depending on the circumstances. In utmost cases, in situations where the transport of a dog leads to distraction of the driver and causing a road accident, the punishment may be increased.
In addition, for major safety-related offences specified as causing a responsibility accident due to a dog’s failure, the carrier of the animal may be deprived driving rights or bear civilian liability for harm caused by an accident.
What to do to avoid a ticket?
To avoid a mandate, each dog owner should invest in the appropriate car seat for dog. On the marketplace there are seats adapted to different breeds and sizes of dogs, from tiny chihuahua, by average size Beagleto large breeds specified as labrador. Make certain the seat is suitable for your dog’s weight and easy to fit in the car.
Alternative for seats are besides peculiar harnesseswhich can be attached to safety belts. specified a solution is little costly, but besides effective in ensuring the safety of quadrupeds while travelling.
Although the fresh government may seem controversial, the introduction obligation to usage car seats for dogs is simply a step towards greater road safety. Not only will it defend animals, but it will besides aid guarantee greater safety for all road users. Remember, dog seat is an investment that can save lives – both your pet and yours.
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Punishment for not having a dog seat in the car? The fresh EU rules can shake drivers!