DGT Issues Road Safety Warning for Drivers Traveling With Pets
Spain's Directorate-General for Traffic is urging drivers to properly secure pets in vehicles to avoid fines of up to 500 euros and ensure road safety during summer travel.
More people are traveling by car with their pets in Spain this summer, but the Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) is reminding drivers that road safety must come first. Keeping your pet secure is essential for the safety of the animal, the driver, and everyone else on the road.
Under Article 18.1 of the General Traffic Regulations, drivers are responsible for ensuring they have full freedom of movement and a clear view of the road at all times. If a pet is allowed to roam freely in the car or if a driver is distracted by interacting with them, it is considered a traffic violation.
Fines depend on the severity of the situation. Distracted driving can result in a 200-euro fine. However, if authorities determine that the behavior constitutes reckless driving, the penalty rises to 500 euros and the loss of six points from the driver’s license. It is important to note that you are not being fined for traveling with your pet, but for the loss of control or attention that occurs when they are not properly secured.
To stay safe, traffic authorities recommend using approved restraint systems, such as double-anchor harnesses, secure pet carriers, or divider grilles. Drivers should also plan to stop every two hours to let their pets rest and hydrate. Finally, the DGT stresses that you must never leave an animal alone inside a parked car, especially during the summer, as high temperatures can be fatal.