How to properly transport animals in taxis to avoid penalties
- Perry Richardson
- 1 hour ago
- 1 min read
Taxi drivers who allow animals in their vehicles must take steps to properly manage the risks, or they could find themselves without valid insurance cover and penalties.
Under UK law, taxi drivers must accept assistance dogs at no extra charge. Refusing a service animal without a valid medical exemption can lead to fines and licensing issues. However, when it comes to non-assistance animals, allowing them in the vehicle is a personal decision for the driver.
If a driver agrees to carry an animal, they are legally responsible for ensuring it is safely restrained during the journey. Failing to do so could be considered a breach of the duty of care expected of professional drivers. In the event of an accident, unrestrained animals can cause injury to themselves, passengers, and the driver, and could lead to insurance claims being denied.
If there is no screen dividing the driver and passenger cabins, appropriate restraint methods include using pet seatbelts, travel crates or secured pet carriers could be used. Drivers should ensure that the restraint does not obstruct their view or interfere with their control of the vehicle. If an animal is moving freely around the vehicle, the risk of a crash increases significantly, putting all road users in danger.
Drivers are advised to assess each situation carefully before agreeing to carry animals. Large or aggressive animals, or those without proper restraint equipment, could pose too great a risk to safety.
text
