Judgment handed down by the Supreme Court: Is it necessary for the driver to wait until the pedestrian has entirely crossed the road before proceeding?
In Russia, the safety and well-being of both pets and road users are prioritized when transporting dogs in vehicles. While there is no specific "law on dogs in a car" detailing requirements, general road safety laws and animal welfare principles apply.
According to the Road Traffic Regulations (RTR), the driver must ensure that their actions do not put the safety of traffic at risk. An uncontrolled animal in the cabin could potentially lead to a violation of paragraph 2.7 of the RTR.
Safety and restraint are crucial when transporting dogs. Dogs should be properly secured to prevent distractions or hindrances to the driver. This can be achieved using pet carriers/crates, pet seat belts, or special barriers to keep them away from the driver’s area.
The animal's welfare is also important. It should have enough space, ventilation, and comfort during transport. Avoid having the dog loose inside the cabin since it risks both the animal’s and occupants’ safety.
In line with practices seen in neighbouring countries like Ukraine, a veterinary passport or certificate confirming the health and vaccinations of the dog may be required if crossing borders or using certain transport services.
Guide dogs accompanying persons with disabilities have special regulations, generally being allowed to travel without extra fees, wearing a muzzle and leash, and staying close to their owner.
Potential penalties for drivers whose actions with an animal in the car’s cabin result in a hazardous situation or hinder vehicle management can include administrative fines for distracting driving or failure to ensure safe transport conditions. If a traffic accident occurs due to the animal’s interference, the driver may face increased liability or penalties.
Andrei Kovalev, a road traffic expert, explained that the driver is fully responsible for the safety of everyone in the cabin, including animals. Improper transportation of a dog can create conditions that prohibit the use of a vehicle if it poses a threat to traffic safety, such as obstructing the driver's view or blocking access to controls.
It is recommended to use special restraint devices, such as carriers, dog harnesses, or seat hammocks, to ensure the safety of the dog and other road users during transportation. By doing so, not only are pet comfort and safety ensured, but also a responsible approach to other road users is maintained, aligning with the spirit and letter of Russian road traffic law.
- To ensure compliance with both road safety laws and animal welfare principles, it would be advisable for drivers in the finance industry, like Uber or cab services, to invest in specialized pet restraint equipment.
- In the realm of general-news reporting, it would be important to shed light on the growing trend of pet-friendly transportation companies in the industry, as they emphasize both the comfort of the animals and the safety of road users, while simultaneously promoting a positive brand image in the finance sector.
