Driver caught trying to switch places with dog after being pulled over for speeding

A US driver has gone to great lengths in an attempt to avoid getting in trouble with the police, using his dog as an accomplice.

A US man who was pulled over for driving at almost double the speed limit was caught attempting the ultimate switcheroo after he was stopped, police said.

An officer in Springfield, Colorado, stopped the unidentified male for driving 52mph (about 84km/h) in a 30mph (about 48km/h) zone on Saturday.

But when the driver pulled over, the Springfield Police Department said he “attempted to switch places with his dog who was in the passenger seat” as the officer approached the vehicle, New York Post reports.

A driver tried to say his dog (not pictured) was driving when he was pulled over for speeding. Picture: Kristi Miller

“The male party then exited the passenger side of the vehicle and claimed he was not driving,” the police department said in a Facebook post.

The man tried to flee, but was quickly apprehended, police said.

The police department also said “the male party showed clear signs of intoxication” according to the post.

He was booked into the Baca County Jail in Springfield and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, driving while ability impaired, driving under suspension, speeding 20 to 24 over the speed limit and resisting arrest.

Springfield Police added that an acquaintance of the driver is now looking after the dog.

And they found some humour in the situation.

“The dog does not face any charges and was let go with just a warning,” Springfield Police wrote in the Facebook post.

Critics were quick to poke fun at the driver’s alleged act.

“He was too drunk to use a GPS so he got a guide dog,” said one commenter.

“I wish my dog could drive,” said another.

Others were thankful that no humans – or animals – were injured.

“Seriously glad no one was hurt,” said one person.

This article originally appeared on New York Post and was reproduced with permission