A Guide to Dog Car Restraint Laws Across Australia
Are you unknowingly breaking the law when driving with your dog?
Travelling with your dog is part of everyday life for many Australian pet owners, but few realise that road rules and animal welfare laws can vary significantly between states and territories.
Across Australia, dogs travelling on the back of a ute or other open vehicle must generally be restrained or contained to prevent injury, escape, or falling from the vehicle. However, requirements for dogs travelling inside the cabin can differ depending on where you live.
For example, some states focus on whether the dog interferes with the driver’s control of the vehicle, while others have specific provisions relating to animal welfare and safe transport.
One rule is consistent nationwide: drivers must maintain proper control of their vehicle at all times. A dog that distracts the driver, obstructs visibility, or affects vehicle control can result in fines and penalties, regardless of where the dog is travelling.
While some jurisdictions do not specifically require dogs to be restrained inside a vehicle, road safety authorities across Australia strongly recommend using an appropriate restraint, harness, carrier, or crash-tested crate to help protect both your dog and vehicle occupants in the event of sudden braking or a collision.
Below is a state-by-state guide to the current laws and requirements for travelling with dogs in Australia.
New South Wales
In NSW, it is illegal to drive with a dog on your lap. Drivers can be fined and receive demerit points if an animal interferes with their control of the vehicle.
While there is no specific law preventing a dog from travelling in the passenger seat, drivers may still be penalised if the dog distracts them or affects their ability to safely operate the vehicle.
Dogs travelling on the back of a ute or other open vehicle must be appropriately restrained under animal welfare legislation. There is currently no legal requirement to restrain a dog inside the cabin of a vehicle, however Transport for NSW strongly recommends using a suitable restraint, harness, carrier or crate to protect both occupants and animals in the event of sudden braking or a collision.
Queensland
In Queensland, drivers must ensure animals are transported safely and do not interfere with the safe operation of the vehicle. It is illegal to drive with a dog on your lap and drivers may be fined if an animal affects their control of the vehicle.
Queensland law also requires that dogs are transported in a way that prevents them from falling, escaping, or being injured. Dogs travelling in ute trays, trailers or other open vehicles must be securely restrained.
A dog must not be transported in a vehicle if any part of its body, other than its head, can protrude outside the vehicle. Significant penalties can apply under animal welfare legislation for failing to transport an animal safely, including fines exceeding $10,000 in serious cases.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
In the ACT, dogs must not travel in a way that endangers their welfare or distracts the driver. While there is no specific requirement for a restraint inside the cabin, unrestrained dogs can result in significant penalties if they interfere with safe driving. Driving with an unrestrained dog can attract fines of up to $3,200. Dogs travelling on the back of a vehicle must be appropriately restrained. It is also an offence to transport or leave a dog in circumstances that jeopardise its health, safety or welfare.
Victoria
Under Victorian law, dogs travelling on the back of a ute or trailer must be secured by a tether or enclosed in a cage to prevent them from falling, jumping off, or being injured. It is also illegal to transport a dog on a hot metal tray (28°C or above) without suitable insulation. Maximum penalties can exceed $3,000. Dogs may travel in the cabin of a vehicle or in the cargo area of a wagon or SUV, but not in the enclosed boot of a sedan.
South Australia
Pets travelling in vehicles must be securely and comfortably restrained inside the vehicle or appropriately secured on the back of an open ute tray. Driving with an animal on your lap, or riding a motorcycle with a dog between the rider and handlebars, attracts a fine. Dogs transported on ute trays must be restrained to prevent them from falling or escaping, with penalties applying for non-compliance. Leading an animal while driving is also an offence.
Western Australia
Under the Animal Welfare Act 2002, dogs must be transported in a manner that prevents unnecessary harm or suffering. Drivers can face significant penalties if a dog is injured due to unsafe transport. It is illegal to drive with a dog in a position that interferes with the driver’s control of the vehicle, including on the driver’s lap. Dogs travelling on the back of a ute or similar vehicle must be appropriately restrained.
Northern Territory
While there is no specific law requiring a restraint inside a vehicle, drivers must maintain proper control of their vehicle at all times. Driving with a dog on your lap or in a position that compromises control may result in a careless driving offence. Under the Animal Protection Act, dogs transported on the back of a ute or open vehicle must be secured to prevent injury, escape, or falling from the vehicle.
Tasmania
In Tasmania, it is illegal to drive with an animal on the driver’s lap. The Dog Control Act 2000 requires dogs to be sufficiently restrained in or on a vehicle. Penalties apply for failing to properly secure a dog. The Animal Welfare Act 1993 also makes it an offence to transport a dog in a way that causes, or is likely to cause, unreasonable or unjustifiable pain, suffering, injury, stress, or death.
Black Hound Recommends:
At Black Hound, we believe safety comes first, for both dogs and drivers.
We recommend always restraining your dog during travel.
For the highest level of protection, we suggest using a crash-tested crate or harness system from Black Hound.
Disclaimer
Road rules, animal welfare legislation and penalty amounts are subject to change. Always check the relevant state or territory government authority for the most up-to-date requirements before travelling with your dog.
UPDATED 05/06/2026.
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