Nearly half of Aussies have a dog. And while most people treat their fur friends like family, when it comes to car travel, they’re exempt from seatbelts, free to sit on laps, zoom the backseat, and poke their head out the window.
But did you know that where your dog sits in the car – and whether or not it’s properly restrained – could actually be illegal and end up costing you thousands in fines?
Here’s what you need to know.
In South Australia, the law is clear. Section 45 of the Dog & Cat Management Act 1995 prohibits a person from transporting a dog in the open tray of a utility, truck or other similar vehicle unless the dog is enclosed or restrained in a way that prevents the dog from falling or escaping – this doesn’t apply to the transport of assistance dogs or a dog that is being used in the droving or tending of stock.
Driving with a dog on your lap or nestled between a motorcyclist and the handlebars is a $228 fine. But the real kicker is failing to secure a dog on a ute tray, which carries a maximum penalty of $1,250. And if you’re leading an animal from a moving vehicle, expect another $129 fine.
If you’ve been letting your pups roam freely at the back of your ute, or comfy up on your lap – pause on the guilt – you’re not alone.
SA Police figures analysed by RAA show hundreds of SA drivers have been pulled up for putting themselves and their dogs at risk in the car. Between 2020 and 2024, 461 offences were detected by police for “drive with person or animal on one’s lap”, a breach of 297(1A). 37% were issued with an expiation notice, 63% with a formal caution. And in a recent poll by AdelaideVet, over 72% of respondents secure their pet in some manner, and 31% let them roam freely.
RAA Senior Manager Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain said that “it’s quite possible” people are unaware that driving with a pet on your lap is, in fact, illegal, and though there’s no legislation around restraining a dog in a car, that doesn’t change the fact that it poses a serious risk.
“It’s very easy to be distracted or knocked by an unrestrained pet while you’re driving, which could result in a crash that causes serious injury or worse,” he said.
It’s not just about the distraction to the driver that dogs sitting unrestrained can cause. RSPCA statistics reveal that 5000 dogs are injured or killed jumping from a moving car every year.
“If a dog isn’t restrained effectively in the vehicle, it could also become a projectile in the event of a crash or sudden braking incident,” he added, putting the safety and lives of everyone in grave danger.
The National Roads and Motorists’ Association (NRMA) reports that “If you’re driving 60km per hour with an unrestrained 20kg dog in your car and it gets thrown onto you, the impact is the same as if it had hit you from a third-floor balcony.”
So, what counts as a restraint?
“Either a purpose-built dog cage or crate, or in an approved chest plate dog harness that is suitable for the size of the dog and compatible with a seat belt attachment,” says Charles.
“Restraint by the seatbelt should be done with a properly fitted chest harness, as a collar may tighten on the neck and cause injury to the dog.”
And “the tether must be long enough to allow the dog to stand, sit, and lie down, but short enough to prevent the dog from reaching the sides of the vehicle or jumping over the edge of the vehicle,” he says.
For added safety, AdelaideVet recommends combining barriers with harnesses.
Of course, not all dogs love the car. Even harnessed dogs who aren’t as comfortable can injure themselves, and let’s be honest – we’ve all been a little tense with someone else behind the wheel before. If your pet gets nervous, samove suggests easing them into it with short trips, treats, and toys. They also recommend a folding ramp for SUVs and taller vehicles to help entry and exit, especially for our more senior canines.
Next time you’re bringing your dog along for the ride, make sure to brush up on what’s allowed and what’s safest for your furry friend. It could save you from a hefty fine and prevent a potentially dangerous situation.
Travelling interstate with furry friends? The rules vary state to state, so here’s what you need to look out for:
- NSW: Dog on lap: Illegal — $562 fine + 3 demerit points, Passenger seat: Legal if driver control isn’t affected. Utes/trailers: Dogs must be restrained. Inside car: Restraints recommended, not required.
- Queensland: Dog on lap: Illegal — $389 fine. Body protruding from vehicle: Illegal. Utes/trailers: Dogs must be securely tied. Max court penalty: $10,000.
- ACT: All dogs must be restrained. Fine: Up to $3,200. Illegal to transport dogs in a way that causes harm.
- Victoria: Utes/trailers: Dogs must be caged or tethered. Boot travel: Allowed in SUVs/wagons, banned in sedans. Hot surfaces (28°C+): Dogs must be protected. Penalties: $3,000+.
- WA: Dogs must be restrained. Unrestrained injury: Fine up to $5,000 or jail. Dog on lap/passenger seat: Illegal. Utes: Dogs must be secured.
- NT: Dog on lap = careless driving — $150 fine + $58 levy. Utes: Dogs must be secured. Max penalty: $9,450.
- Tasmania: Dog on lap: Illegal — fine up to $2,050. Dogs must be restrained — fine up to $1,025. Transport causing harm: Prohibited.
WHAT: Car rules for dogs in SA
For samove, click here.
For more info via the AdelaideVet website, click here.
