Hitting the road with the company of our canine friends is something many Australians enjoy. But did you know that there are actually specific laws around how dogs need to be restrained?
While the details vary between states and territories, you can get in big trouble for letting rover roam free in the car. And the laws are in place for good reason: a well as potentially distracting drivers, dogs can be at higher risk of injury of they’re not secure within the vehicle.
So what are your need to knows? We’ve broken it down below (information accurate on 15 June 2024), and provided some tips for ensuring your dog’s safety and comfort in transit.
NSW
By law, you can’t openly carry your dog in the back of your vehicle without restraint or enclosure (if you do, you’ll face a fine of up to $5,500 and up to six months imprisonment). And if there’s an injury caused by the way your dog is carried in your vehicle, you could be fined up to $27,500! You can also be fined up to $2,200 for not being in control of your vehicle – which includes having an animal on your lap.
Queensland
State law in QLD stipulates that you can be fined up to $2,875 for not being in control of your vehicle (this includes having an animal on your lap). In QLD, an unrestrained dog can also be considered an unrestrained load, which can result in a fine of up to $2,875.
Victoria
There are some pretty specific rules in Victoria that prevent cruelty to animals. For example, you can’t carry your dog in your boot (if you do, you’ll face a fine of up to $2,726). You also can’t leave your dog unattended in the car for more than 10 minutes when the outside temperature is 28 degrees or more (the fine for this can exceed $3,000). Plus, you can be fined up to $909 if an animal obstructs you from controlling your vehicle,
South Australia
Your dog must be physically restrained when being transported in a ute (failure to o this can result in a fine of up to $1,250). And if you drive with a dog on your lap (or if it obstructs your view), you can be fined up to $205.
Western Australia
WA has some of the steepest penalties. In fact, if you transport your dog in a way that’s likely to cause unnecessary harm you could be fined up to $50,000 or face 5 years in jail!
ACT
Your dog must be restrained in the vehicle so it can’t jump or fall out (the fine for not doing so is up to $3,200). A similar fine can apply if you don’t have proper control of your vehicle (such as if the dog is on your lap).
Tasmania
As with ACT, Tassie law states that your dog must be restrained in the vehicle so it can’t jump or fall out (here, the fine is up to $905). And you can be fined up to $1,810 if you don’t have proper control of your vehicle (see previous notes about dogs on lap… yes, it’s an example of what NOT to do).
Northern Territory
While the NT doesn’t currently have a specific law about unrestrained canine companions, you can be penalised if you don’t have proper control of your vehicle (yes, once again, the dog in lap is not OK – a fine of up to $3,240 and up to 6 months imprisonment.
The bottom line?
It’s pretty simple: if you want your dog to come with you for the drive, take the time to ensure they’re properly secure within your vehicle. There are plenty of car harnesses and tethers available, and it’s a small price to pay for the wellbeing of your dog, yourself and your fellow motorists.
