Dog Car Travel Laws Australia

Can your dog sit in the front seat? Is it illegal to drive with a dog on your lap? Do dogs in utes have to be tied down? The rules for travelling with dogs in Australia are different in every state and territory, and they are spread across road rules and animal welfare laws. This guide summarises the key points so you can travel with your dog safely and avoid a fine.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Laws and fines change, so always check the latest rules with your state's transport or animal welfare authority.

The rule that applies everywhere: no dogs on the driver's lap

Australian road rules require drivers to have proper control of their vehicle. Driving with a dog on your lap, or with a dog that blocks your view or gets in the way of the controls, can earn you a fine and, in some states, demerit points. The simplest way to avoid this is to keep your dog restrained in the back seat or in a booster seat.

Dog car travel laws by state

New South Wales (NSW)

Dogs travelling in the back of a ute or open vehicle must be restrained or enclosed.
Driving with a dog on your lap is illegal.
Animal welfare offences under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 carry penalties of up to $5,500 and six months in jail.

Victoria (VIC)

Dogs on the back of a ute must be secured with a tether or cage.
Having a dog on your lap while driving can lead to an on-the-spot fine of around $277.
Dogs must not be carried in an enclosed car boot, and it is illegal to leave a dog unattended in a car for more than 10 minutes when the temperature is 28°C or higher.

Queensland (QLD)

Dogs on utes and trailers must be restrained under the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 (working dogs are exempt while actively herding livestock).
Your dog can travel in the front passenger seat, but not on the driver's lap.

Western Australia (WA)

There is no specific law requiring dogs to be restrained inside a car, but the Animal Welfare Act cruelty provisions are generally interpreted as requiring restraint, with very large maximum penalties.
Dogs can sit in the front seat, but not on the driver's lap.

South Australia (SA)

It is an offence to carry an unrestrained dog in a vehicle under the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995.
Dogs on the driver's lap are prohibited.

Tasmania (TAS)

Under the Dog Control Act 2000, dogs must be restrained enough that they cannot leave the vehicle.
Dogs can travel in the front seat, but not on the driver's lap.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Dogs on the back of a ute or moving vehicle must be restrained under the Animal Welfare Act 1992.
Dogs can sit in the front seat as long as they do not obstruct the driver.

Northern Territory (NT)

There is no explicit rule requiring restraint inside a car, but animals must not be transported in a way that causes unnecessary suffering.
Dogs can sit in the front seat if they do not obstruct the driver.

How to keep your dog restrained (and comfortable)

Small dogs: a dog booster seat with a built-in tether keeps them in one place and lets them see out the window, which helps with car anxiety.
Medium and large dogs: a dog seat belt attached to a harness (never a collar) keeps them on the back seat.
Muddy or hairy dogs: a back seat hammock stops them sliding into the footwell and protects your seats.

Frequently asked questions

Can my dog sit in the front seat in Australia?

In most states yes, as long as the dog is not on your lap and does not interfere with your driving. The back seat is still the safer place, because front airbags can injure a dog.

What is the fine for an unrestrained dog in the car?

It depends on the state and on the offence. Distraction and lap fines are usually a few hundred dollars, while animal cruelty charges for injured dogs can reach thousands of dollars.