Our furry companions can be great travel buddies.
From their intrigue in the most mundane places, to their fierce determination to protect us from the cyclist travelling three lanes down, they make the simple trips memorable.
Because you care about their safety, brushing up on the current road rules is in their best interest – and yours.
New South Wales
In NSW, it is not illegal to travel with your pet in the front seat provided it doesn’t impede your ability to maintain control of the vehicle.
Drivers travelling on a public street must not carry a dog on the open back of a moving vehicle, like a ute, unless the dog is restrained or enclosed in some kind of way.
Victoria
In Victoria, it is not illegal for your dog to sit in the passenger seat.
There are no rules mandating you restrain your dog in a moving vehicle,
You will also face a fine of $277 if you drive with your dog on your lap in Victoria. Additionally, it’s illegal to leave your dog unattended in a vehicle for more than 10 minutes when outside temperatures are at or over 28 degrees Celsius.
Queensland
In Queensland your dog can travel in the front passenger seat, but never on a driver’s lap.
Under the Animal Car and Protection Act 2001, drivers have a duty to ensure the safety of their pet when travelling inside a vehicle, or on a vehicle tray or trailer. Therefore, it’s advised your dog safely travels in an enclosed cage in the back of an open vehicle.
The Queensland Government’s website states pet owners must ensure no part of the dog’s body besides their head can protrude from the vehicle, as serious penalties apply.
However, there are no specific road rules that state your dog must be restrained inside your vehicle.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
In the ACT it is not illegal to travel with your dog in the front passenger seat, but is an offence for your pet to travel on the your lap while you drive.
Under the Animal Welfare Act of 1992, your dog must be restrained to back of a ute – or properly restrained inside the a vehicle.
If your dog won’t distract you from driving or impede your control, they can sit in the front passenger seat.
Western Australia
Yes, in Western Australia dogs can travel in the front passenger seat of your car, as long as they’re restrained.
However in Western Australia, it is illegal to travel with a dog on the driver’s lap.
Additionally, placing your unrestrained dog in the passenger seat where they can move around freely can lead to a fine if a police officer considers it careless driving.
South Australia
In South Australia, it is illegal to have a pet sitting on your lap (as a driver), but is not illegal for your dog to travel in your front seat.
Similarly, the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 declares it illegal to transport an unrestrained dog in the open tray of a utility, truck or similar vehicle, as it puts their safety at risk.
The maximum fine for disobeying this law is $750.
Northern Territory
It is not illegal to travel with your dog in the front passenger seat in the Northern Territory.
Under the Animal Welfare Act 1999, drivers must transport an animal in a reasonable and appropriate manner that does not inflict any harm or pain. Breaching this law results in a $100 fine.
Pet owners cannot transport a dog unless it is restrained or enclosed in or on the vehicle.
If you’re planning a road trip or taking your dog on a lengthy drive, they can sit in your car’s back seats or in the back of your ute.
Tasmania
Like in most parts of Australia, it is illegal to have your dog or pet sit on your lap while you’re driving.
Although it is not illegal for your pet to sit in the front passenger seat, Tasmanian road rules encourage drivers to secure their dogs in their backs seats instead, to reduce the chance of injury or distraction.
MORE: Is it illegal to have a dog in the back of my ute?
MORE: Is it illegal to drive with my dog in my lap?
