Dogs in Cars - Understand State Laws

At K9 Voyage, we know that adventures are always better with your dog by your side. Whether it's a trip to the beach, a weekend camping getaway, or just a drive to the local café, your pup is part of the journey. 

But before you hit the road, it's worth brushing up on the rules, as car journeys with your dog come with some legal responsibilities in Australia. 

Safety First – It’s the Law!

No matter which state you're in, Australian road laws agree on one thing: dogs must be safely secured when travelling in a vehicle. That means no pups on your lap while driving and no heads out the window on the highway. An animal injured because it was unrestrained in a vehicle is a traumatic ordeal in itself, but owners could also face up to six months’ jail and fines of up to $5,500.

Here’s a quick snapshot of what to keep in mind in each state.

NSW

Under NSW law, it's illegal to drive with a dog on your lap or unsecured in the back of a ute or trailer. Dogs must be restrained with a pet seatbelt or secured crate. Heavy fines apply if your furry mate is found to be in danger.

VIC

Victoria's rules align closely – animals must not interfere with the driver’s control. Like in NSW, travelling with an unrestrained dog on your lap is a no-go. It's also an offence if your dog is injured because it wasn’t properly secured.

QLD

Queensland laws also prohibit dogs from sitting on the driver’s lap and require that animals be properly restrained to avoid distraction or injury. Police can issue fines for unsafe travel setups.

WA, SA, TAS & Beyond

Similar rules apply across the rest of Australia. Some states also have specific rules around dogs riding in utes – such as needing to be tethered with enough space to move, and protected from the elements.

Fines & Penalties

Depending on the state, fines can range from $200 to $5,500 – especially if a dog is injured due to lack of restraint. Worse still, serious accidents can lead to prosecution under animal cruelty laws.

Travel Tip from K9 Voyage

Our advice? Invest in a high-quality dog car harness, crate or booster seat designed for your dog’s size and breed. It keeps your best mate safe – and keeps you on the right side of the law. Because when your dog’s comfortable and secure, everyone enjoys the ride.

Our travel boosters and harnesses are leading in quality and safety tested – designed to keep your dog secure and comfy on every trip. Make sure your dog is safe to travel – because your co-pilot deserves the best. And always check your local transport authority’s website for the most up-to-date information before travelling.

Happy adventuring!