Most of us just open the door and let them hop in. But across every Australian state and territory, a dog on your lap or loose in the cabin breaks the road rules — and in a sudden stop, an unrestrained dog is the one who gets hurt first. Here's the plain-English rundown.
Why it matters — two good reasons
Restraining your dog keeps everyone safer and keeps you on the right side of the law. At 60 km/h, a 20 kg dog can hit with around 600 kg of force in a crash. The RSPCA estimates 5,000 dogs are injured or killed each year jumping from moving cars in Australia. And in all eight states and territories, a dog on your lap — or loose in a ute tray — can land a penalty.
The law, state by state
Penalty amounts below are indicative for 2026 and tend to rise each year — treat them as a guide, not gospel, and confirm current rules with your state transport authority and RSPCA.
New South Wales — Illegal — dog on lap
Driving with a dog in your lap breaches Road Rule 297 (proper control). If an unrestrained dog is injured, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act applies.
As of 2026: On-the-spot fine around $448 + 3 demerit points (higher in school zones). Injury: up to $5,500 and 6 months imprisonment. · Confirm with: Transport for NSW · RSPCA NSW
Victoria — Illegal — dog on lap
A dog on the driver's lap is an offence. Leaving a dog unattended in a hot car (≥28°C for over 10 minutes) is also an offence.
As of 2026: Lap fine around $277. Cruelty penalties for injury are substantially higher. · Confirm with: VicRoads · RSPCA Victoria
Queensland — Illegal — dog on lap
Driving with a dog on your lap is an offence. An injured unrestrained dog can trigger animal cruelty charges.
As of 2026: Lap fine around $389. Maximum court penalties run to many thousands of dollars and possible imprisonment. · Confirm with: TMR Queensland · RSPCA QLD
South Australia — Restraint required (ute trays) · lap illegal
You must tether a dog travelling on the tray of a ute. A dog on the driver's lap is penalised as failing to have proper control.
As of 2026: Lap fine plus demerit points; cruelty penalties for injury. · Confirm with: SA Gov · RSPCA SA
Western Australia — No specific road rule — but restraint effectively required
There is no dedicated restraint road rule, but the Animal Welfare Act 2022 makes transporting a dog in a way that could cause harm an offence. Ute-tray tethering applies.
As of 2026: Cruelty penalties up to $50,000 and 5 years imprisonment. · Confirm with: WA Gov · RSPCA WA
Tasmania — Illegal — dog on lap · restraint required
An animal on the driver's lap breaches the Road Rules 2019. The Dog Control Act 2000 requires dogs to be sufficiently restrained in or on a vehicle.
As of 2026: Lap: up to ~$2,050. Insufficient restraint: up to ~$1,025. · Confirm with: Tasmanian Government
Aust. Capital Territory — Restraint required
Dogs must be appropriately restrained while travelling. An injured unrestrained dog can trigger cruelty penalties.
As of 2026: Fines up to around $3,200. · Confirm with: Access Canberra · RSPCA ACT
Northern Territory — Proper control required
General road rules apply: you must have proper control and not drive with a dog on your lap. Restraint is strongly recommended and ute-tray tethering applies.
As of 2026: Fines and demerit points for loss of proper control; cruelty penalties for injury. · Confirm with: NT Gov · confirm current rules
How to keep your dog legal and safe
The simplest way to meet the rules anywhere in Australia is a proper restraint that clips into your seatbelt, plus tethering on a ute tray. Two seconds to secure, and you're sorted.
Keep the full rundown in your glovebox.
Download the PDF →FAQ
Is it illegal to drive with an unrestrained dog in Australia?
Yes. Every Australian state and territory penalises driving with a dog on your lap or loose in the cabin. In NSW the on-the-spot fine is around $448 with demerit points.
Can my dog sit in the front seat?
A dog can travel in the car, but it must not be on your lap or interfere with your control of the vehicle. The safest place is restrained in the back seat.
Do I have to restrain my dog on a ute tray?
Yes — most states require a dog on an open ute tray to be tethered or enclosed.
This guide is general information only, not legal advice. Road rules and penalties change — always confirm current rules with your state or territory transport authority and RSPCA. Sources reviewed June 2026.