Is it Illegal to Drive with a Pet in Australia?

Australian or not: everyone loves to have their pets around. Even in the car.

If you’re taking a trip somewhere or are going on vacation with your pet, you’ll want to have them in the car with you. But you don’t want to be breaking the law when you open the door to let your pet inside.

So, is it really illegal to drive with your pet in Australia? The short answer is yes, but there’s more you need to know than just that, especially when it comes to driving with your pet safely.

Driving with Your Pet

It's not illegal to drive with your pet in Australia. You do need to be aware of how you're driving through. You cannot have your pet in the car if it threatens the safety of the animal.

If you want to have your pet with you, you need to know exactly how to keep your pet safe and the rules associated with driving with your pet.

Rules of Driving with your Pet

The laws associated with driving with your pet vary from state to state. Something that is unacceptable in New South Wales may be no problem in Queensland.

There is one rule that is consistent no matter where you go in the country though: it is illegal to drive with your pet in your lap.

This is considered distracting and dangerous since a cat or dog in your lap could block your view, interfere with your steering, or restrict your usage of the pedals.

If you’re found to be driving with your pet in your lap, you will be fined generally over $200, and gain a few demerit points on your license.

Check out your local transport department to figure out exactly how the rules differ depending on your state and take a look at these nation-wide rules that apply to anyone driving with a pet in Australia.

If you’re riding on a motorbike, avoid riding with your pets between the handlebars and the rider. That’s not allowed, as it could be distracting and could endanger your pet.

The same concern applies to dogs on utility vehicles, who must be restrained so that they cannot fall off or be injured while you’re driving. As a motorbike rider, know that you must have your pet on the bike with you though.

You cannot be riding the bike and still have your animal walking beside you.

Should you endanger your pet, not only will you receive a fine and some demerit points on your license, but the RSPCA can also issue a large fine as well as jail time too.

You should always make sure that you are not driving in a way that puts your pet in any danger.

The Dangers of Driving with a Pet

If you're driving properly with your pet, and your pet is safe in your vehicle, it's not dangerous to be driving with them. On the other hand, if your pet has a free run of the park and you have your windows open, there's a certain risk involved.

Your pet can actually jump out the window. The RSPCA has seen this happen before, estimating that around 5,000 dogs are injured each year by jumping out of a moving vehicle.

But even if you have your windows closed, your pet should still be restrained. You don’t want to hurt them accidentally by swerving or braking quickly and throwing them around the interior of the car.

Think of a restrained pet as wearing a seatbelt, just like you would if you’re putting a child in your car. You can have your pet unrestrained in your car, but do be sure that you’re driving carefully still.

Keeping Your Pet Safe

You need to keep your pet safe if you want to drive with them. This is both for your sake and for the sake of your pet.

Ideally, your pet should be restrained while you’re moving. If you can’t do this, keep them in the backseat.

Looking for car restraints? Try a harness that you secure to the back seat with a seatbelt attachment. Buy a car harness to fit your dog’s chest, or use a booster seat as well for even more security.

Cats can’t be contained as well as a dog can with just a harness, so your best bet there will be a well-ventilated cat carrier with a blanket, treats, and toys. Secure the carrier to keep it from falling over.

For any animal though, cover the windows to block out direct sunlight and never leave your animal unattended in the car.

Hot cars can kill animals, but even on a cold day, separation anxiety can lead to some serious distress.

Driving in a Ute?

It’s not illegal to drive with your pet in the back of a ute either. As always though, they should be properly restrained, which is a legal requirement in a ute in order to keep your pet safe.

Try keeping them in an enclosed cage that’s big enough, covered for shelter, and place it behind the cabin to decrease any exposure to debris on the road.

Without a cage, your dog should be tethered using a harness which needs to be connected to the middle of the tray. Your dog shouldn't be able to get out, and all metal surfaces should be covered on hot days to keep them safe.

Keeping your Pet Happy

Beyond keeping your pet safe, you’ll want to keep them happy on your road trip. If you’re on the road for more than half an hour, give them a small meal before, and have snacks available for the drive.  

Don’t let your dog put their nose or paws out the window. The window should only be open enough for circulation.

Of course, provide your pooch with their favorite cushion or toys to give them the comforts of home.

Follow these tips and you can drive safely with your pet, not to mention legally.