As of 2025, all states and territories of Australia have made law driving with a dog on your lap illegal. This law has been enacted to ensure your safety, and the safety of the dog, and to prevent any injury or accident to humans or pets.
Why Driving with a Dog on Your Lap Is Illegal
Having a dog on your lap while driving is a distraction and could pose a safety hazard. An unrestrained dog could obscure the driver’s view, or completely take over the control of the vehicle. If there was an accident, the dog could injure or even kill people in the vehicle, including the driver, with its body becoming a projectile.
State-by-State Breakdown: Fines and Laws
Though the ban is nationwide, there are different ways of enforcing the law for the different states and territories. New South Wales (NSW) for example, drivers with a dog on their lap will receive a fine of $562 and 3 demerit points will be given to the driver. Other states and territories have different amounts for paying fines for this behaviour, such as Queensland $389 and Western Australia $5000.
On the other hand, the fines for driving with a pet in your lap in Tasmania are amongst the highest in Australia, up to $2,050. Driving with a dog on your lap in the Northern Territory, which has the least explicit driving laws, would, in a worst case scenario, get you charged with careless driving. Also, driving with a dog on your lap in the Northern Territory would get you charged with careless driving, which has fines and possible levies.
Pet Restraint Requirements
Australian traffic laws go even further than saying pets can’t go on laps. They specify that pets must be appropriately restrained in a vehicle. The types of restraints suggested are seat belt harnesses, crates, and cages. The carriage of dogs in the open trays of utes is a special case. If the dog gets loose, and is injured, the owner could be charged with animal cruelty, in addition to other penalties that might apply for that case.
Additional Safety and Animal Welfare Considerations
Drives must also ensure that dogs do not hang their bodies out of car windows. They must not be left in hot cars, either. The welfare of the animal, and the unjustifiable pain or distress you might cause it, is also a serious offence that you would be in breach of. These laws reflect a balance and growing emphasis on the safety of the animal in your care, in addition to the human safety laws that apply.
Data Table: Dog on Lap Laws (2025)
| State/Territory | Law | Fine ($AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | Illegal | 562 |
| QLD | Illegal | 389 |
| VIC | Illegal | 3000+ |
| WA | Illegal | 5000 |
| SA | Illegal | 228 |
| TAS | Illegal | 2050 |
| ACT | Illegal | 3200 |
| NT | Illegal | 150+ |
Final Advice for Pet Lovers
In Australia, the safest way to transport a dog is to use a dedicated restraint system, even if the dog is on the back of a ute or in the cabin of the vehicle. Aside from avoiding fines, this simple measure reduces the risk of injury for every vehicle occupant, human or animal.
FAQs
Q1. Can my dog sit in the front passenger seat?
Yes, as long as they are properly restrained and don’t distract the driver. Each state has its own rules.
Q2. Do pet seat belts or crates have to be used?
While not legally required, and as long as there are no fines for driver distraction, seat belt harnesses or crates are preferable for safety.
Q3. What will happen if my dog is injured while unrestrained?
If a pet is injured from not being restrained, the owner will face animal cruelty or welfare charges as well as unrestrained pet penalties.
