As Australians prepare for Christmas road trips to see family and friends, drivers are being reminded that one common habit involving pets can lead to heavy fines and lost demerit points.
Australia is a nation of dog lovers, but having a dog sitting on your lap while driving is against the law in every state and territory.
The warning follows a photo of a Queensland driver behind the wheel with a dog on their lap. Veterinarian Will Maginness said the behaviour is dangerous and often misunderstood by motorists.
“Many people don’t realise, but it is actually illegal to drive with a dog on your lap, and there are significant fines in place for this, which vary from state to state,” he told Yahoo News.
The veterinarian said dogs are treated as passengers under the law and must be properly secured.
“They are essentially a passenger and must be treated as much,” he said.
“It’s not worth the risk for yourself or your pet – vehicle restraints for dogs are accessible and affordable, so there is really no excuse.”
Road rules require dogs to be safely restrained in vehicles to protect both the driver and the animal.
Fines differ depending on where the offence occurs, but in New South Wales the maximum penalty can reach $2,200.
“Motorists who drive a vehicle with an animal on their lap will be charged with an offence of not having proper control of a vehicle under Rule 297 of the Road Rules 2014,” criminal lawyer Avinash Singh told Yahoo News. “This offence carries a maximum penalty of $2,200.
“Generally, drivers will be issued with an on-the-spot fine of $338 and incur three demerit points.”
In October, a Sydney driver was fined $562 and handed three demerit points after being caught driving with a dog on their lap.
With double demerit points in force during the holiday period in New South Wales, the ACT and Western Australia and Queensland applying double demerits year-round for repeat offenders, Singh advised motorists to be especially careful.
Queensland drivers face on-the-spot fines of $389 for the same offence, while Victorian motorists can be hit with maximum fines of up to $2,000.
Maginness also warned drivers not to let dogs hang their heads out of car windows, saying it poses serious risks.
“Dust, debris, and insects can damage their eyes. Plus, if they stick their heads out too far, they could be struck by an oncoming vehicle,” he said.
Image: Department of Main Roads
