Did you know if your dog is loose in the car, you could get fined?

The Road Rules 2014 (NSW) state that a driver does not have control if they have an animal on their lap, or if their vision is obstructed. This carries a fine of $2,200 each.

You must also not ride a motorbike with an animal between yourself and the handlebars as this attracts a fine of $2,200.

A survey conducted by Compare the Market reveals that 21.2% of owners do not secure their pets, and 4.8% do not properly secure them, instead just hold them.

In late 2024, a video emerged on TikTok highlighting the effects of a collision on an unsecured pet riding shotgun.

The video showed the dog slamming into the windscreen, shattering it.

The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act also focuses on the welfare of animals.

The Act outlines that a dog must be properly restrained in an open-back vehicle whilst driving on a public street in a way that would prevent them from falling from the vehicle.

Owners can face a $5,500 fine, six months imprisonment or both.

However, this does not apply if the dog is used to work livestock.

The Act also provides the same penalties for carrying or conveying an animal that hurts the animal in an unreasonable, unnecessary or unjustifiable manner.

Under this Act, the police are not the only force that can prosecute. For example, the RSPCA also has the authority to prosecute as they are an approved charitable organisation.

Effectively, to avoid ruff fines ensure your beloved pet is restrained safely as ‘he is well-behaved’ is not a defence.

Contact Nott and Co Lawyers for more information, top lawyers based in Parramatta, Sydney.

An injured Staffy after a car collision.