I often get asked about the legalities of driving with your beloved pet/s in the car and what are the actual rules when it comes to Fluffy accompanying you to the shops.
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Well it may surprise a lot of people that it is illegal under the road rules to let your pet roam freely in the car with you.
Your pet must be harnessed in an approved dog harness or cat cage (if it is the feline variety).
As a nation of animal lovers, we would all agree that seatbelts save lives, yet a terrifying amount of people don't relate that to their animal friends.
Having an animal unrestrained in a vehicle is not only a distraction to the driver, but a potential danger.
Having a dog on the front seat can also be potentially fatal for the animal if the air bag deploys in an accident.
The road rules cover a few areas for animals in vehicles.
- Rule 297 (1A) Drive motor vehicle with person or animal in lap - $457 3 demerit point
- Rule 297 (1A) Drive motor vehicle with person or animal in lap (school zone) - $572 4 demerit points
For animals on a motorbike the following rules apply:
- Rule 297 (3) Ride with animal between rider and handle bars - $457 3 demerit points
- Rule 297 (3) Ride with animal between rider and handle bars (school zone) - $572 4 demerit points
The RSPCA can also issue fines under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
If an animal is injured because it was unrestrained, owners face up to six months' jail and fines of up to $5,500.
Carrying dogs untethered on the backs of utes can land drivers with fines of $500.
Next time you load your very loved companion into the car, give them all the safety devices you would give everyone else in the car - an Australian standards harness available from pet stores locally, and place them on the back seat away from air bags.
Never leave your pets in a car unattended as the temperature can rise above 40 degrees and is fatal for animals .
