As of 2025, Australia has implemented new rules pertaining to dogs and safety requirements for travel in utes, with more stringent rules now in place regarding how dogs must be restrained while travelling. Failing to comply with the new laws can lead to steep fines, or even in some instances animal cruelty charges. It is the responsibility of the pet owner to safeguard their pets while travelling and themselves while driving.
New Legal Requirements for Ute Travel
New laws now state that dogs can only travel in the back of utes if they are properly restrained or are kept in ‘secure, ventilated enclosures’. The restraint must be adequate enough to prevent the dog from jumping or falling to the ground. Approved methods are: a fitted harness tethered to the vehicle or a crate tethered to the vehicle. Legally, a dog cannot be allowed to roam freely on the tray of a ute and face severe fines and penalties.
Fines Across Australia
While fines may differ from state to state, they are all expected to increase in severity by 2025. For instance, in New South Wales, fines for an unrestrained dog can go to $5,500 and even come with incarceration. In contrast, fines in Victoria are a maximum of $1,975, while in Queensland they can go as high as $9,660. In Western Australia, unrestrained dogs are charged with animal cruelty and fined as high as $9,450, which is also the case for unrestrained dogs in Western Australia.
| State | Max Fine 2025 |
|---|---|
| NSW | $5,500 |
| Victoria | $1,975 |
| Queensland | $9,660 |
| S. Australia | $1,460 |
| W. Australia | $9,450 |
Safety and Comfort
Not restraining the dog is cruelty is also unreasonable, and welfare groups, the RSPCA, etc, encourage compliance with humane and comfortable welfare setups. For trays, you must provide shade and non-slip mats. Metal trays cannot be used when it’s hot outside, and 28 degrees Celsius is the limit close to which temperatures can cause kung and pad burns. More than enough restraint is in place if the dog can sit or lie, and you may provide ample keys to the tray edge and jumping out.
Working and Assistance Dog Exemptions
Most states provide exemptions for guide dogs and livestock working dogs. These animals are also on farms and are recognized for their special roles. However, even for exempted dogs, the welfare expectation remains—unjustifiable pain or distress can still result in prosecution.
Importance of the Changes in 2025
The changes seek to protect dogs from injuries or death from falls, being struck, or getting dragged. It is key to note that an unrestrained dog can become a projectile in an accident and endanger other road users. This is to bring uniformity to the community values around the safe transport of pets and the laws around safe transport of pets.
What Drivers Should Do
- Always secure pets using a purpose-made harness or secure crate, crate or vehicle.
- Provide shade and the ability to sit or lie down.
- Check local instructions it is important to note that rules and fines vary by area.
- Exemptions exist for working animals so be aware of their welfare.
Conclusion
There is no justification for road noncompliance. The dog must be restrained or the driver is risking an infringement. This provides a safe and happy environment for pets or driver in compliance to the law.
FAQ
Q1: Is a dog allowed to be loose in the back of a ute?
No. A dog must be restrained and loose dogs is an offence of law.
Q2: Is the fines in all states the same?
No, the fines are not all the same. Each state sets it own maximum fines which are all substantial for 2025.
Q3: Do exemptions apply to working dogs?
Yes, there are some exemptions, but welfare standards still apply.
