dog restraints in cars laws vic

In Victoria there’s no blanket rule that says your dog must be restrained inside the cabin, but letting it roam free isn’t exactly a masterclass in safety.

It’s illegal to drive with an animal on your lap or have it interfere with control of the vehicle (Road Rules 2017 r.297), and transporting an animal in a way that risks injury can breach the POCTA Act.

Dogs on utes or open trays must be secured (tethered or caged) and given weather protection—if it can jump, fall, or be flung off, you’re in the wrong.

Best practice is a crash-tested harness clipped to the car’s seatbelt or a properly anchored crate, with windows only cracked so heads don’t become projectiles.

Bottom line: restrain the dog, keep your view clear, and you’ll avoid fines, drama and vet bills. This is general guidance—check official Victorian sources for the latest wording.