Cavoodles in Cars: A Fuss‑Free Guide to Aussie Road Rules



Cavoodles in Cars: A Fuss‑Free Guide to Aussie Road Rules

Driving around with your cavoodle should be all fun and smiles, not a legal headache. But did you know some states have strict rules about where your oodle can sit, or even if they can poke their head out the window? (something I see many cute cavoodles doing). But is it safe for them? Or will it leave your wallet a bit emptier when you get fined for all that cuteness peeping out the window? You might not think that having your dog sit wherever you want in the car isn’t problematic but, from one dog mum to another, accidents happen in split seconds and going around a corner too fast or being hit by another car can send your cavoodle flying, which could be super dangerous and traumatic for you and your cavoodle.

A cavoodle roaming freely is risky for everyone in the car. And just like us and our own kids, a seatbelt keeps us safe.

We don’t want you to learn the hard way, so here is not only a state-by- state breakdown, but our suggestions on the best ways to keep your cavoodle safe in your car.

State-by-State Highlights

New South Wales (NSW)

  • No dogs on your lap: $562 fine and 3 demerit points if caught

  • Dogs can ride shotgun as long as they don’t interfere with your driving.

  • If you’re using a ute tray, your pup must be restrained by law (for their safety—no fines specified).

Victoria (VIC)

  • No specific dog-in-car laws, but if your cavoodle distracts you, that’s a fine under distracted driving laws.

  • It’s illegal for dogs to sit on the driver’s lap or interfere with driving.

  • Dogs in utes or trailers must be properly secured to prevent harm or escape.

Queensland (QLD)

  • $289 fine if your cavoodle is on your lap or interfering with driving.

  • Ute tray dogs must be tethered or crated—no exceptions. Animal cruelty laws apply, and penalties can reach $10,000.

  • Dogs hanging heads out of windows aren’t specifically banned, but it could still be deemed unsafe driving.

Western Australia (WA)

  • No pet-specific rules, but general road safety applies. If your cavoodle causes a distraction, it could lead to fines.

  • RSPCA and WA laws require animals to be safely secured when in utes.

  • Best practice: harness your pup or pop them in a crate just to be safe (and kind).

South Australia (SA)

  • It’s illegal for dogs to be unrestrained in the driver’s seat area.

  • Dogs on utes must be restrained with a tether or cage—and protected from weather.

  • Fines range up to $750 under animal welfare laws for unsafe transport.

Tasmania (TAS)

  • Dogs must not sit on your lap while driving—that’ll cost you around $130.

  • There’s no mandatory restraint rule for pets in cars, but it's strongly advised.

  • You could still be fined under general traffic laws if your cavoodle becomes a hazard.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

  • The strictest state: dogs must be restrained in moving vehicles, full stop.

  • That means using a harness, carrier, or doggy seatbelt—no exceptions.

  • Penalties can reach up to $3,200 under animal welfare legislation.

Northern Territory (NT)

  • No explicit dog-in-car laws, but unsafe driving caused by pets can result in fines.

  • Best to follow national safety recommendations—use a harness or crate.

  • If transporting in a ute, be sure to secure and shade your dog appropriately.

Quick Fines Table by State

 

Why Restraint Matters: It’s Not Just About Fines

It might be adorable when your cavoodle climbs onto your lap and peers out the window, but it can be genuinely dangerous. Not just for your dog, but for you and everyone else on the road.

Top reasons to restrain your cavoodle in the car:

  • Prevent them from distracting you while driving

  • Protect them in a crash or sudden stop

  • Avoid injury from airbag deployment (especially in front seats)

  • Keep them from jumping out a window or door

  • Stay on the right side of the laws

 

What’s the Best Way to Secure a Cavoodle in the Car?

Personally I use crates to secure my girls Bambi & Daisy in the car as I find it the safest option for them and for me! You know when you see instagram shots of a calm cavoodle in the front seat chilling in their bed,  that’s not my cavoodles. They are more the anxious, excitable type; think “I want to stick my head out of the window but don’t know how far” type of dogs. This gets super distracting while I’m driving and not an ideal scenario as it would be fairly unsafe if we got into an accident.

Every cavoodle is different though, so you need to work out a solution that suits your own cavoodle. And you don’t want something like this to happen (very lucky it had a good outcome)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wBSpCZ0nmM

 

Why it’s so dangerous

RSPCA sources report around 5,000 dogs every year in Australia are injured or killed after jumping, falling, or being thrown from moving vehicles, including utes and cars. Wow, that is a lot of preventative accidents!

The forces a dog can create in an accident to massive. For example: if you are in a collision a 4.5 kg cavoodle can exert 230 kg of force at 80km/h. Or a 26kg groodle can exert 1,100 kg of force in 48km/h crash.

These forces can cause serious injuries such as fractures, internal bleeding, spinal damage, or ejection from the vehicle for the dog. Not to mention the potential injury to you or your child in the backseat of the car.

Safe restraints for cavoodles in cars

Here’s a summary of popular restraint types, along with their pros and cons:

1. Harness + Seatbelt Attachment

  • What it is: A crash-tested harness clipped into the car’s seatbelt system.

  • Pros: Easy to use, allows some movement, suitable for back seats, affordable.

  • Cons: Cheap versions may not be crash-tested; can be uncomfortable if too tight.

  • Best for: Most short-to-medium trips; great for cavoodles that like to sit up and look out.

 

2. Pet Booster Seat (with Harness)

  • What it is: A raised car seat for small dogs that attaches to your car seat with a harness clip.

  • Pros: Great view out the window, comfortable ride, often includes side padding.

  • Cons: Can take up space in smaller cars; some models aren’t secure in crashes.

  • Best for: Small cavoodles who like to feel snug and elevated.

 

3. Travel Crate or Carrier

  • What it is: A well-ventilated, crash-tested crate secured in the back seat or cargo area.

  • Pros: Ultimate protection in accidents, helps calm anxious dogs, prevents movement.

  • Cons: Bulkier; some dogs dislike confinement.

  • Best for: Nervous cavoodles or long road trips where napping is the goal.

 

4. Cargo Barrier (for SUVs)

  • What it is: A metal or mesh barrier that separates the rear of the vehicle from passengers.

  • Pros: Allows your cavoodle more freedom of movement while protecting passengers.

  • Cons: No restraint in a crash unless paired with a crate.

  • Best for: Larger vehicles or when travelling with multiple dogs.

 

Are Front Seats Off-Limits?

Our answer is YES! Legally, most states allow dogs in the front seat but it is not safe, especially if you have airbags or your cavoodle likes to bounce around like mine do.

Oh, and if you are riding a motorbike strapping your dog to your chest is definitely not allowed as this Sunshine Coast women found out recently. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwpTjpLrxMI

Your cavoodle might love being your co-pilot, but road safety should always come first. A snug harness or properly secured crate isn’t just about obeying the law, it’s the best way to keep your cavoodle stay safe and relaxed. I know that is my first priority with Bambi and Daisy, no matter how many of those big googly eyes they give me. And remember, a well-secured, happy oodle means fewer distractions, safer travel, and a whole lot less worry.

 

 

 

 

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