Legislation Regarding Dogs on Motorcycles
Below is a collection of relevant legislation for animal transport in a vehicle as of August 2019. The Pillion Pooch complies with all of these legislations and many more. Please consult the appropriate authority for legislation in your country if not listed below and feel free to notify us of any changes/updates in legislation.
Europe
UK | Highway Code - Rule 57
When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly. A seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars.
Other European Countries
Legislation throughout Europe varies from country to country. While most follow similar rules to that of the UK, they all adhere to the following:
Article 3 - General conditions for the transport of animals
No person shall transport animals or cause animals to be transported in a way likely to cause injury or undue suffering to them.
In addition, the following conditions shall be complied with:
- all necessary arrangements have been made in advance to minimise the length of the journey and meet animals' needs during the journey;
- the animals are fit for the journey;
- the means of transport are designed, constructed, maintained and operated so as to avoid injury and suffering and ensure the safety of the animals;
- the loading and unloading facilities are adequately designed, constructed, maintained and operated so as to avoid injury and suffering and ensure the safety of the animals;
- the personnel handling animals are trained or competent as appropriate for this purpose and carry out their tasks without using violence or any method likely to cause unnecessary fear, injury or suffering;
- the transport is carried out without delay to the place of destination and the welfare conditions of the animals are regularly checked and appropriately maintained;
- sufficient floor area and height is provided for the animals, appropriate to their size and the intended journey;
- water, feed and rest are offered to the animals at suitable intervals and are appropriate in quality and quantity to their species and size.
US
This list is not exhaustive but covers what our research has shown to be the most restrictive laws on animal transport within the US.
Rhode Island | R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-22-28(a)(3)
It shall be unlawful for any person to transport any animal or animals either for business or pleasure on or in an open air motor vehicle unless the animal or animals being transported:
- Is kept in an enclosed area of the motor vehicle;
- The animal or animals are under the physical control of a person other than the operator of the motor vehicle; or
- The animal or animals are placed in the motor vehicle and safely restrained by a harness manufactured for the purpose of restraining animals by means other than neck restraints.
New Hampshire | N.H. Rev. Stat. § 644:8-f
No person driving a pickup truck shall transport any dog in the back of the vehicle on a public way, unless:
- the space is enclosed or has side and tail racks to a height of at least 46 inches extending vertically from the floor,
- the dog is cross tethered to the vehicle,
- the dog is protected by a secured container or cage, or
- the dog is otherwise protected, in a manner which will prevent the dog from being thrown or from falling or jumping from the vehicle.
California | Cal. Vehicle Code § 23117
No person driving a motor vehicle shall transport any animal in the back of the vehicle in a space intended for any load on the vehicle on a highway unless:
- the space is enclosed or has side and tail racks to a height of at least 46 inches extending vertically from the floor,
- the vehicle has installed means of preventing the animal from being discharged,
- the animal is cross tethered to the vehicle, or
- is protected by a secured container or cage, in a manner which will prevent the animal from being thrown, falling, or jumping from the vehicle.
Massachusett | Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90 § 22H
No person shall transport an animal in the back of a motor vehicle in a space intended for a load on the vehicle on a public way unless:
- such space is enclosed or has side and tail racks to a height of at least 46 inches extending vertically from the floor,
- the animal is cross tethered to the vehicle,
- the animal is protected by a secured container or cage or
- the animal is otherwise protected in a manner which will prevent the animal from being thrown or from falling or jumping from the vehicle.
Oregan | Ore. Rev. Stat. § 811.200(1)
A person commits the offense of carrying a dog on the external part of a vehicle if the person carries a dog upon the hood, fender, running board or other external part of any automobile or truck that is upon a highway unless the dog is protected by frame work, carrier or other device sufficient to keep it from falling from the vehicle.
Washington State | Wash. Rev. Code § 16.52.080
Any person who wilfully transports or confines or causes to be transported or confined any domestic animal or animals in a manner, posture or confinement that will jeopardize the safety of the animal or the public shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. And whenever any such person shall be taken into custody or be subject to arrest pursuant to a valid warrant therefor by any officer or authorized person, such officer or person may take charge of the animal or animals; and any necessary expense thereof shall be a lien thereon to be paid before the animal or animals may be recovered; and if the expense is not paid, it may be recovered from the owner of the animal or the person guilty
Nevada | Nev. Rev. Stat. § 574.190
A person who carries or causes to be carried in or upon any vessel or vehicle or otherwise any animal in a cruel or inhuman manner, or so as to produce torture, is guilty of a misdemeanor.
Australia
New South Wales | Road Rules - Animals and Vehicles
- A driver, motorcycle rider, bicycle rider or passenger must not lead an animal, including by tethering, while the vehicle is moving.
- Animals should be seated or housed in appropriate areas.
- A driver must not drive with an animal in the driver’s lap.
- A motor cycle rider must not ride with an animal between the handlebars and the rider.
Victoria | Road Rules - Animals
- You cannot drive a vehicle with an animal on your lap, while you or a passenger is leading an animal or while an animal is tied to the vehicle.
- There are no road rules about securing animals in a vehicle while driving. But, there may be laws in Victoria, such as those preventing cruelty to animals, which may need to be considered when driving with animals in your car.
- You must not ride a motorcycle with an animal between you and the handlebars (except for working farmers who can ride with the animal for up to 500 metres)
Queensland | Road rules - Road rules for everyday driving - Other common road rules
- It is an offence to drive with an animal in your lap or to drive when you don't have proper control of your vehicle. We recommend animals travelling inside your vehicle be restrained in some way for the safety and welfare of the animal and the occupants of the vehicle. The road rules do not specifically require an animal to be restrained while travelling inside a vehicle.
- If an animal is carried in the tray of a ute or in a trailer it is classed as a load and must be safely restrained.
South Australia | The Driver's Handbook - Miscellaneous Rules
- A driver must not drive with an animal or passenger on their lap.
- Neither the driver nor the passenger can lead an animal while the vehicle is being driven.
- An animal cannot be carried on the petrol tank of a motorcycle (except a farm animal carried for less than 500 metres).
Western Australia | Seats and seat belts - Transporting animals in or on vehicles
The rider of a motorcycle cannot ride with an animal on the part of the motorcycle between the rider and the handlebars or in another position that interferes with the rider's ability to control the motorcycle or have a clear view of the carriageway.*
*Except for the purposes of a farming activity and then only for a distance of not more than 500 metres on a road provided it is safe to do so.
Tasmania | Road Safety Rules - Motorcyclists
No animals between rider and handlebars. Animals can't be carried between the rider and the handlebars of a motorcycle.
There is an exemption for farmers. While working, a farmer can carry an animal between the rider and the handlebars of a motorcycle for up to 500 metres on a road.
Northern Territory | Road Rules for Motorcycle Riders
A motorcycle rider or passenger must not tether or lead an animal while the motorcycle is moving. Animals should be seated or housed in appropriate areas. A rider must not ride with an animal on the fuel tank.
Australian Capital Territory | Road Transport (Road Rules) Regulation 2017
The rider of a motorbike must not ride with an animal on the motorbike between the rider and the handlebars, or in another position that interferes with the rider’s ability to control the motorbike or to have a clear view of the road.