Yes, it is illegal to sit on any part of a vehicle that is not designed for passenger use. That’s stupid and also ridiculously dangerous, so please don’t do it.
- It is illegal to sit in any part of a vehicle that is not designed for sitting
- There are severe penalties for sitting in the trunk of a car or the tray of a ute
- Not only is it irresponsible, it is also potentially deadly
There’s no federal law against sitting in the tray or tub of a pickup or utility vehicle, nor is there a law against sitting in the trunk of a car or truck, but state laws are pretty straightforward when refer to this form. misbehavior.
NSW – Sydney
The law in New South Wales states that “it is illegal to carry a passenger on a part of a vehicle not designed to carry a passenger”. So don’t put people in a tray, in the trunk of your car, or in the trunk of your truck. If you do so and you are caught doing it, you could get three points deducted and a $344 fine.
Victoria – Melbourne
If you try this in Victoria, there is a chance you could be charged with four different interpretations of the rules, all with a penalty of minus 2 points and a standard fine of $370. These include:
- Moving in or on a part of a motor vehicle not designed to carry passengers or cargo (passengers)
- Improperly sitting or sitting in or on a part of a motor vehicle designed for the transport of goods
- Drivers carrying passengers in or on a part of a motor vehicle not designed to carry passengers or cargo
- Drivers carrying passengers improperly or without seat belts in or on a part of a motor vehicle designed for the transport of goods
So again. Don’t do that. An Uber or taxi for your friend that can’t fit in the car would be a cheaper, safer alternative.
Queensland – Brisbane
The QLD government road rules center states that it is “an offense for a person to sit in the back of a vehicle (ute)” and that the passenger “must not ride on any part of the vehicle that is not designed for passenger – passenger seat must be an enclosed part of the vehicle’s structure.” The fine is $238, and you’ll also have three points deducted from your driver’s license.
South Australia – Adelaide
It is illegal to sit in the back of a ute, van, truck or in the cargo area of a car because there is no seat belt fastened there. And as the driver of a car, you will be held legally responsible for anyone in the vehicle without a seat belt. SA’s Road Rules Handbook states that you can be fined $403 if there is one occupant in the vehicle not wearing a seatbelt (and three points are deducted), while if there are multiple violators, you could be fined $476 and have five points deducted from your driver’s license.
Furthermore: “Move in or on a part of a motor vehicle that is not primarily designed to carry passengers or cargo (e.g., the back of a bus)” will result in a $403 fine and three points.
NT – Dac Uyen
In the Northern Territory, you, as the driver, are responsible for ensuring that everyone in your vehicle is properly held – whether they are children in a child restraint, booster seat or child restraint Children or adults sit in the back row of a seven-seater. If you fail to do so, you will be fined ($500) and risk a point deduction (three).
Western Australia – Perth
As with other states, WA has similar laws. Everyone in the vehicle must wear a seat belt – you cannot sit in the back of a ute, van or truck unless a seat belt is fitted (they must be approved) and that rule applies “even if the vehicle is equipped with an anti-roll device”. WA’s Department of Transportation states: “If you are traveling in the open cargo hold of a utility or in the back of a van or luggage wagon, you face the risk of serious injury or higher mortality, especially if there is a collision or if you fall out of the vehicle.” Fines can be up to $900 and points will be deducted (four points).
ACT –Canberra
If you’re a wally who decides to try getting in the back of a ute in the ACT, you could be fined $208 yourself. What about vehicle drivers? They will also deal with it, under the law that “drives a vehicle with a passenger in a vehicle that is not intended for passenger or cargo use,” a fine of $208 and three demerit points.
tasmania – Hobart
Give someone a hitch in the back of your car in Tassie and get caught doing it, and the law will fall on both of you. The parasite will be charged with “moving in/on a part of a motor vehicle not primarily designed for the transport of passengers/goods,” with a $346 fine. The person behind the wheel can be charged with “driving a vehicle with passengers on/on a vehicle not primarily designed for the transport of passengers or goods,” and a fine of $389 / 3 points.
Not intended as legal advice. Check with the relevant road authority in your state or territory.
