Sharing the road with animals
All drivers need to be aware of how to share the road safely with wildlife, livestock, domestic animals and horse riders.
When driving, remain alert to livestock grazing on the roadside and watch for any cattle, sheep or horses that may have escaped from their paddocks. Kangaroos and wallabies are often drawn to the roadside and domestic animals may stray on to the road. All animals can be unpredictable, fast moving and may present a road safety issue.
Pay attention to the road signs as these can indicate areas where animals are more likely to be present and always scan ahead for potential dangers.
If you need to take evasive action to avoid an animal on the road, you must assess the situation and take appropriate action that avoids or prevents risk to yourself and other road users. Always apply your brakes in a controlled manner.
You may safely stop or drive on the road shoulder to avoid hitting an animal. If you have a clear view of approaching traffic and it's safe to do so, you may also drive to the right of the centre of the road or over a painted island. However, you must not unreasonably obstruct the path of another road user or cause a traffic hazard. Any evasive action you take must be considered necessary and reasonable. Sometimes, the safest option may be to maintain your position.
If you hit an animal or witness an animal in danger or distress, you should call the RSPCA on 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625) and report it.
Sharing the road with horses and horse drawn vehicles
Horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles are allowed on Queensland roads unless a sign prohibits them. They must obey all the road rules that apply to drivers of motor vehicles, including traffic signs. However, horses can be unpredictable.
If you're passing a horse, whether it's being ridden, led, or drawing a vehicle, you should slow down and allow plenty of room. You should not sound your horn when close to horses as it may startle them and cause them to move erratically.
If a horse becomes jumpy or agitated, its rider may signal to you by raising a hand and pointing to the horse. This is a sign that you must stop at the side of the road and turn off your motor. You must not move again until the horse has settled, and it's safe to do so.
Rules for riding and leading an animal
It's illegal to ride a horse while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or to ride without due care and attention.
Horse riders must give way to pedestrians when riding on a footpath or nature strip.
You must not ride an animal alongside more than 1 other rider unless you're overtaking other riders or droving stock. You also must not lead more than 1 animal on a road, unless you hold a permit issued by a local council.
You must not lead an animal from the vehicle, including tying the animal to the vehicle. The same rules apply to bike riders.
You must not ride or lead an animal on the road if it's practical to use a footpath, nature strip or other road-related area.
You may ride an animal across roads, but you must give way to all traffic on the road. However, you're not allowed to ride a horse across a road on a pedestrian or children’s crossing. If using a crossing, you must dismount and walk the horse across.
If you're in charge of an animal, you must not allow its droppings (on a road) to cause a problem for other road users. As the driver or rider, you are responsible for removing any droppings that fall on the road.
It's not compulsory in Queensland for you to wear a helmet when riding a horse on a road or road-related area. However, we recommend that you do so for your own safety.
Rules for animal-drawn vehicles
An animal-drawn vehicle must have effective brakes. If used at night or when visibility is poor, it must be fitted with a:
- white light at or towards the front of each side of the vehicle
- red light fitted at or towards the rear of each side of the vehicle.
These lights must be clearly visible for at least 200m from the front and rear of the vehicle.
The vehicle must also have a red reflector fitted at or towards the rear of each side of the vehicle that is not over 1.5m above ground level. It must be clearly visible for at least 50m from the rear when light is projected onto it by another vehicle’s headlight on low beam.
Harness the animal in a way that enables the you to control it and regulate its speed. You may drive an animal-drawn vehicle on or over the edge line on a road to allow other vehicles to pass or overtake. You do not need a driver licence to drive an animal-drawn vehicle, and the vehicle does not need registration.
It's illegal to drive an animal-drawn vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
If a horse-drawn vehicle is carrying passengers, you must comply with local government regulations. Check with your local council or police station for more information.
Animals travelling in your vehicle
Read more about what rules apply when you are travelling with an animal in or on your vehicle.