Transporting unrestrained dogs in utility or trailer trays is now banned right across Australia after Queensland became the final state to introduce the law last month.

The state government passed the law outlawing the practice as part of a series of changes to Queensland's Animal Care and Protection Act.

Drivers caught with a dog unrestrained in their ute or trailer tray can face fines of up to $8,625.

Dogs are now required to be put in a large enclosed cage or tethered to the vehicle when they're on the back of a ute or trailer.

The same law has been in place in NSW for several years, stating dogs are prohibited from being carried on the open back of a vehicle unless the animal is restrained or enclosed in such a way to prevent the dog from falling from the vehicle.

There is an exemption for working dogs where owners can continue to leave dogs unrestrained in the back of their ute or trailer, only while the dog is actively helping move livestock.

Rick Brett, an agronomist from Condobolin said he rarely sees unrestrained dogs on utes any more.

"Farmers are pretty compliant with keeping their sheepdogs restrained," he said. "It’s been law here for a while now and there might have been a few fines initially but I haven't heard of any lately.

The RSPCA advises people to ensure their dog’s restraint is long enough to allow the dog to stand and lie down, but not so long that there is risk of the dog jumping or falling over the edge of the moving vehicle or that the animal can extend themselves over the side of the ute’s tray.

Using swivels to attach the restraint to both the vehicle and the dog’s collar can help prevent the restraint from tangling.