When sitting in the passenger seat, stretching out and placing your feet on the dashboard seems harmless and even comfortable during long trips. But in 2025, Australian traffic safety experts and police continue to warn against this practice. While it is not specifically illegal, it poses serious dangers if a crash occurs. Understanding the risks and the law can help both drivers and passengers make safer choices.
Is it Illegal in Australia?
Australian road laws require passengers to wear a seatbelt at all times and ensure that no body parts are hanging outside the vehicle. However, there is no direct law that says passengers cannot rest their feet on the dashboard.
What this means is:
- Placing your feet on the dashboard itself is not an offence.
- If the posture is considered unsafe by a police officer, you may be pulled over and issued a warning.
- In some cases, drivers could be held responsible if passengers are not seated safely or if their actions create a risk of distraction.
Police officers across states have repeatedly reminded the public that just because it is not illegal does not mean it is safe.
Why It’s Dangerous
The main threat comes from airbag deployment. Airbags are designed to deploy at immense speed, up to 300 km/h, in less than a blink. They are meant to protect your head and chest when seated upright, not to interact with your legs.
If your feet are on the dashboard when an airbag inflates:
- Legs can be crushed backward into your torso.
- Knees may smash into your face or chest, causing life-threatening injuries.
- Bones and joints in the hips and spine can shatter under the force.
- Airbag cushioning for the upper body no longer works correctly because your legs block the design of the safety system.
Doctors who have treated crash victims report cases where passengers suffered broken femurs, dislocated hips, or severe head injuries because of this posture. Even a minor accident can cause long-term damage if you are sitting incorrectly.
Safety Data Table
| Position in Car | Legal Status | Safety Risk in Crash |
|---|---|---|
| Feet on dashboard | Not illegal | High risk |
| Proper seating & belts | Required by law | Maximum protection |
| Reclining seat | Generally allowed | Low if feet stay down |
Reclining vs Dashboard Position
There is often confusion between reclining your seat back and placing your feet on the dashboard. A reclined seat is generally allowed and not considered an offence as long as the seatbelt still fits securely across your lap and shoulder. The risk increases, however, if reclining too far prevents the seatbelt from working properly.
Placing your feet on the dashboard is far riskier because it disrupts both the airbag system and your seatbelt protection. Even passengers who want to stretch during long journeys should keep their feet down.
Police and Road Safety Warnings
Australian police forces across different states have actively warned about this dangerous habit. In many cases, traffic officers issue verbal warnings to passengers spotted with their feet on the dashboard. While formal fines are rare, passengers need to understand that officers take the issue seriously.
For drivers, it is legally expected that they ensure their passengers are wearing seatbelts properly. A driver allowing unsafe behavior, including feet in risky places, could face accountability if an accident occurs.
Real Incidents as Reminders
Around the world, several crash reports highlight how dangerous this posture can be. In Queensland, cases were documented where passengers received devastating leg injuries because their knees hit their faces at the moment of airbag deployment. Similar accidents overseas have left young passengers needing metal rods in their legs or suffering lifelong disabilities after choosing comfort over safety.
These are not dramatic warnings but real consequences that continue to happen. The risk is not just theoretical.
Practical Advice for Passengers and Drivers
Instead of choosing comfort over safety, here are simple guidelines that help:
- Always keep both feet on the floor while sitting in the passenger seat.
- Adjust your seat to a comfortable position where the seatbelt sits correctly.
- On long journeys, take short breaks to stretch instead of reclining too far or placing legs up high.
- As a driver, kindly but firmly remind passengers not to put their feet on the dashboard. Safety is ultimately shared by everyone inside the car.
Why Safety Beats Comfort
Many passengers choose to rest their feet up for cooling near the air conditioning or stretching on long drives. While temporarily comfortable, it can turn into lifelong regret within seconds of an accident. In 2025, road safety guidelines continue to emphasize that small actions like correct seating make the biggest difference in crash survival.
Final Word
In Australia, resting your feet on the dashboard is not technically illegal, but it is one of the most unsafe positions a passenger can take. Airbags and seatbelts are designed with the assumption that bodies are properly seated. Altering this posture not only removes your protection but can also turn safety features into threats.
The bottom line for 2025: comfort should never outweigh safety on the road. Sit back, buckle up, and keep feet on the floor where they belong.