With varying laws in each state, it can be hard to know where you stand when it comes to certain things. Riding in the back of a truck is one of many varying laws and with 30 states having different restrictions, and 20 having no laws against it.
We’ve compiled a list with all the information you need to know about whether it’s legal to ride in the back of a truck, or if you could face legal repercussions.
It is legal to ride in the back of a truck in some states, under certain circumstances. States are very divided on this law. While it may be technically legal in some situations, it is never recommended because of how dangerous it can be.
Is Riding In The Back Of A Truck Legal?
With a split in variations in restrictions being present across 30 states, some of the laws have extremely in-depth legislations such as Colorado, and others just restrict the age in which you can ride in the back.
States That Allow Truck Bed Passengers
You may notice a common theme in the states that have no or very few laws against riding in the back of a truck. Most of these states are in rural areas meaning more relaxed ruling around this controversial topic. The 19 states that have no laws prohibiting riding in the back of a truck are:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Delaware
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Kentucky
- Minnesota
- Montana
- New Hampshire
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
- Oklahoma
- Vermont
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
States That Restrict Riding In The Back Of Trucks
- Colorado permits riding in the back of a pickup truck as long as the passenger will be protected by an enclosed cargo area,
- Connecticut allows occupants to ride in a pickup truck bed as long as they are over the age of 16 otherwise, they must be belted.
- Florida restricts passengers by only allowing the act if you are secured in an enclosed area.
- Georgia has the same ruling as Florida, only permitting you to ride in the back of a truck if you are secured behind an enclosed area.
- Hawaii prohibits riding in the back of a pickup truck unless there is no additional seating available.
- Kansas only has ruled against people under the age of 18 from riding in a pickup truck bed.
- Louisiana has more in-depth ruling with the law only permitting riding in the back of trucks as long as the vehicle is not on an interstate highway, and children under 12 cannot rude when on highways especially when not secured by enclosing.
- Maine allows passengers to ride in pickup trucks beds as long as they are over the age of 19.
- Maryland only allows passengers under the age of 16 to ride in pickup truck beds if the vehicle is not moving higher than 25mpg as it is a legal requirement for children to have proper car seats and restraints onboard.
- Massachusetts does not allow for any child under the age of 12 to ride in these circumstances when traveling at less than 5pmh and covering a distance less than 5 miles
- Michigan does not allow anyone under the age of 18 in the truck bed when moving unless traveling at speeds under 16mph.
- Missouri does not allow passengers under the age of 18 when traveling in urban areas and interstates.
- Nebraska has no ruling on passengers riding in the back of a truck, as long as they are over the age of 18.
- Nevada does not allow passengers under 18 in a pickup truck bed unless for work-related reasons.
- New Mexico only allows passengers over the age of 18 to ride in the back of a truck.
- North Carolina allows all passengers to ride in the back of a truck, as long as those under the age of 17 are secured with a belt or have full adult supervision.
- Ohio only allows passengers to travel in the back of a truck if the tailgate is fully secured. If traveling over speeds of 25mph then passengers under 16 years of age are not permitted to ride.
- Oregon states unless restraint is available to secure passengers under the age of 18, then they cannot ride in the truck bed, otherwise, it is okay.
- Pennsylvania only allows passengers under the age of 18 to be present in the truck bed if the vehicle is moving less than 35mph.
- Rhode Island allows all passengers in the truck bed, as long as passengers under the age of 16 are secured with a passenger restraint.
- South Carolina has the same ruling, but with restraints or adult supervision being needed for children under the age of 15.
- Tennessee allows all passengers above the age of 12 to ride in the cargo area of a pickup truck.
- Texas only allows passengers in the back of a pickup truck if they are over the age of 18 and if the pickup truck is owned by a family member.
- Virginia allows all passengers in the back of a pickup truck as long as they are over the age of 16.
States That Prohibit Riding In Truck Bed
- Arkansas does not allow any passengers to ride in a truck bed unless you are an employee on duty.
- California completely prohibits passengers from riding in the cargo space of a truck.
- District of Columbia prohibits and fines any passengers in the pickup truck bed unless you are an employee on duty.
- Indiana does not legally have anything in place to say you cannot ride in the back of a truck, however, it is frowned upon by police officials.
- New Jersey also only allows passengers on duty to ride in the cargo space, however, it is not permitted in any other circumstances.
- New York does not allow people to ride in the pickup truck bed under any circumstances.
- Utah prohibits passengers in the truck bed unless you are an employee on duty.
- Wisconsin only allows riding if you are doing so for work purposes, hunting, parades, or farm operation.
FAQs
Is it safe riding in the back of a truck?
Even the safest of drivers cannot guarantee they may not need to swerve or come to a sudden stop meaning that if you are not seatbelted within the vehicle, riding in the back of a pickup truck can be extremely dangerous.
What is a truck bed?
The truck bed is defined as the bottom or floor of a truck or trailer that can either be open or have enclosed sides.
Which truck has the deepest bed?
The Silverado 1500 has a truck bed depth of 22.4 which is the deepest known truck bed.
Conclusion
With laws varying so greatly over the states, knowing the correct ways to be safe and legal in your vehicle is a key aspect to being a respectful driver on the road, as well as avoiding fines or even losing your license. We hope this article has helped to clear up any confusion surrounding if it is legal to ride in the back of a pickup truck.
