Is It Legal to Ride in the Bed of a Pickup Truck? A Complete 50 State Guide

People riding in the bed of a pickup truck while driving-the law by state riding in the bed of a pickup truck

The laws for taking a ride in the bed of a pickup truck vary greatly across the states in the U.S. These 21 states have no laws related to riding in the back of a pickup truck:  Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming. The other 29 states in the USA do have laws related to taking a ride in the bed of a pickup truck.

In Texas, for instance, there are specific regulations that permit this practice under certain conditions. According to Texas law, passengers under the age of 18 are prohibited from taking a ride in the bed of a pickup truck unless participating in a parade, in case of an emergency, or if the truck is the only vehicle owned by the family. However, for adults and under certain conditions, it is permissible.

In other states, the laws range from complete prohibition to conditional allowances to ride in the bed of a pickup truck. For example, California strictly prohibits passengers from taking a ride in the bed of a pickup truck unless the truck is equipped with federally approved restraints. Meanwhile, states like Florida allow it provided the passengers are over a certain age or if the vehicle is being driven at a low speed.

Due to the variability in laws, it is crucial for individuals to familiarize themselves with the specific regulations in their state and any state they may be traveling through to ensure compliance and safety.

People riding in the bed of a pickup truck that is in motion. Is It Legal to Ride in the Bed of a Pickup Truck? A Complete 50 State Guide

State-By-State Laws Regarding Riding in the Back of a Pickup Truck

Below is a breakdown of the laws for every state in the United States related to taking a ride in the bed of a pickup truck.

State Summary of State Laws  Associated Links
Alabama No state law prohibiting someone of any age from riding in the bed of a truck. No State Law
Alaska No state law prohibiting someone of any age from riding in the bed of a truck. No State Law
Arizona No state law prohibiting someone of any age from riding in the bed of a truck. No State Law
Arkansas No person shall ride on any vehicle upon any portion of the vehicle not designed or intended for the use of passengers. AR Code § 27-35-104
California  It is legal to ride in the cargo area or back of a truck as long as it’s not on the highway and there is a federally approved restraint system that restrains you while in the back of the truck. See link for some exceptions. VEH § 23116
Colorado It is legal for a seated passenger who is at least 16 years old to ride in the bed of a truck, as long as the tailgate is closed, or the area they’re sitting in is enclosed on all sides. CO-18-4-502
Connecticut Passengers under 16 years of age cannot ride in the open bed of a truck-type vehicle or other vehicle. However, such passengers are allowed to ride in such open spaces if they are properly restrained in a safety belt that complies with federal regulations. Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 14-272a14-296
Delaware No state law prohibiting someone of any age from riding in the bed of a truck. No State Law
District of Columbia Only on-duty employees are allowed to ride in the bed of a truck. DC Traffic Laws
Florida Adults 18 and older can ride in the bed of a pickup truck without a seat belt as long as they are sitting flat on the bed, and not elevated on any surface like a cooler or cardboard box. Florida Code 316.2015-2B
Georgia It shall be unlawful for any person under the age of 18 to ride as a passenger in the uncovered bed of a pickup truck on any interstate highway in this state. Code 1981, § 40-8-79
Hawaii It is legal to ride in the bed of a pickup truck as long as there’s no more seats available in the cab, the side racks and tailgate is secured, everyone is seated on the floor, and the passengers in the truck bed are 12 or older. Haw. Rev. Stat. § 291-14
Idaho No state law prohibiting someone of any age from riding in the bed of a truck. No State Law
Illinois No state law prohibiting someone of any age from riding in the bed of a truck. No State Law
Indiana No state law prohibiting someone of any age from riding in the bed of a truck. No State Law
Iowa No state law prohibiting someone of any age from riding in the bed of a truck. No State Law
Kansas Persons under age 14 are prohibited from riding in any portion of the vehicle not intended for passengers; this includes riding in the back of pickup trucks. Article 15-8-1578a
Kentucky No state law prohibiting someone of any age from riding in the bed of a truck. No State Law
Louisiana No person or persons under the age of 12 years old shall be permitted to be a passenger in the open bed of a pickup truck. La. Tit. 32, § 284
Maine A passenger must be 19 years of age to ride in the bed of a pickup truck. Title 29-A, §2088
Maryland A child under 16 years of age may not ride in the unenclosed cargo bed of a pickup truck. Maryland § 21-1121
Massachusetts A child under 12 years of age cannot ride in the bed of a pickup truck. Mass Chapter 90-13A
Michigan A person under 18 years of age cannot ride in the bed of a pickup truck on a highway, road, or street in a city, village, or township at a speed greater than 15 miles per hour. MCL-Section 257.682b
Minnesota No state law prohibiting someone of any age from riding in the bed of a truck. No State Law
Mississippi No state law prohibiting someone of any age from riding in the bed of a truck. No State Law
Missouri No person under 18 years of age shall ride in the unenclosed bed of such truck when the truck is in operation. Mo Section 304.665
Montana No state law prohibiting someone of any age from riding in the bed of a truck. No State Law
Nebraska No person under 18 years of age can ride in the bed of a pickup truck unless riding in a parade. Nebraska DOT Law
Nevada Any such passenger must be 18 years or older, or the trust must be being used for farming or ranching.
NV 484B.160
New Hampshire No state law prohibiting someone of any age from riding in the bed of a truck. No State Law
New Jersey It is illegal for anyone to ride in the bed of a pickup truck or any part of a motor vehicle not intended for passenger use. Section 3 4-69:
New Mexico Passengers over the age of 18 can ride in the bed of a pickup truck. HBO116
New York Riding in the back of a pickup truck is illegal on all New York State roads and highways, except for vehicles specifically designed to transport passengers in the back with safety features that meet federal standards. NY Section 1222
North Carolina Children under the age of 16 cannot ride in the bed of a pickup truck without permanent overhead restraining construction. NC 20-135.2B
North Dakota No state law prohibiting someone of any age from riding in the bed of a truck. No State Law
Ohio No truck, trailer, or semitrailer driver may allow anyone under 16 to ride in the open cargo area if the vehicle exceeds 25 mph, unless: 1) the area has a properly secured seat with a compliant seatbelt, and the passenger is seated and buckled; or 2) an emergency threatens the life of the driver or passenger. Section 4511.51-E
Oklahoma No state law prohibiting someone of any age from riding in the bed of a truck. No State Law
Oregon Oregon law prohibits anyone under 18 years of age from riding on the hood, fender, running board, or other external part of a vehicle, including a pickup bed. ORS 811.205
Pennsylvania An open-bed pickup truck or open flatbed truck may not be driven at a speed of more than 35 miles per hour if any person is occupying the bed of the truck. Such a truck may not be driven at any speed if a child less than 18 years of age is occupying the bed of the truck or trailer PA Title 75-§ 3719.a.b.
Rhode Island The law prohibits anyone under the age of 16 from taking a ride in the bed of a pickup truck. RI Gen. Law 31-22-22
South Carolina It is unlawful to transport a person under 15 years of age in the open bed or open cargo area of a pickup truck or trailer. SC Title § 55-8-189
South Dakota No state law prohibiting someone of any age from riding in the bed of a truck. No State Law
Tennessee Children as young as 6 can ride in the bed of a pickup truck within city limits but a passenger must be over 12 years of age to ride in the bed when traveling on an interstate. Title 55-8-189
Texas Texas law permits adults 18 years and older to ride in the open bed of a pickup truck or open trailer. TRANSP. Code Section 545.414-a.
Utah No state law prohibiting someone of any age from riding in the bed of a truck. No State Law
Vermont No state law prohibiting someone of any age from riding in the bed of a truck. No State Law
Virginia Passengers over the age of 16 can ride in the bed of a pickup truck. Code Section 46.2-1156.1
Washington No state law prohibiting someone of any age from riding in the bed of a truck. No State Law
West Virginia No state law prohibiting someone of any age from riding in the bed of a truck. No State Law
Wisconsin Passengers over the age of 16 can ride in the bed of a pickup truck and can do so only if they are seated in the box. Section Code 346.922
Wyoming No state law prohibiting someone of any age from riding in the bed of a truck. No State Law

Dangers of Taking a Ride in the Bed of a Pickup Truck

Riding in the bed of a pickup truck presents significant dangers that cannot be overlooked. Firstly, there are no safety restraints to protect passengers in the event of a sudden stop or collision, which can result in serious injuries or fatalities.

Additionally, passengers are exposed to the elements and road debris, increasing the risk of harm. The lack of stability and protection in the truck bed also means that passengers can be easily thrown from the vehicle during sharp turns or if the truck hits a bump.

Consequently, it is essential to recognize these risks and ensure that all passengers are seated safely inside the cabin. Especially children,  in fact, only 17 states actually have laws keeping children out of the beds of pickups while traveling. According to the statistics from the National Library of Medicine. Seventy-one percent of the states with pickup truck regulations include only the preschool-age child.

A review of medical records for a 40-month period revealed 40 patients whose injuries were a direct result of being a passenger in the bed of a pickup truck.

Girl taking a ride in the bed of a truck

Common Injuries from Riding in the Bed of a Pickup Truck

Victims of accidents who are seated in the bed of a pickup truck can suffer a range of severe injuries due to the lack of protection and safety restraints. Common injuries from riding in the bed of a pickup truck include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) resulting from the head hitting the bed’s hard surface or being ejected from the vehicle.
  • Spinal cord injuries can lead to permanent paralysis or neurological impairments.
  • Fractures and broken bones are prevalent due to the high impact forces experienced during collisions or sudden stops.
  • Internal bleeding can lead to serious injuries including death.
  • Wrongful death can result from riding in the bed of a pickup truck.

The absence of seat belts and proper seating drastically increases the likelihood of being thrown from the truck, which can result in further injuries. Given these risks, it is imperative to stress the importance of sitting inside the vehicle where proper safety measures can be utilized.

Who Most Commonly Rides in the Bed of Pickup Trucks?

Young males represent the majority of people who ride in the bed of a pickup truck. In fact, 69-75% of passengers in the beds of trucks are males. One of the primary reasons why young men are often seen riding in the bed of a pickup truck is the sense of adventure and freedom it provides. The open air, unencumbered by the confines of a vehicle cab, offers a thrilling experience that is particularly appealing to younger individuals seeking excitement.

Additionally, riding in the bed of a truck can be a social activity, allowing friends to engage more easily with each other during trips, making it a popular choice among young men looking for camaraderie and shared experiences. Another factor is the portrayal of this practice in popular culture, from movies to music videos, which often glamorize the notion of riding in a truck bed, associating it with a rugged, carefree lifestyle. While this mode of travel has its allure, it is crucial to remember the safety risks and legal issues involved.

Safety Tips for Riding in the Bed of a Pickup Truck

Riding in the bed of a truck can be dangerous and is illegal in many places. If you find yourself needing to transport passengers this way, here are some essential safety tips to consider:

  • Check Local Laws: Before allowing anyone to ride in the bed of a truck, make sure to check the local laws and regulations. Many states and municipalities have strict rules against this practice.
  • Secure Passengers: Ensure that passengers in the truck bed are seated as securely as possible. If available, use seat belts or other securing mechanisms to prevent passengers from being thrown out of the truck during sudden stops or sharp turns.
  • Maintain Low Speeds: Drive at a reduced speed when transporting passengers in the bed. High speeds can increase the risk of accidents, and the impact can be more severe without the protection of a cab.
  • Avoid Rough Roads: Stick to smooth, well-maintained roads to minimize the risk of injury from bumps and sudden jolts. Off-road trails and uneven surfaces pose higher risks for passengers in an open truck bed.
  • Communicate Clearly: Make sure that passengers are aware of the route and any potential hazards beforehand. Clear communication can help prepare them for sudden maneuvers.
  • Limit the Number of Passengers: Do not overload the truck bed. Keeping the number of passengers to a minimum can help in maintaining better balance and safety.

Remember, the safest place for passengers is always inside the vehicle’s cab where they are protected by seatbelts and airbags.

We May Be Able to Help if You Were Injured Riding in the Bed of a Pickup Truck

If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence while taking a ride in the bed of a pickup truck, our Texas personal injury lawyers can help you understand your options and your rights. Call us at today for a FREE CONSULTATION. There’s never a fee unless we win your case.

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