Riding in the Back of Pickup Trucks: Is it Illegal in Your State?

Pickup truck beds – a ride or a risk?

Depending on where you live, people riding in the backs of pickup trucks might be a common sight. However, whether due to occupation, necessity or a casual ride, the practice poses significant safety risks. According to the Child Safety Network, 50 people under the age of 21 die each year due to incidents related to riding in the back of a pickup truck.[1]

Because of these dangers, the practice is restricted in many states. In this article we’ll look at some of the safety concerns and also where you can and can’t ride in the back of a pickup truck.

Where can you ride in the back a pickup truck?

So where can you go for a ride in the back of a pickup and not end up with a traffic ticket? As with many laws, they vary significantly by state. Only three states (Arkansas, California and New Jersey) and the District of Columbia mostly outlaw the practice with few exceptions.

Eighteen states have no state laws at all on riding in the back of pickup trucks. The remaining states all have something to say about it, but they put different restrictions on it. In many cases, it depends on the age of the passenger or how fast the vehicle is going.

Here’s what the laws say in each state:

What happens if you break state laws around riding in a pickup truck?

In most cases, if you break the state laws in your state around transporting passengers in the back of a pickup truck, the driver is likely to get a traffic citation. You will have to pay a fine and may get points added to your license. In many states, the fines increase with each infraction.

In Arkansas, it’s actually a misdemeanor and, in addition to a fine, it’s possible a misdemeanor conviction will result in jail time.

Why it’s dangerous

Riding in the back of a pickup truck may seem harmless, but it introduces a range of risks that are significantly higher than if you were riding in the truck cab.

1. **Lack of Restraints:**Without seat belts or dedicated seating, passengers have little protection from being thrown about during a collision or sudden maneuver. This absence increases the likelihood of traumatic injuries. This can be remediated by adding seat belts or restraints, which will keep you in compliance with the law in some states.
2. **Unsecured Seating Area:**Pickup truck beds are intended for cargo, not human passengers. The surfaces are often uneven, and there are no built-in safety features like headrests or proper seating support, resulting in awkward positioning and an increased risk of injury.
3. **Exposure to Environmental Hazards:**The open bed exposes riders to environmental hazards, such as wind, rain, dust and flying debris. This exposure can lead to discomfort and additional risks, such as being struck by objects during a collision.
4. **Risk During Vehicle Maneuvers:**During sudden braking, sharp turns or accidents, the unsecured nature of the cargo area can result in passengers falling out of the truck. The chances of being ejected during such maneuvers are high, particularly if the truck travels at high speeds.
5. **Limited Structural Protection:**Unlike the enclosed cabin of a vehicle, the back of a pickup truck lacks the structural reinforcements designed to absorb impact. In a crash, there is minimal protection against direct impact forces, which can lead to severe injuries or fatalities.

Best Practices for Riding in Pickup Trucks

Of course, based on all of the above, the general recommendation is not to ride in the back of pickup trucks, especially in traffic or at high speeds. That said, if you are going to do it, here are some ways to lower the risks.

1. **Install Safety Equipment:**For those who must transport passengers in the bed of a truck—such as in rural or agricultural settings—retrofit solutions can be considered. Options include installing secure seating with proper restraints and adding roll cages or barriers to help prevent passengers from being ejected.
2. **Choose Your Path Wisely:**If you have to transport passengers in the back of the pickup, choose roads where you can safely travel at lower speeds. Avoid high-traffic roads and especially highways. Ideally, choose roads without a lot of loose gravel and bumps both for the comfort and safety of your passengers.
3. Always Sit Down: If you do need to ride in the back of the pickup, do not stand, even when the vehicle is not in motion.
4. Be Aware of the Law: Know the laws in the state you're driving in. Make sure riding in the back of pickup trucks is legal in your state and that the age of passengers or other factors meets the exceptions and requirements of the law.

Wrapping Up

Can you ride in the back of a pickup truck? That depends on where the pickup truck is. Should you ride in the back of a pickup truck? Even if you're in compliance with the law, you should take special precautions before attempting. In some circumstances, having some passengers ride in the back of the pickup truck may be unavoidable. As both the passengers and the driver, it's important to be aware of the safety concerns and make sure all precautions are taken to be as safe as possible.