Anderson Injury Lawyers | February 20, 2025 | Personal Injury
Many people ride in the bed of pickup trucks each day. However, some states make it illegal to ride in cargo areas of trucks and other vehicles.
Whether it is legal to ride in the bed of a pickup truck depends on state law. Even though it may be legal to ride in a pickup truck bed, an accident could result in catastrophic injuries and permanent impairments. If you are injured in a truck accident, a Texas truck accident lawyer can help you determine your options for a personal injury claim.
What Are the State Laws for Riding in the Bed of a Pickup Truck?
Below is a reference to the state laws governing riding in the bed of a pickup truck. For more information about specific state laws, click on the associated links for each state.
States with No Laws for Riding in the Bed of a Pickup Truck
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports the following states do not have state laws covering riding in the bed of pickup trucks:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Montana
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Oklahoma
- Iowa
- Kentucky
- Minnesota
- Delaware
- Washington
- Mississippi
- Alaska
- New Hampshire
- Illinois
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
- Utah
- Vermont
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
States with no restrictions on riding in the truck bed may have higher accident and injury rates.
States with Laws for Riding in the Bed of a Pickup Truck
The following states have statutes that make it legal to ride in the bed of pickup trucks and/or restrict riding in pickup truck beds:
- Arkansas: No one can ride in any portion of a vehicle not intended for passengers (AR Code §27-35-104)
- California: It is legal to ride in the bed of a truck as long as the truck is not on the highway and there is a federally approved restrain system (California Vehicle Code §23116)
- Colorado: Someone who is 16 years old or older can ride seated in the bed of a truck as long as the bed is enclosed on all sides and the tailgate is closed (CO 18-4-502)
- Connecticut: Passengers under 16 years old cannot ride in the beds of trucks unless they are restrained in a safety bet that complies with federal law (Conn. Gen. Statutes §§14-272a and 14-296)
- Florida: Adults 18 years of age and older can ride in the bed of pickup trucks as long as they sit flat on the bed of the truck (Florida Code §316.2015-2B)
- Georgia: It is illegal for anyone under 18 years old to ride in an uncovered bed of a pickup truck on any interstate highway (GA Code §40-8-79)
- Hawaii: It is legal for someone 12 years old and older to ride in a pickup truck bed seated on the bed if there are no seats available in the cab and the tailgate and side racks are secure (Haw. Rev. Statute §291-14)
- Kansas: It is illegal for someone under the age of 14 years to ride in any portion of a vehicle not intended for passengers (Article 15-8-1578a)
- Louisiana: No one under 12 years old can ride in the open bed of a pickup truck (La. Title 32 §284)
- Maine: A person 19 years old and older can ride in the bed of a pickup truck (Title 29-A §2088)
- Maryland: Children under 16 years old cannot ride in the unenclosed pickup truck bed (Maryland §21-1121)
- Massachusetts: Children under 12 years old cannot ride in a pickup truck bed (Mass. Chapter 90-13A)
- Michigan: No one under 18 years old can ride in the bed of a pickup truck on a road with a speed greater than 15 mph (MCL §257.682b)
- Missouri: No one under 18 years old can ride in the unenclosed bed of a truck (Mo. §304.665)
- Nebraska: No one under 18 years old can ride in the back of a truck except for riding in a parade (Nebraska DOT law)
- Nevada: Someone in the bed of a truck must be at least 18 years old, or the truck is being used for ranching or farming (NV §484B.160)
- New Jersey: With limited exceptions, it is illegal for someone to ride in the back of a pickup truck (NJ §484B.160))
- New Mexico: You can ride in a pickup truck bed if you are over the age of 18 years (HBO116)
- New York: With very limited exceptions, riding in the bed of a pickup truck is illegal on roads in New York (NY Vehicle and Traffic Law §1222)
- North Carolina: Children under 16 years old cannot ride in the bed of a truck without permanent overhead restraining construction (NC §20-135.2B)
- Ohio: No one under 16 years old can ride in the truck bed if the vehicle speed is over 25 mph except when it is an emergency that threatens the life of the driver or passenger or the area has a secured seat with a seatbelt (Ohio §4511.51-E)
- Oregon: It is illegal for anyone under 18 years old to ride in a pickup bed (ORS §811.205)
- Pennsylvania: No one under 18 years old can ride in the bed of a truck, and it is prohibited to ride in the bed of a truck if the truck is going more than 35 mph (PA Title 75 §3719a and b)
- Rhode Island: It is illegal for someone under 16 years old to ride in a pickup truck bed (RI Gen. Law §31-22-22)
- South Carolina: It is illegal for a person under 15 years old to ride in the open bed or cargo area of a pickup truck (SC Title §56-5-3900)
- Tennessee: Children six years old and older can ride in the bed of a truck within the limits of a city if they are older than 12 years if traveling on an interstate (Tenn. Title 55-8-189)
- Texas: Adults 18 years old and older can ride in the bed of a truck (Texas Transp. Code §545.414a)
- Virginia: Passengers over 16 years old can ride in the bed of a pickup truck (VA Code §46.2-1156.1)
- Wisconsin: Passengers who are at least 16 years old can ride in the bed of a truck if they are seated in the box (Code Section 346.922)
There may be exceptions to the above laws. A thorough review of your state’s laws is required to ensure you follow the law.
Get Help With a Truck Accident Case in Texas
Truck accidents can result in catastrophic injuries. Call Anderson Injury Lawyers for a free consultation with a Texas truck accident lawyer. Let us help you seek fair compensation for economic and non-economic damages.
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