No Texas law forbids adults from riding in the back of a pickup truck. However, it’s not uncommon to see farmers and ranchers moving their workers from place to place in the back of a pickup truck. However, riding in the back of a truck is definitely not a safe choice for motor vehicle passengers. In Texas, it is a misdemeanor traffic violation for a person to operate an open-bed pickup truck or an open flatbed truck with a child under the age of 18 years old riding in the bed of the truck or trailer. If prosecuted, you could be facing a fine of between $25 and $200. Show
What are Exceptions to the Rule for Children?For those under 18, it’s generally not legal to ride in the back of a pickup truck bed. However, there are a few exceptions.
It’s important to point out that although under these certain specific circumstances, it’s technically legal to ride in the bed of a pickup truck, it’s still not safe. In all possible situations, no matter what age you are, choose to ride inside of a vehicle, where you have the safety of a seatbelt and steel cage surrounding you. What are the Dangers of Riding in the Bed of a Pickup Truck at Any Age?Truck beds were designed to carry cargo, not people. There are absolutely no safety restraints or any kind of protections available to passengers who are riding in the back of a pickup truck. Even seemingly minor crashes at relatively low speeds can be catastrophic or even fatal for passengers riding in the beds of pickup trucks. Rear-end crashes are especially dangerous because passengers are at risk for being launched out of the bed and in front of the truck. Because an object in motion likes to stay in motion, adults and children riding in the beds of pickup trucks essentially become human missiles or ragdolls, which can be thrown, tossed, or launched into any direction that they’re headed in. Objects in MotionHow Does Newton's First Law Apply to Safety in the Back of a Pickup Truck?An object in motion stays in motion, and that is what makes safety belts so vital and lifesaving. They stop bodies from turning into missiles in violently jolting (and even seemingly minor) car accidents. Even fender benders or light rear-end wrecks can toss an unrestrained passenger out of a truck bed. Being ejected from a vehicle increases the likelihood of catastrophic and potentially fatal injuries. Neck and spinal cord injuries are very common accidents. Additionally, traumatic brain injuries can also occur. If passengers are lucky enough not to get ejected, they can still suffer from severe injuries from being tossed around in the truck bed during an accident. Many people think that if they’re just driving down the road or around the neighborhood, it should be okay. Unfortunately, even crashes at speeds below 35 miles per hour can lead to serious injuries for unrestrained passengers in the beds of pickup trucks. The Country-Road Safety MythAre Country-Roads Safer Than City Roads?According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there is a prevailing myth that people who live in rural areas are less likely to be involved in crashes when compared with people in urban areas. In 2014, 12,444 passenger vehicle deaths happened on rural roads, while 8,332 deaths happened in urban locations. Over half of those people killed in rural locations were not buckled up at the time of the crash. Negligent and Distracted Drivers in ConroeAt the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how safe a driver you are. With record numbers of distracted, negligent, and impaired drivers on roadways in Conroe, Texas, it’s just not worth the risk. Seat belts save lives and should be used every trip, every time. They’re the single most effective way to protect yourself in the event of a car accident. If you have been injured or if you have lost a loved one due to a distracted or dangerous driver in or around the Conroe and Montgomery County areas, contact the Scott Law Firm at (936) 243-4299 for a free case consultation today.
LA Rev Stat § 32:284 What's This? §284. Riding in house trailers, on fenders, on running board or on rear racks prohibited; open pickup trucks; utility trailers A. No person or persons shall occupy a house trailer while it is being moved upon a highway of this state. B. No person shall be allowed to ride on running boards, fenders, tail gates, or rear racks of motor vehicles while moving upon a highway of this state, provided, that this section shall not apply to emergency and public sanitation vehicles. C. No person or persons under the age of twelve years shall be permitted to be a passenger in the open bed of a truck with a gross weight of six thousand pounds or less, commonly referred to as a pickup truck, or in a utility trailer while moving upon a highway of this state. The provisions of this Subsection shall not apply to a pickup truck traveling not more than fifteen miles per hour while participating in an authorized parade in a controlled situation. The provisions of this Section shall be inapplicable in an emergency situation if the child is accompanied within the truck bed by an adult. D. No person shall be permitted to be a passenger in the open bed of a truck with a gross weight of six thousand pounds or less, commonly referred to as a pickup truck, while the truck is moving upon an interstate highway of this state. The provisions of this Subsection shall be inapplicable in an emergency situation. Acts 1962, No. 310, §1; Acts 1988, No. 573, §1; Acts 1997, No. 245, §1; Acts 2008, No. 612, §1. Disclaimer: These codes may not be the most recent version. Louisiana may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
Español For the text of this law, click here to download a PDF version from the NC General Assembly website. Basic Requirements:Children less than age 16 are prohibited from riding in open beds of pickup trucks or other open cargo area without permanent overhead restraining construction. Note: What constitutes a permanent overhead restraining construction has never been defined by the NC Legislature or by the courts. The generally accepted interpretation is that this is a structure welded or bolted to the vehicle. A camper shell held on with clamps would probably not be considered “permanent.” Exemptions:Children less than age 16 are allowed to ride in the open bed of a pickup truck or other open cargo area in the following situations. Note that while these options are technically legal, they are not recommended.
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