Can You Legally Ride in the Bed of a Truck in Wisconsin?

The answer is, it depends. While there are no specific laws prohibiting it, there are several factors to consider, such as the age of the person riding in the bed and whether or not the vehicle is equipped with proper safety features.

Age Restrictions

In Wisconsin, it is illegal for anyone under 16 to ride in the bed of a truck. For those aged 16-17, riding in the back of a truck is only allowed if all of the following conditions are met:

  • The vehicle must have sideboards at least 16 inches high.
  • The bed must be at least 6 feet long and 4 feet wide.
  • The vehicle must have tailgates or other appropriate means to prevent passengers from falling out.

Safety Features

Wisconsin law also requires that all pickup trucks must be equipped with certain safety features when transporting passengers in the bed. This includes:

  • Handholds: Handholds must be provided for each passenger and placed so that they can easily be reached from inside the bed.
  • Seatbelts: Seatbelts must be provided for each passenger and should fit snugly around their body.
  • Safety Nets: Safety nets must be installed on both sides of the bed to prevent passengers from being thrown out during sudden stops or collisions.

Penalties

If a driver is found transporting passengers illegally in their pickup truck, they will face fines and potential jail time depending on the circumstances. Additionally, any passengers who are caught riding in an unsafe manner will also face fines.

Conclusion

While it is legal to ride in the bed of a truck in Wisconsin under certain circumstances, it is important to understand what those conditions are and make sure everyone remains safe while doing so. Drivers should always make sure that their vehicle meets all applicable safety standards before allowing anyone to ride inside or outside of it.

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Susan Delgado