Can You Ride in the Back of a Truck With a Camper Shell in California?

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you might be wondering if it is legal to ride in the back of a truck with a camper shell in the state of California. The simple answer is that it is not legal. According to California Vehicle Code Section 27400, no person shall ride in the open bed of a pickup truck unless the vehicle is equipped with a permanent camper shell or other permanent structure.

This code section also states that “no person shall occupy any space within the bed of a pickup truck or other vehicle when such vehicle is being driven on any highway or upon any public land, except for persons occupying such space for the purpose of securing cargo”. This means that even if you have a camper shell installed on your truck, it still isn’t legal for anyone to ride in the back.

There are some exceptions to this law, however. It doesn’t apply to farm labor vehicles or vehicles operated by governmental entities such as police and fire departments. It also doesn’t apply to motor homes, campers, trailers or other similar vehicles that are designed for carrying passengers.

The bottom line is that riding in the back of a truck with a camper shell in California is not legal. If you want to enjoy your time outdoors while traveling around the state, there are many ways to do so safely and legally without putting yourself or others at risk by riding in an open bed pickup truck.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, it is not legal to ride in the back of a truck with a camper shell in California according to California Vehicle Code Section 27400. There are some exceptions to this law but they do not include recreational activities. To ensure everyone’s safety while enjoying outdoor activities and traveling around California lawfully, be sure to use alternative transportation options like motor homes, campers and trailers instead of riding in an open bed pickup truck.

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Susan Delgado