Can You Sit in the Back of a Pickup Truck in California?

In California, it is generally not legal to ride in the back of a pickup truck. There are some exceptions however.

According to the California Vehicle Code, people under 18 years of age are prohibited from riding in the open cargo area of a pickup truck. However, there are some exceptions to this rule for people aged 16 and 17 who may ride in the open cargo area if they are accompanied by an adult driver or a parent or guardian.

In addition, anyone riding in the back of a pickup truck must be securely seated on the vehicle’s bed with their feet on the floor or on the running board. Furthermore, if it is legally permissible for someone to ride in the back of a pickup truck, they must be wearing seat belts and/or other safety equipment that can protect them from injury.

It is also important to note that most cities and counties have their own laws governing this issue and some may further restrict or prohibit passengers from riding in the open cargo area of pickup trucks. Therefore, it is important to check local laws before allowing anyone to ride in the back of a pickup truck.

Finally, it’s important to remember that even if you can legally sit in the back of a pickup truck, it’s still not recommended due to safety reasons. Pickup trucks are built differently than cars and lack many safety features found on cars such as side-impact airbags and other structural reinforcements that can provide protection in case of an accident.

Conclusion: In conclusion, while there are some exceptions for those under 18 years old, California law generally prohibits sitting in the back of a pickup truck due to safety concerns. It is important to consult local laws for any additional restrictions before allowing anyone to ride in an open cargo area of a vehicle and always consider safety when deciding whether or not to allow someone to ride in an open cargo area.

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James Gardner