Is It Legal to Drive a Pickup Truck With the Tailgate Down in Texas?

Driving a pickup truck with the tailgate down in Texas is legal, but there are certain restrictions that must be followed. First, the load being transported in the pickup truck must not extend beyond the bed of the truck.

If it does, it must be secured with appropriate tie-downs to ensure that it does not become a hazard or create a distraction for other drivers. Second, any items being transported in the back of a pickup truck must not obstruct or otherwise impair the view of other drivers on the road. Third, if an item is larger than four feet wide, then it must be covered by a tarp or some other form of protection to prevent debris from falling out and causing a hazard on the roadway.

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has certain regulations regarding driving with an open tailgate on your pickup truck as well. The tailgate must be fully lowered and securely attached to your vehicle so that it does not open while you are driving.

If you are transporting large or bulky items in your pickup truck, then you may need to attach additional straps or chains to secure them. Additionally, TxDOT recommends that you drive no faster than 45mph while transporting items with an open tailgate.

If you are uncertain about any of these regulations, then it is always best to err on the side of caution and keep your tailgate closed while driving your pickup truck in Texas. This will help to ensure that your load is secure and will reduce the risk of causing accidents due to loose items flying off your vehicle.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, it is legal to drive a pickup truck with the tailgate down in Texas as long as certain regulations are followed. It is important to ensure that any load being transported does not obstruct or impair the view of other drivers and should also be secured appropriately so that it does not become a hazard for other motorists on the road.

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Stephen Dunn