Is It Legal to Ride in the Truck Bed in Texas?

Riding in the truck bed in Texas is a dangerous activity and should not be done. Texas law prohibits anyone from riding in the back of a pickup truck on a public highway, and the penalty for violating this law can be up to $500. It is illegal to ride in the bed of a pickup truck because it is not designed to safely transport passengers, and doing so puts everyone at risk.

Riding in an open-air vehicle such as a pickup truck exposes riders to serious hazards, including being thrown out if the vehicle turns suddenly or hits a bump or pothole. In addition, occupants are exposed to flying debris and road hazards, such as gravel and dirt kicked up by other vehicles. These hazards can cause serious injury or even death.

In addition to being dangerous, riding in the back of a pickup truck violates Texas law. According to Texas Transportation Code § 545.413, “An operator may not allow another person to ride in the bed of a motor vehicle on a public highway except when necessary for agricultural purposes or for other use that does not require registration as an authorized motor carrier…” Violating this law carries fines up to $500.

In some cases, local law enforcement may allow people to ride in the back of pickups on certain roads if they are traveling at slow speeds and there are no other alternatives available. However, it is still important for individuals considering riding in the back of pickups to check with their local authorities before doing so, as laws can vary from state-to-state and municipality-to-municipality.

Conclusion: Is it legal to ride in the truck bed in Texas? No, it is not legal – it is dangerous and against state law. Riding in an open-air vehicle such as a pickup truck exposes riders to serious hazards including being thrown out if the vehicle turns suddenly or hits a bump or pothole; therefore, individuals should check with their local authorities before considering this activity as laws can vary from place-to-place.

Photo of author

Stephen Dunn