Is It Illegal to Ride in the Bed of a Truck?..

The sight of someone riding in the back of a pickup truck might bring to mind rural roads or weekend adventures, but is it illegal to ride in the bed of a truck in Colorado? The answer is more complicated than a simple yes or no. In some cases, it depends on who is riding and how old they are. At Fang Accident Lawyers, we understand how quickly something that starts as a harmless ride can turn tragic, especially when trucks are involved in serious accidents.

Truck beds offer no crash protection, and even short trips can be risky. Uneven roads or quick stops only increase the danger. Let’s break down what Colorado law says, who tends to ride in truck beds, and why these rides can quickly become dangerous.

Can You Ride in the Bed of a Truck in Colorado?

Yes, but with serious limitations. Colorado does not have a complete ban on riding in the bed of a pickup truck, but the law imposes age-specific requirements. According to the Colorado General Assembly, state law requires that children up to 15 years old riding in a motor vehicle must be properly secured. Children under eight must be in an appropriate child restraint system, while older children must use either a seat belt or a restraint system that meets federal safety standards.

There is no state law that explicitly bans adults from riding in the open bed of a pickup truck, but this doesn’t mean it’s safe or advisable. In fact, law enforcement officers may still issue citations if the situation presents a clear safety hazard, particularly when the truck is traveling on highways, at high speeds, or in poor weather conditions that make control more difficult.

Municipalities within Colorado may also have their own ordinances, so it’s possible for something legal on a county road to be illegal in a city like Denver. To fully understand the answer to the question, Is it illegal to ride in the bed of a truck, it’s essential to check local rules and traffic codes, which may differ by jurisdiction. It’s worth checking with local laws before assuming it’s allowed.

Who Usually Rides in the Bed of a Truck?

In many states, including Colorado, adults often choose to ride in the back of a truck for convenience, whether heading to a work site, moving between fields, or simply making a short trip in a rural area. As noted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), pickup beds are not designed for passengers and offer no protection in the event of a crash, yet most states still allow adults to ride in them.

Typically, it’s teenagers, workers, or recreational passengers who ride in truck beds. Teenagers may climb in for a ride around town, laborers may use the space for quick transport between job sites, and outdoor enthusiasts might load into a truck after a day of hiking, camping, or boating. It’s also not uncommon to see this during parades, festivals, or local community events where people often assume short, familiar routes mean less risk.

But it’s important to remember: pickup beds are meant to carry items, not people. There are no seat belts, airbags, or barriers to protect passengers from sudden stops or collisions, and the lack of structural safety features can turn even a minor accident into a life-threatening event.

Is It Dangerous to Be in the Bed of a Truck?

Absolutely. Even when driving at moderate speeds, riding in a truck bed poses significant risks. There’s no restraint system to protect passengers, and in the event of a crash, rollover, or even abrupt braking, individuals can be thrown from the vehicle.

Unrestrained passengers in the bed of a truck are significantly more likely to suffer serious or fatal injuries during an accident. Sudden lane changes, potholes, or unexpected braking can launch a person out of the vehicle before the driver even realizes something has gone wrong.

A collision at 30 mph can cause the same trauma as falling from a two-story building. Imagine that, combined with the lack of control or visibility from the bed of a truck, and it becomes clear why this practice is considered dangerous—even if it’s not always illegal.

Safety Tips for Riding in Pickup Trucks

While the safest option is always to ride inside the cab, there are some basic precautions that can reduce the risk if someone chooses to ride in the back of a pickup:

• Avoid highways and high-speed roads; stick to low-speed, short-distance travel where drivers can maintain full control of the vehicle and react quickly to sudden changes.
• Never allow children or pets to ride in the bed, no matter how short the trip might seem or how familiar the route may be.
• Use harness systems or install aftermarket seating if transporting passengers is necessary, and make sure any safety equipment is properly installed and regularly checked for wear.
• Keep the tailgate closed and all items secured to prevent shifting that could injure passengers or obstruct the driver’s view.
• Drive cautiously; avoid sudden stops, fast turns, uneven terrain, and other risky maneuvers that could throw passengers off balance or out of the vehicle entirely.

These precautions can help reduce the dangers but don’t eliminate them. So, when considering it is illegal to ride in the bed of a truck, remember that even legal rides can carry serious consequences if things go wrong.

Contact a Denver Truck Accident Lawyer

Whether you were injured as a passenger or struck by a vehicle with someone riding in the back, truck accident claims can become complex quickly. The legal team at Fang Accident Lawyers is ready to help Denver residents understand their options and navigate the aftermath of serious collisions, including those involving passengers in the bed of a truck.

Questions like Is it illegal to ride in the bed of a truck? often come up after the damage has already been done. Don’t wait until it’s too late to understand your rights. Contact us today at 720-379-6363.