Plenty of Virginians have climbed into the bed of a pickup or let their friends or kids do so without thinking twice.
For many, it can feel like a fun and harmless way to get around, especially for short trips on warm days.
But Virginia actually has specific laws that clearly state who can and cannot ride in the bed of a truck.
Generally speaking, adults may legally ride in the bed of a pickup truck on public roads, but most minors cannot in most circumstances.
What Virginia Law Says About Riding in the Back of a Pickup Truck
Per Virginia Code § 46.2-1156.1, it’s illegal to transport anyone under 16 years old in the bed of a pickup truck on any public highway. However, the law includes two narrow exceptions. The first allows minors to ride in a truck bed during an organized parade approved by state or local officials. The second says that a minor can ride in a truck bed if the truck is crossing or traveling along a highway as part of a farming operation between nearby fields or properties.
Outside of these specific circumstances, the law forbids children from riding in open cargo areas. This statute does not restrict adults, but officials warn that the practice is not safe for anyone.
Why Riding in the Bed of a Truck Is Dangerous
The bed of a pickup truck is not designed for passengers. It has no seat belts or restraints to protect people during collisions, abrupt stops, or sharp turns. Even at low speeds, a small bump or swerve could easily throw someone from a truck bed. Passengers in truck beds are also directly exposed to road debris, exhaust fumes, and ambient weather conditions.
According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), most of the injuries and deaths that happen in pickup truck accidents involve people riding in open beds. Passengers who ride in open cargo areas are 26 times more likely to be ejected and eight times more likely to die in traffic collisions than those inside the cab.
The safest place for every passenger, no matter their age, is inside the vehicle with proper restraints.
Legal and Liability Consequences After a Truck Bed Accident
Liability can get complicated in accident cases involving people riding in truck beds. If a driver allows a child under 16 to ride in the back of their pickup on a public highway, they could face fines for breaking Virginia’s laws on riding in the bed of a truck.
Civil liability can also follow if the passenger suffers injuries. Insurance companies might argue that the choice to allow riding in the bed contributed to the harm and use that as an excuse to reduce or deny coverage. If another driver caused the crash, the injured passenger could still seek compensation, but their decision to ride unsecured could affect the amount they receive. However, the injured passenger could argue that their decision to ride in the truck’s bed did not cause the accident and that they should not be precluded from recovering compensation for losses in a crash caused by the other driver’s negligence.
Anyone hurt in a truck bed accident should talk to a personal injury lawyer to understand how the law applies to their situation.
Contact D. Michael Mullori, Jr., Attorney at Law, Now for a Free Consultation
If you were involved in a Virginia traffic accident involving someone riding in the back of a pickup truck, Mike Mullori can review what happened and explain your legal options. He is ready to work tirelessly to assess liability, handle insurance negotiations, and pursue full compensation for your losses.
Contact the firm today or call (703) 762-2142 anytime to learn more during a free consultation. Our office is conveniently located at 2500 Hunter Pl, Unit 102, Woodbridge, VA. We can help!
