You have probably seen it at least once in your lifetime: The sun is out, the roads are open, and you see someone riding on the back of a pickup truck that is cruising down the road. Sure, that seems like a ton of fun – the wind in your hair and the sun on your face. But, is it even legal to ride in the back of a pickup truck in Nevada?
Nevada Law
While there are at least 20 states across the nation that do not have laws on the books addressing whether passengers can ride on the back of a pickup truck, Nevada is not one of them. In fact, state law specifically addresses this issue allowing passengers to ride on the back of a pickup truck, but with some restrictions. Under Nevada law, passengers riding on the back of a pickup truck must be 18 years of age or older. Passengers younger than 18 years of age can ride on the back of a pickup truck if the vehicle is being used in ranching or farming or if it is taking part in an authorized parade. Also, riding in the back of a pickup truck is allowed when the vehicle is being operated on an unpaved roadway. Finally, if the passengers are riding in areas that are enclosed by a camper shell, then riding on the back of a pickup truck is allowed.
Other States
Nevada is not alone in having laws that allow passengers to ride on the back of pickup trucks, but with restrictions.
In Florida, passengers under the age of 18 are allowed to ride on the back of a pickup truck if the vehicle’s bed has safety restraints and secured seating. In Texas, if the pickup truck is the only vehicle the family has, then any child of any age can ride on its bed. Otherwise, minors can only ride on the back of a pickup truck if it is operated in a hayride, emergency, driven on a beach, transporting farm workers, or in a parade. North Carolina allows passengers ages 16 and older to ride on the back of a pickup truck. If the minor is under that age, they may ride on the back of a pickup truck if the child is with an adult, the child is restrained by a seatbelt, or the truck is being used in a parade, emergency, or used in farm work.
Many states do not consider a passenger riding on the back of a pickup truck to be too dangerous to do, however, they do impose restrictions.
Legal Help in Nevada
While it is legal in many states for adults and children to ride in the back of a pickup truck, you should do this safely if you choose to. Likewise, you should know what restrictions are in place by local and state laws regarding riding in the back of a pickup truck. If you or someone you know has been injured in a Nevada accident due to the negligence of another, contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at H & P. Click here today to schedule your initial case evaluation.
