Are you allowed to ride in the back of a pickup truck? What Florida law says about that

Want to feel the fresh air? Or grab the only open seat in the vehicle?

That may drive you to the back of a pickup truck.

But does Florida law allow you to ride there?

Here’s what to know:

Can adults ride in the back of a pickup truck?

According to Florida law, adults 18 and older can ride in the bed of a pickup truck without a seat belt as long as they are sitting flat on the bed, and not elevated on any surface like a cooler or cardboard box.

Can minors ride in pickup truck beds?

Passengers 17 and younger can ride in the back of a pickup as long as the bed has been outfitted to include secure seating and seat belts.

There are a few exceptions to that allow minors to ride in a normal pickup bed without restrictions:

▪ In a parade.

▪ In a county that has exempted itself from this restriction by majority vote.

▪ If there is a medical emergency and the minor is accompanied by an adult.

Drivers can be fined $30 for allowing a passenger to ride in the bed of a pickup unlawfully. The fine doubles if the passenger is allowed to ride on the hood, fender, or in the trunk.

Can pets ride in the back of a pickup truck?

There are no statewide restrictions for passenger pets. Some counties, including Okaloosa, have passed their own laws that prohibit unrestrained animals from riding in unenclosed vehicles. Just because it’s legal doesn’t mean it’s safe. The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends that pets be secured in a carrier when they’re in the truck bed. According to the Humane Society, 100,000 dogs die each year from riding in truck beds.

Is it safe to ride in a pickup bed?

Just because adults can legally ride in pickup beds doesn’t mean that it’s safe. Passengers in truck beds are at risk of falling out of the bed when the vehicle hits a bump or swerves to avoid an obstruction in the road. If the pickup is rear ended, those in the truck bed can even be catapulted over the pickup cabin.

If you do ride in a truck bed, remember to sit flat on the bottom of the bed and keep the risks in mind.

This story was originally published December 16, 2024 at 1:42 PM.