Is It Legal to Ride in the Back of a Truck in Missouri?

Many people have fond memories of riding in the back of a pickup truck when they were young but don’t know whether it is still legal to do so in Missouri. State laws say adult passengers are allowed to ride in the unenclosed bed of a pickup truck in Missouri in some situations but not others. Violating Missouri road safety regulations is a Class C misdemeanor.

What Missouri Law Says About Riding in Truck Beds

Missouri truck bed passenger laws prohibit operating a truck weighing less than 12,000 pounds gross weight with a passenger under 18 years old riding in the unenclosed truck bed. The law applies on the state road network and the federal highway system, including interstate highways. It also applies within the corporate limits of any city. Anyone who violates this law is guilty of a Class C misdemeanor. However, there are several exceptions to the ban.

Are There Exceptions to Missouri’s Truck Bed Passenger Laws?

Although Missouri vehicle passenger laws prohibit people from riding in the open bed of a pickup truck, certain exceptions exist. It is legal to ride in the bed of a truck if:

• You are over 18 years old.
• You’re riding in the uncovered bed of a pickup truck as part of your job.
• You’re engaged in agricultural activities.
• You’re in a parade or exhibition.
• The pickup bed has been modified to protect you from being thrown out.
• You’re participating in a special event, and there isn’t enough seating in the cab.
• You’re assisting someone engaged in a recreational activity.
• You’re an immediate family member of the pickup truck owner, the truck is the family’s only vehicle, and there’s insufficient room in the cab.

Penalties for Riding in the Back of a Truck in Missouri

What are the potential penalties for riding in a truck bed in Missouri? The penalties for carrying passengers in a truck bed in violation of Missouri law include:

• Up to 15 days in jail
• A fine of up to $750

However, the potential consequences are not limited to the criminal penalties. If you were riding in a truck bed during a crash, you could sustain serious injuries. The cargo area of a pickup truck offers no safety restraints or protection to passengers in case of a collision. You can easily be ejected from the vehicle and suffer severe injuries. 

If someone else’s negligence was to blame for the crash that injured you while riding in a pickup truck bed, you could be entitled to pursue a personal injury claim against the party at fault for the accident. 

Our Lawyers Help People Injured in Truck Crashes

If you’ve been injured in a Missouri truck crash while riding in the back of a truck, our St. Louis personal injury lawyers want to help you pursue maximum compensation for your injuries. The attorneys at Sumner Law Group, LLC, have over 50 years of combined experience and a track record of winning significant settlements and verdicts for victims of motor vehicle accidents. 

Contact Sumner Law Group, LLC, today to set up your free consultation with an experienced truck accident lawyer at our firm.