Federal standards require that occupant compartments of vehicles be designed
to protect occupants during a crash. The beds of pickup trucks are designed to
carry cargo, not people, and are not designed to provide protection in a crash.
In addition, children and adults can be easily ejected from cargo areas at relatively
low speeds as a result of a sharp turn to avoid an obstacle or crash.
The hazards of riding in cargo areas have been addressed in 30 states and the District of Columbia
by a variety of laws, most of which are designed to protect children, but few of which
provide comprehensive protection for all children younger than 16. Seat belt and child
restraint laws also may apply to prevent people from riding unrestrained in cargo areas.
The following table shows the states that have laws regarding the restrictions on
riding in cargo areas and the major gaps or exemptions in those laws. For information
on safety belt use laws and child restraint laws, see child restraint/belt use laws.
States with restrictions on riding in cargo areas of pickup trucks
(click on a state for more details)
