No, riding unrestrained in a truck bed is illegal under Arizona Revised Statutes §28-914(A), with exceptions for agricultural, parade, or emergency operations. Local jurisdictions like Phoenix and Tucson enforce additional municipal codes, and 2026 ADOT rulemaking may tighten penalties for minors and commercial transport.
Key Regulations for Riding in the Back of a Truck in Arizona
- A.R.S. §28-914(A) prohibits transporting passengers in open truck beds unless seated in a secured, manufacturer-installed seat with seatbelts. Violations incur Class 2 misdemeanor charges.
- Local ordinances in Maricopa County (Phoenix Municipal Code §36-29) and Pima County (Tucson Code §10-12-1) impose stricter limits, banning all unrestrained passengers under 18 in truck beds.
- Commercial exceptions require DOT-compliant seating per Arizona Administrative Code R17-4-401, mandating crash-tested restraints for workers in agricultural or construction sectors.
Enforcement prioritizes safety during high-incident periods, such as holiday weekends, with ADOT’s 2026 rulemaking targeting unsecured loads and underage passengers. Violators face fines up to $250 plus court surcharges.