No, riding unrestrained in the back of a truck bed is illegal in Arkansas under Ark. Code Ann. § 27-51-212, enforced by the Arkansas State Police. Local ordinances in cities like Little Rock and Fayetteville impose additional fines for violations, with a 2026 state review pending stricter penalties.
Key Regulations for Riding in the Back of a Truck in Arkansas
- Age Restrictions: Children under 12 are prohibited from riding in truck beds under Ark. Code Ann. § 27-51-212(a)(2), with exceptions for agricultural or emergency transport.
- Seat Belt Mandates: All occupants must use seat belts if the truck bed lacks factory-installed restraints, per Arkansas State Police enforcement guidelines.
- Local Ordinances: Municipalities like Little Rock (Ordinance 2023-045) impose fines up to $250 for violations, exceeding state penalties.
Violations are classified as primary offenses, allowing law enforcement to stop vehicles solely for this infraction. The Arkansas Department of Transportation’s 2026 compliance review may expand restrictions to include mandatory barriers for adult passengers.