No, riding unrestrained in the back of a moving truck is illegal nationwide under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) and state road rules, with penalties up to $2,200 and demerit points in Victoria. The Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) further exposes operators to liability if passengers are injured, while Transport for NSW’s 2026 Compliance Strategy targets unsecured loads and passenger safety as enforcement priorities.
Key Regulations for Riding in the Back of a Truck in Australia
- Seat and restraint requirements: All passengers must be seated in approved seating with functional seatbelts under Road Rules 2014 (NSW) and equivalent state regulations. The HVNL mandates secure seating for any person transported in a work vehicle.
- Load restraint laws: Unsecured passengers are treated as unsecured loads under National Transport Commission’s Load Restraint Guide 2018, requiring restraining systems to prevent ejection or injury during transit.
- State-specific exemptions: Western Australia’s Road Traffic Code 2000 permits limited exceptions for agricultural or emergency vehicles, but only when speeds remain below 40 km/h and passengers are seated on designated platforms.