No, riding in the back of an open truck is illegal in Chile under the Ley de Tránsito (Law 18.290), except under emergency conditions. The Subsecretaría de Transportes enforces this via Decreto 170/2008, which mandates seatbelt use and prohibits passenger exposure to cargo hazards. Violations incur fines up to 1.5 UTM (~$100 USD) and driver liability for accidents.
Key Regulations for Riding in the Back of a Truck in Chile
- Seatbelt Mandate (Art. 78, Ley 18.290): All passengers must use seatbelts; back-of-truck transport violates this unless in enclosed, approved compartments.
- Cargo Safety (Decreto 170/2008): Transporting people in uncovered truck beds is prohibited due to risk of falls or collisions. Exceptions exist only for agricultural or mining vehicles with certified safety cages.
- Local Enforcement (Seremi de Transportes): Regional authorities, like the Seremi Metropolitana, conduct periodic inspections targeting rural and intercity routes where violations are common. Non-compliance triggers immediate fines and vehicle impoundment.
Penalties and Liability: Drivers face fines proportional to UTM values (updated annually), with repeat offenses escalating to license suspension. Passengers injured in such transport may sue for damages under Código Civil (Art. 2314), as carriers assume full risk. The Superintendencia de Seguridad del Tránsito (SUSETRAN) monitors compliance, with 2026 plans to expand AI-driven traffic cameras in high-risk zones.