Yes, riding in the back of a truck is legally permitted in Peru under specific conditions, but it is not universally unrestricted.
Peruvian traffic regulations, governed by the Reglamento Nacional de Tránsito (Supreme Decree No. 016-2009-MTC) and enforced by the Policía Nacional del Perú (PNP) through División de Investigación de Accidentes de Tránsito (DIAT), allow such transport only when vehicles comply with safety and structural standards. Municipal ordinances in Lima and Cusco, for example, impose additional restrictions, particularly in urban areas. A 2026 amendment to the Ley de Transporte Terrestre (Law No. 30936) tightens penalties for violations, including fines up to S/ 1,800 (approx. $450) for transporting passengers in non-compliant vehicles.
Key Regulations for Riding in the Back of a Truck in Peru
- Structural Compliance: Trucks must have certified, enclosed cargo areas with secure seating and handrails. Open-bed transport is prohibited unless the vehicle is explicitly designed for passenger carriage (e.g., camionetas rurales with approved modifications).
- Speed and Route Restrictions: Urban and interurban routes are subject to speed limits (e.g., 50 km/h in cities). Trucks carrying passengers in the back are barred from high-speed highways (autopistas) and mountainous regions during adverse weather.
- Passenger Eligibility: Only individuals aged 12+ may ride in truck beds, and all must wear seatbelts or harnesses. Children under 12 are prohibited unless seated in a certified child restraint within a compliant vehicle.
Violations are documented by traffic authorities and may result in vehicle impoundment. Local governments, such as the Municipalidad de Lima, conduct periodic operativos to enforce these rules, particularly in tourist-heavy zones like Miraflores and San Isidro. Always verify regional ordinances, as rural areas may enforce stricter interpretations of national law.