No, riding unrestrained in the back of a truck is illegal in Texas under Transportation Code § 545.414, which mirrors federal NHTSA guidance. Local ordinances, such as Dallas City Code § 54-115, further prohibit open-bed transport for children under 18. Violations incur fines up to $200 and potential misdemeanor charges under 2026 legislative updates.
Key Regulations for Riding in the Back of a Truck in Texas
- Age Restrictions: Children under 18 are prohibited from riding in truck beds per state law, with exceptions only for agricultural or emergency scenarios.
- Safety Equipment Mandates: Adults may ride in truck beds only if secured by seat belts or approved restraints, as enforced by Texas DPS inspections.
- Local Ordinances: Municipalities like Austin and Houston impose additional bans, including fines for commercial vehicles transporting passengers in open beds.
Texas DPS and local law enforcement conduct targeted enforcement during high-risk periods (e.g., holidays). Violators face escalating penalties under 2026 amendments to § 545.414, aligning with NHTSA’s “Every Ride, Every Time” safety initiative. Commercial operators must adhere to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) standards, which prohibit passenger transport in truck beds entirely.