No, riding unrestrained in the back of a truck violates Wisconsin Statute § 346.69(1), which prohibits transporting passengers in open cargo areas unless secured in approved seating. Local ordinances, such as Madison’s Municipal Code § 10.225, further restrict this practice. Enforcement by the Wisconsin State Patrol and county sheriffs has intensified ahead of the 2026 federal safety compliance deadline.
Key Regulations for Riding in the Back of a Truck in Wisconsin
- Seatbelt Mandate: Passengers must use DOT-approved restraints if seated in an open cargo area, per Wis. Admin. Code Trans § 305.06.
- Age Restrictions: Children under 18 are prohibited from riding in truck beds unless in an emergency, per Wis. Stat. § 346.69(2).
- Local Bans: Cities like Milwaukee and Green Bay enforce additional prohibitions via municipal ordinances, with fines up to $200.
Violations may result in citations under both state and local laws, with penalties escalating for repeat offenses. Employers transporting workers face OSHA citations under 29 CFR 1926.602(a)(1) for non-compliance. Always verify county-specific rules, as enforcement varies.