Is It Illegal to Ride in the Back of a Pickup Truck in Tennessee? What the Law Says

Riding in the back of a pickup truck, with the wind in your hair, is a classic American image. For many, it evokes a sense of freedom and nostalgia. However, the legality and safety of this practice are often misunderstood. In Tennessee, specific laws govern who can ride in the bed of a pickup truck, and under what circumstances. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of Tennessee’s regulations, helping you understand what is and isn’t permissible.

The Dangers of Riding in a Truck Bed

Before delving into the legal specifics, it’s crucial to acknowledge the inherent dangers of riding in the back of a pickup truck. The cargo area of a truck is designed to transport goods, not people. It lacks the safety features of a passenger cabin, such as seat belts, airbags, and a reinforced frame. In the event of a collision, sudden stop, or sharp turn, passengers in the bed can be ejected from the vehicle, leading to severe injury or death. Even at low speeds, the risk is significant. Safety experts and organizations strongly advise against allowing anyone, child or adult, to ride in the cargo area of a pickup truck.​

Tennessee Law: An Overview

Tennessee has specific statutes that address the transportation of passengers in the bed of a pickup truck. These laws are primarily found in the Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA) and are designed to protect children, who are most vulnerable in such situations. The regulations are nuanced, with legality often depending on the passenger’s age and the type of roadway.

Age-Based Restrictions

The most critical factor in determining the legality of riding in a truck bed in Tennessee is the age of the passenger. The law creates three distinct age categories with different rules for each.

Children Under Six Years Old

The law is unequivocal when it comes to young children. It is always illegal to transport a child under the age of six in the bed of a pickup truck on any public road in Tennessee. This rule applies to all streets, roads, and highways, without exception for speed or distance. A violation of this law is considered a Class C misdemeanor.​

Children Between Six and Eleven Years Old

For children between the ages of six and eleven, the rules are more conditional. Whether they can legally ride in a truck bed depends on the type of road.​

• Permitted: On municipal streets and county roads, children in this age group are legally allowed to ride in the back of a pickup truck.​

• Not Permitted: It is illegal to transport children aged six to eleven in a truck bed on state highways and interstate highways.​

This distinction is based on the assumption that local roads typically have lower speed limits and less traffic, posing a slightly lower risk. However, it is important to remember that safety organizations still deem this practice unsafe regardless of the road type.​

Passengers Twelve Years and Older

Once a person reaches the age of twelve, Tennessee law permits them to ride in the bed of a pickup truck on any road, including state highways and interstates. While the state law does not prohibit adults and older children from riding in truck beds, it is still not a recommended practice due to the safety risks involved. The general seat belt law in Tennessee requires all passengers in a moving vehicle to be restrained, but this is typically interpreted to apply to passenger vehicles with available seating positions and not explicitly to truck beds for those over the age of 12.​

Roadway-Based Regulations

As mentioned, the type of road is a key element in these laws, particularly for children aged six to eleven. Here’s a simple breakdown:

• Municipal Streets and County Roads: Generally have more lenient rules, allowing passengers aged six and older to ride in the truck bed.​

• State Highways and Interstates: Have stricter regulations due to higher speeds and greater risk. Only individuals aged twelve and older are permitted to ride in truck beds on these roads.​

Vehicle and County-Specific Rules

Not all trucks are covered by these regulations. The law specifically applies to pickup trucks with a manufacturer’s rating of a half-ton or three-quarter ton. This includes popular models like the Ford F-150/F-250, Chevrolet 1500/2500 series, and Dodge 1500/2500 series.​

Furthermore, individual counties and municipalities in Tennessee have the authority to enact stricter ordinances. For example, Davidson County, which includes Nashville, has a local ordinance requiring that any person riding in a truck bed must remain entirely within the “space intended for merchandise.” This means no arms, legs, or any part of the body can be hanging over the side of the truck bed. It is always a good idea to be aware of local regulations, as they can differ from state law.​

Exceptions to the Law

Tennessee law provides a few specific exceptions where the rules for transporting children in truck beds do not apply.

• Parades and Processions: The restrictions are waived for vehicles participating in an organized parade, procession, or other ceremonial event, provided the vehicle’s speed does not exceed 20 miles per hour.​

• Agricultural Activities: The law does not apply when the child being transported is involved in agricultural activities. This exception recognizes the practical needs of farming and ranching operations.​

The Broader Context: Safety First

While understanding the letter of the law is important, it is equally vital to consider the spirit of the law, which is to ensure passenger safety. The fact that something is legal does not necessarily mean it is safe. Pickup truck beds are not designed with passenger protection in mind. They offer no protection from the elements, debris from the road, or the forces of a crash.​

Even a minor fender bender can have catastrophic consequences for someone in the back of a truck. The best practice is always to have all passengers ride inside the vehicle’s cabin, properly secured with seat belts or in appropriate child restraint systems. Tennessee has robust child passenger safety laws and seat belt laws for a reason, and the safest place for any passenger is inside the vehicle.​

Conclusion: Know the Law, Prioritize Safety

To summarize, riding in the back of a pickup truck in Tennessee is subject to a specific set of rules primarily based on age and road type. It is strictly illegal for children under six. For those between six and eleven, it is only allowed on local roads. For passengers twelve and older, it is legally permitted on all roads. However, legality should not be the only consideration. The potential for serious injury or death is a risk that cannot be ignored. While the image of riding in the back of a truck may be one of carefree fun, the reality is that it is a dangerous practice. The safest choice is always to buckle up inside the cab of the vehicle.