Is it legal to ride in the back of a truck in Missouri and Illinois?
ST. LOUIS – As temperatures warm up over the next several months, you may want to change up your ride and take a trip in the back of a pickup truck.
It can be a liberating experience, though without seat belts, it can be a little risky.
More importantly, is it legal? It depends on where you’re driving across the United States.
If you’re hoping to ride in the back of a truck in the St. Louis metro, you’ll want to keep state laws in Missouri and Illinois in mind. The legal considerations vary based on where you’re taking the ride.
Missouri
The most-recent statute in Missouri to address sitting in the back of a truck was passed in 1997. One general conclusion from the statute, if you’re not legally of adult age, you probably shouldn’t be doing it.
Missouri State Statute 304.665 explains:
“No person shall operate any truck with a licensed gross weight of less than twelve thousand pounds on any highway which is part of the state or federal highway system or when such truck is operated within the corporate limits of any city when any person under eighteen years of age is riding in the unenclosed bed of such truck. No person under eighteen years of age shall ride in the unenclosed bed of such truck when the truck is in operation.
Missouri State Statute 304.665
Any driver who violates these conditions could face a Class C misdemeanor charge, according to the statute.
There are certain exceptions outlined in the statute. Most notably in cases where sitting in the back of a truck is used for essential employment work, for agricultural activities, or for a parade.
Short answer: Is it legal? If you’re an adult and riding in the back of the truck, but not on a highway or incorporated area of Missouri, then yes. In most other cases, no.
Illinois
Illinois does not have a state statute address sitting in the back of a truck, and such a situation is also not disclosed in the Illinois Vehicle Code.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Illinois is one of 19 states that have no restrictions on who can ride in the open bed of a truck or trailer.
Short answer: Is it legal? Yes, given there are no general Illinois state restrictions against riding in the back of a truck.
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