Summer often welcomes road trips.
And with the current heat wave hitting the state, a ride in the bed of a truck — with the wind blowing through your hair — may sound alluring.
However, if you’re in California, you may want to think twice before taking that ride.
In the Golden State, riding in a truck bed is illegal, though certain exceptions apply.
Here’s what to know about California’s law on riding in the bed of a truck.
Is it legal to ride in a truck bed in California?
Under California law, it is illegal to drive a pickup truck or flatbed motor truck on a highway with anyone in the back, and it is also illegal for a person to ride there.
Exceptions to the law are made if:
Is there a fine for violating California law?
Those who violate the law may face fines of $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second offense and $250 for each subsequent offense, according to Eric Ratinoff Law Corp.
Can pets ride in a truck bed in California?
According to California law, animals may not be transported in the open bed of a vehicle on a highway unless the area is enclosed, has side panels that are at least 46 inches high, or the animal is secured in a crate or cage that is cross-tethered to prevent it from falling, jumping, or being thrown from the vehicle.
Exceptions are made for the transportation of livestock and farm dogs.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Is it legal to ride in pickup truck bed? What California law says
Reporting by Daniella Segura, USA TODAY NETWORK / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Daniella Segura, USA TODAY NETWORK | USA TODAY Network
