Is it legal in MS to ride in the bed of a pickup truck? Here’s what state law says
By the way it’s painted in country songs, riding in the back of a pickup truck may seem romantic, adventurous and freeing — but the seating arrangement is dangerous and could have severe consequences.
Because of the risks, a total of 30 U.S. states have created laws restricting riding in cargo areas, according to 2026 data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a nonprofit organization dedicated to motor vehicle safety.
In Mississippi, it’s not uncommon to see folks riding in pickup beds, especially during the summertime.
So, what are the rules for this method of transportation in the Magnolia State? Here’s what we know.
Is it legal in MS to ride in the bed of a pickup truck?
There is no state law in Mississippi restricting riding in cargo areas, according to the IIHS’s database.
However, Mississippi’s seatbelt law does require that all operators and passengers wear a properly fastened seatbelt while the vehicle is in forward motion on a public road, street, or highway.
Several Mississippi law firms, including experts at Maggio Law and Pittman, Roberts & Welsch, PLLC, interpret the state’s seatbelt law to cover even passengers riding in a truck bed.
If you get pulled over in a moving vehicle without a seatbelt on, you could be fined $25 on a first offense, according to experts at Maggio Law.
Safety considerations when riding in a pickup bed
It’s important to consider the safety risks when riding in a pickup bed. Passengers in a pickup bed have no protection in case of a crash and could get ejected or hit by debris.
If you’re still considering the method of transport, here are some safety tips from Pittman, Roberts & Welsch, PLLC:
- Install seatbelts to use
- Avoid overcrowding
- Secure any cargo
- Stay alert
