The question of whether it is legal for passengers to ride in the bed of a pickup truck is a common one in New Hampshire. While many states have specific laws governing this practice, New Hampshire’s approach is different. Understanding the state’s position is important for both drivers and passengers.
New Hampshire’s Law on Truck Bed Passengers
New Hampshire is one of the few states that does not have a specific law prohibiting passengers from riding in the open bed of a pickup truck. This applies to passengers of all ages, including both adults and minors.
Because the law is silent on this issue, there are no statutes that outline specific exceptions for situations like parades or agricultural work, nor are there defined penalties for having passengers in a cargo area. The absence of a specific prohibition places responsibility on the driver to exercise caution. While not explicitly illegal, carrying passengers in an open truck bed is inherently dangerous, and drivers must still operate their vehicles safely.1Justia Law. New Hampshire Revised Statutes Section 265:79-b – Negligent Driving