The state of Nevada has established a complex set of safety regulations aimed at ensuring the wellbeing of those traveling in vehicles. One such law is NRS 484B.160, which forbids individuals from riding in the bed of a truck or pickup. This article outlines the legal framework behind this critical regulation and explains why it’s essential to understand and obey this law.
Under NRS 484B.160, it is illegal for any person to ride in the open area of a truck or pickup vehicle on a public roadway. As a law firm passionate about road safety, we want to make sure everyone knows how to stay safe and remain legally compliant while on the roads.
If you or someone you know has been ticketed for violating NRS 484B.160, we recommend seeking legal advice to ensure that the ticket is properly handled. Ticket Busters is here to help with any questions or concerns you may have about this law.
Nevada’s Truck Bed Riding Laws
Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 484B.160 explicitly outlines the legality and restrictions of allowing individuals to ride in the cargo areas of certain vehicles. This includes the bed of a flatbed truck or within the bed of a pickup truck when the vehicle is in operation on a paved highway.
The law stipulates that drivers should not permit individuals to ride in areas of the vehicle primarily designed for carrying goods or other cargo, or areas not designed for passenger use. This provision aims to protect individuals from potential harm that might result from traveling in areas not intended for passenger safety.
The law reads:
Except as otherwise provided in subsections 2 and 4, a driver shall not permit a person, with regard to a motor vehicle being operated on a paved highway, to ride upon or within any portion of the vehicle that is primarily designed or intended for carrying goods or other cargo or that is otherwise not designed or intended for the use of passengers, including, without limitation:
(a) Upon the bed of a flatbed truck; or
(b) Within the bed of a pickup truck.
Specifically, it is unlawful for any individual to ride in the back of an open truck. This law is in place to protect passengers from potential injuries incurred while riding in the bed of a truck.
Exceptions to Truck Bed Riding Laws
While the law generally discourages passengers from riding in the bed of trucks, it outlines certain exceptions where it is permissible. These exceptions include situations where the individual riding in the bed of the truck is 18 years of age or older, or if the individual is under 18 and the vehicle is being used for farming or ranching purposes, or is part of a parade authorized by local authorities.
The statute reads:
2. A driver may permit a person to ride upon the bed of a flatbed truck or within the bed of a pickup truck if the person is:
(a) Eighteen years of age or older; or
(b) Under 18 years of age and the motor vehicle is:
(1) Being used in the course of farming or ranching; or
(2) Being driven in a parade authorized by a local authority.
Penalties and Consequences
Violation of NRS 484B.160 attracts penalties for the driver who permits a person to ride in violation of the law.
The driver may face a fine ranging from $35 to $100.
However, it’s important to note that this violation is not considered a moving traffic violation under NRS 483.473 and does not result in demerit points on the driver’s record or license suspension.
Furthermore, this violation may not be considered as negligence or reckless driving under NRS 484B.653.
The statute continues:
5. A violation of this section:
(a) Is not a moving traffic violation for the purposes of NRS 483.473; and
(b) May not be considered as:
(1) Negligence or causation in a civil action; or
(2) Negligent or reckless driving for the purposes of NRS 484B.653.
Exemptions: Campers or Slide-in Campers
According to subsection 4, “The provisions of subsection 1 do not apply to the portion of the bed of a truck that is covered by a camper shell or slide-in camper.”
This means that when a camper shell or slide-in camper is attached to the bed of the truck, passengers may be permitted to ride in the bed.
In order to avoid confusion, the NRS also defined what a camper shell or slide-in camper as well:
(a) “Camper shell” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 361.017.
(b) “Slide-in camper” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 482.113.
Camper Shell Definition
“Camper shell” means a covered canopy which is mounted on a motor vehicle, and which is not equipped with permanent facilities for the preparation or storage of food or for sleeping purposes.
Slide-in Camper Definition
“Slide-in camper” means a portable unit designed to be loaded and unloaded from the bed of a pickup truck, and so constructed as to provide temporary living quarters for travel, camping or recreational use.
Examples of Legally Permissible Situations
It is legally permissible to ride in the bed of a pickup truck or flatbed truck when:
- The individual riding in the bed is 18 years old or older;
- The vehicle is being used for farming/ranching purposes;
- The vehicle is part of an authorized parade.
It is also permissible for passengers to ride in the bed of a truck that has a camper shell or slide-in camper attached, as long as they are adequately secured with seatbelts or other restraints.
Examples of Illegally Permissible Situations
It is illegal to ride in the bed of a truck or pickup vehicles:
- If the individual riding in the bed is under 18 years old;
- If the vehicle is not being used for farming/ranching purposes;
- If the vehicle is not part of an authorized parade.
It is also illegal for passengers to ride in the bed of a truck that does not have a camper shell or slide-in camper attached.
The Aim of the Law
The aim of NRS 484B.160 is to protect individuals from potential harm due to riding in areas not designed or intended for passengers. This law is in place to ensure safety on the roads and prevent unnecessary accidents.
Seat Belt Laws in Nevada
As mentioned earlier, it is important to note that individuals who ride in the bed of a truck must be adequately secured with seatbelts or other restraints suitable for preventing falls.
Nevada Traffic Safety Crash Facts, 22% of Nevada’s total fatalities are due to either a driver or passenger not wearing a seatbelt
Nevada has its own laws governing seatbelt use, which are outlined in NRS 484D.495. According to these statutes, all drivers and passengers must wear a properly fitting seatbelt at all times while in a motor vehicle.
The law also dictates that the driver is responsible for ensuring that any child under the age of six is secured in a federally approved child safety seat or booster seat, as appropriate, when riding in the vehicle.
Ticketed for Violating the Law? Contact Ticket Busters
It is important to take NRS 484B.160 seriously, as violation of this law can result in a costly fine for the driver. If you have been ticketed for violating this law, or any other traffic infraction, it’s important to contact an experienced lawyer who specializes in traffic violations.
At Ticket Busters, we specialize in traffic violation defense and will help you fight your ticket. Our team of experienced traffic lawyers can provide you with the legal advice and representation that you need to ensure the best possible outcome for your case.
Don’t wait until it’s too late – contact us today to learn more about how we can help resolve your case!
