Can You Ride in the Back of a Truck in Tennessee?
Key Takeaways
- It’s very legal to ride in the back (bed) of a pickup truck yet some restrictions do apply including you must be 12 or older.
- In Tennessee, if you allow a child under 12 to ride in the back (bed) of a pickup truck in violation of state regulations, you’re actually committing a Class C misdemeanor.
- This can lead to a fine of up to $50 and/or up to 30 days in jail.
Is It Illegal to Ride in the Back of a Truck in Tennessee?
Yes, you can ride in the bed of a pickup truck in Tennessee if you’re 12 or older, but there are some important rules to follow.
Age Restrictions
- Under 6 years old – Never allowed in the truck bed.
- 6 to 11 years old – Allowed only on certain roads (check local laws).
- 12 and older – Always allowed, even on highways and interstates.
Road Restrictions
- City streets & county roads – Kids 6 and older can ride in the truck bed unless local laws say otherwise.
- State highways & interstates – Riders must be at least 12 years old.
- Davidson County (Nashville area) – All riders must stay inside the truck bed (no arms, legs, or body parts hanging out).
Exceptions to the Rules
Children can legally ride in the truck bed under these special circumstances:
- Parades & ceremonies – As long as the truck goes under 20 mph.
- Farming & agricultural work – Allowed when used for farm-related tasks.
Safety Tips
Always check your truck’s owner’s manual for extra safety guidelines.
If you’re unsure about local rules, check with your city or county to avoid fines or penalties.
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FAQs
Can kids ride in the back of a truck?
No, kids should never ride in the back of a truck. Trucks aren’t designed for car seats or restraints, making them unsafe for children.
How old do you need to be to ride in the back of a pickup truck in Tennessee?
According to Tennessee Code Annotated §55-8-189, the state has different rules based on age:
- Under 6 years old – Never allowed.
- 6 to 11 years old – Sometimes allowed, depending on the type of road. See the next question for details.
- 12 years and older – Always allowed, even on the interstate.
Can you ride in the back of a pickup truck in the city or on the highway?
According to Tennessee law, Rules depend on the type of road:
- City streets or county roads – Anyone 6 or older can ride in the truck bed.
- State highways or interstates – Only passengers 12 and older can ride in the truck bed.
- Davidson County – Passengers must keep their arms, legs, and entire body inside the truck bed.
What happens if you break Tennessee’s truck bed passenger laws?
In Tennessee, letting a child under 12 ride in a truck bed when it’s not allowed is a Class C misdemeanor. You could face:
- A fine of up to $50
- Up to 30 days in jail
Can I legally drive with a cracked windshield in Tennessee?
Tennessee doesn’t have state laws about cracked windshields, but federal law does. According to U.S. Department of Transportation rules, your windshield must meet these minimum standards:
- Cracks must be smaller than ¾ inch.
- Two cracks can’t be within three inches of each other.
- No cracks can intersect.
- No cracks in the driver’s line of sight. If your windshield doesn’t meet these rules, you could be breaking federal law.
You will be pulled over by the police and received a citation due to hazardous driving and having an obstructed view that hinders your ability to see while driving with a cracked windshield.
Is it illegal to drive barefoot in Tennessee?
No, Tennessee doesn’t have a law against driving barefoot. However, some cities may have their own rules. Also, driving barefoot isn’t the safest choice—if police believe it caused an accident, you could be charged with reckless driving.
Can you talk on the phone while driving in Tennessee?
Yes, but only hands-free. You can use a headset or speakerphone, but you can’t hold your phone or watch videos while driving.
Is it illegal to eat while driving in Tennessee?
No, but it’s not a good idea. Eating while driving can distract you and increase the risk of an accident. If police think your eating caused a crash, they could charge you with reckless driving.
Can I sleep in the bed of my truck in Tennessee?
Tennessee rest areas have a three-hour limit and don’t allow overnight parking or camping. You can usually sleep in your car in public areas like parks, but private property (such as store parking lots) may have restrictions. Always check local rules before sleeping in your vehicle.
Is it illegal to drive without a bumper cover in Tennessee?
Yes, Tennessee law requires vehicles to have a bumper or an energy-absorbing system. Tennessee law states: (a) No person shall operate a motor vehicle on any road, street or highway unless the vehicle is equipped with a bumper or other energy absorption system with an analogous function.
What is the Kingpin Law in Tennessee?
The Kingpin law helps determine if a truck is too long. If the distance from the kingpin (the hitch point) to the rear of the trailer is over 50 feet, the truck is considered too long and needs a permit.
How do I know if my vehicle needs a permit in Tennessee?
In the state of Tennessee, your vehicle needs a permit if it exceeds any of these limits:
- Width: Over 8 feet, 6 inches
- Height: Over 13 feet, 6 inches
- Length:
- Semi-trucks: Over 50 feet
- Double trailers: Over 28 feet, 6 inches per trailer
- Overhang: More than 5 feet (total front and rear)
- Weight:
- Single axle: Over 20,000 lbs.
- Tandem axle: Over 34,000 lbs.
Is car insurance required in Tennessee?
Yes, Tennessee law requires drivers to have insurance. If you don’t have it, you could face:
- Fines
- Suspension of your vehicle registration
- A web-based insurance verification system will check for coverage
Minimum required car insurance coverage in Tennessee:
- $25,000 per person for injury or death
- $50,000 total per accident for injuries or deaths
- $25,000 for property damage If you have a car loan or lease, your lender may require extra coverage.
How much is a ticket for driving without insurance in Tennessee?
You could be fined $300 for driving without insurance.
Can I go to jail for driving without insurance in Tennessee?
Yes, repeat offenders could face jail time. First-time offenders may face fines, loss of registration, or even jail. To learn more, view the legal consequences on The National Conference of State Legislatures website.
Can you go to jail for driving without a license in Tennessee?
Yes. Driving without a license is usually a Class C misdemeanor, which can lead to:
- A fine of up to $50
- Up to 30 days in jail
To learn more, view the legal consequences on The National Conference of State Legislatures website.
What are the truck laws in Tennessee?
According to TCA § 55-7-203(b)(3), Tennessee laws regarding operating motor vehicle trucks include:
- Trucks must not exceed 80,000 pounds.
- Maximum width: 8 feet
- Maximum height: 13 feet, 6 inches
- Drivers must have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) if required.
For more details, visit the Tennessee Department of Revenue website.