No, riding in the back of an open truck bed is illegal under Brazil’s Código de Trânsito Brasileiro (CTB)—specifically Article 235—unless the vehicle meets strict safety exceptions. The Departamento Nacional de Trânsito (DENATRAN) enforces this, with recent 2026 amendments tightening penalties for violations. Municipal traffic authorities, such as São Paulo’s Companhia de Engenharia de Tráfego (CET), conduct targeted inspections to curb unsafe practices.
Key Regulations for Riding in the Back of a Truck in Brazil
- Passenger Capacity Limits: Only authorized personnel (e.g., agricultural workers) may ride in truck beds, and only if the vehicle is equipped with fixed seats and safety belts per Resolução CONTRAN 959/2022.
- Speed Restrictions: Trucks transporting passengers in open beds must not exceed 60 km/h, as mandated by Portaria DENATRAN 12/2023.
- Vehicle Modifications: Retrofitting truck beds for passenger transport requires prior approval from Instituto Brasileiro do Meio Ambiente e dos Recursos Naturais Renováveis (IBAMA) for structural compliance.
Violations incur fines of R$ 195.23 (2026 adjustment) and vehicle impoundment. Rural transport exceptions exist under Lei 13.103/2015, but require adherence to Ministério do Trabalho occupational safety standards. Always verify local municipal ordinances, as states like Rio Grande do Sul impose additional restrictions.