No, riding in the back of a truck is generally illegal in Canada under federal and provincial traffic acts, with exceptions for specific agricultural or industrial contexts. Transport Canada’s Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations (SOR/2018-124) prohibit passengers in open cargo areas unless the vehicle is designed for such transport. Provincial enforcement varies, but most jurisdictions—including Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act (RSO 1990, c H.8) and British Columbia’s Motor Vehicle Act (RSBC 1996, c 318)—explicitly ban this practice due to safety risks. Municipal bylaws, such as Toronto’s Municipal Code Chapter 950, further restrict commercial vehicle operations. Recent 2026 amendments to Alberta’s Traffic Safety Act (SA 2000, c T-6) now impose stricter penalties, including fines up to $2,000, for violations involving minors.
Key Regulations for Riding in the Back of a Truck in Canada
- Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (MVSS): Transport Canada prohibits passenger carriage in unenclosed cargo areas unless the vehicle meets MVSS 213 (child restraint) or MVSS 214 (side-impact protection) standards, which open-bed designs rarely satisfy.
- Provincial Traffic Acts: Most provinces, including Quebec (Highway Safety Code, CQLR c C-24.2) and Manitoba (Highway Traffic Act, CCSM c H60), classify open-bed transport as illegal unless the vehicle is a farm truck in agricultural use or a designated emergency response unit.
- Municipal Bylaws: Cities like Vancouver (Park Board Bylaw No. 1042) and Calgary (Traffic Bylaw 26M2008) enforce additional restrictions, requiring enclosed vehicles for passenger transport unless exempt under occupational health and safety exemptions.