No, riding unrestrained in the back of a truck bed is illegal under Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-4-1103(1)(b), which prohibits passengers from occupying unenclosed cargo areas. Local ordinances in Denver and Colorado Springs further restrict such practices, with recent 2026 CDOT enforcement prioritizing citations for minors and commercial vehicles.
Key Regulations for Riding in the Back of a Truck in Colorado
- Seatbelt Mandates: Passengers over 8 years old must use seatbelts; those under 8 are prohibited from riding in truck beds per CRS § 42-4-236(1).
- Local Bans: Denver Municipal Code § 54-234 and Colorado Springs Traffic Code § 10.08.010 explicitly ban truck bed riding, with exceptions for agricultural or emergency vehicles.
- Commercial Vehicle Exclusions: CDOT’s 2026 compliance directives require enclosed cargo areas for all commercial transport, tightening prior allowances for livestock or equipment hauling.
Violations incur Class B traffic infractions, with fines up to $100 for first offenses. CDOT’s 2026 safety audits target repeat offenders, particularly in rural counties where enforcement historically lagged.