No, riding in the back of a truck in Puerto Rico is prohibited under Ley 22-2000 (Vehicle and Traffic Law) and Reglamento 7632 (DNER traffic regulations), with exceptions for agricultural or emergency vehicles under strict conditions.
Key Regulations for Riding in the Back of a Truck in Puerto Rico
- Passenger Safety Mandates: Ley 22-2000 § 411.1 explicitly bans transporting passengers in open cargo areas unless the vehicle is designed for such use (e.g., farm trucks with permanent seating). Violations incur fines up to $500 under Reglamento 7632 § 5.3.
- Agricultural Exemptions: Orden Ejecutiva 2024-015 permits back-of-truck transport for agricultural workers only if the truck complies with DNER’s 2026 safety guidelines (e.g., roll bars, secure seating).
- Emergency Vehicles: Law enforcement or medical transport vehicles may carry passengers in cargo areas during emergencies, but this requires prior DNER approval per Circular 2025-03.