Is riding in a truck bed legal in California? See rules for people and pets

Summer means more road trips, camping adventures and afternoons at the lake — and with them, more people and pets loaded into the vehicle.

Before you pile into the truck bed, it’s worth knowing that California law does — and doesn’t — allow.

The California Vehicle Code has specific rules when it comes to driving, including transporting pets safely.

Can you ride in a truck bed in California?

Here’s what California law says for people and pets:

Can dogs legally ride in the bed of a pickup truck in California?

Dogs are legally allowed to ride in truck beds only if they’re properly restrained.

Under California’s Vehicle Code, dogs can ride in the bed of a pickup truck as long as they’re transported safely.

That means the truck bed must either be enclosed, have side and tail racks at least 46 inches high or include a secure crate or other safety enclosure designed to keep the animal from falling or jumping out.

However, California law does provide a few exceptions.

The requirements do not apply to people transporting dogs for ranching or farming purposes, including those traveling to or from a livestock auction or driving on rural roads as part of a farming or ranching operation.

Can people ride in a truck bed in California?

According to California Vehicle Code, it’s illegal to drive on a highway with someone riding in the truck bed.

There are some exceptions.

The law says someone can legally ride in a truck bed if:

• The truck is equipped with a federally approved passenger restraint system.
• The person is being transported by a farmer or rancher exclusively on private property.
• The ride is part of an emergency response by a public agency.
• The person is participating in a law enforcement-supervised parade traveling 8 mph or less.

What are penalties for breaking California’s truck bed laws?

According to the 2026 Judicial Council of California Uniform Bail and Penalty Schedule, illegally transporting a person in the bed of a pickup truck on a highway carries a base fine of $35.

After penalty assessments and court fees are added, the total cost of the citation can amount to nearly $300.

Drivers who transport a dog or other animal in a pickup truck without following California’s safety requirements face a base fine of $50.

With additional fees and assessments, fines can total nearly $300.

Angela Rodriguez

The Modesto Bee

279-386-2738

Angela Rodriguez is a service journalism reporter for The Bee. She is a graduate of Sacramento State with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. During her time there, she worked on the State Hornet covering arts and entertainment.