Alabama Law on Passengers and Pets in Pickup Trucks

While Alabama has rules regarding seatbelts and child restraints inside vehicles, the state has no specific laws addressing the legality of passengers or pets riding in the bed of a pickup truck. This article explains what the law says about vehicle passenger restraints and how that might apply to riding in the back of a pickup truck.

Passengers in Truck Beds

Alabama's seatbelt law requires all passenger car occupants and children under 15 years old to be properly restrained. In the past, the seatbelt requirement applied only to "front-seat" passengers. But a recent change to the law deleted the front-seat distinction. So, it would seem that under the new law, passengers can't lawfully ride in the back of a pick-up truck.

Pets in Truck Beds

Alabama has no law prohibiting the transportation of animals in truck beds. However, reckless or cruel mistreatment of a pet can result in a fine up to $3,000 and up to one year in jail. In any case, the American Veterinary Medical Association recommends that pets be secured either by a kennel in the truck bed or by a harness inside the cab.