Can I get pulled over for people or pets in the back of my truck? We asked ISP

BOISE (Idaho Statesman) – For some, taking a joyride in the bed of a pickup truck is a refreshing summer pastime,

For others, hitching a ride in the back is simply a way to get around town.

Is riding in the back of a truck actually allowed under Idaho state law?

Are the rules different for children and pets?

We asked the Idaho State Police to find out more:

Is riding in a truck bed allowed under Idaho state law?

Idaho state law doesn’t specifically prevent drivers from having passengers in a pickup truck’s cargo area.

“Idaho law does not generally prohibit people from riding in the bed of a pickup truck,” Aaron Snell, communications director for the Idaho State Police, told the Idaho Statesman in an email. “But there is an important exception.”

According to the Idaho Code, children 6 years old and younger must be “properly secured in a child safety restraint” that meets federal safety standards.

“Because these (safety restraints) cannot be properly installed in the bed of a pickup truck, children younger than 7 must ride inside the vehicle,” Snell said.

How long should children use car seats?

Federal law has rigorous requirements for car seats and other child restraint systems used in motor vehicles.

These include intensive crash testing, specific dimensions, weight-bearing minimums and durable materials that aim to “reduce the number of children killed or injured in side crashes,” according to the U.S. Department of Transportation and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

At what age can my kid switch to a booster seat?

According to the Idaho Transportation Department website, children 6 and younger should “use a car seat on every trip, every time.”

“Keep children in the back seat until age 13,” the transportation department said.

According to the Idaho Transportation Department, a child should use a rear-facing car seat until they turn 2 — or they’ve exceeded the maximum weight and height limits specified by the manufacturer.

Forward-facing car seats should be used to secure children ages 2 to 4.

You can let your kiddo graduate to a booster seat once they turn 4 years old and weigh at least 40 pounds.

“Use a high-back or backless belt-positioning booster,” the Idaho Transportation Department said. “Lap-belt only seating positions should not be used with a booster seat.”

Once your child turns 8 years old and reaches a height of 4 feet, 9 inches, they can switch to a regular seatbelt.

Under state law, seat belts and other safety restraints must be “properly fastened” at “all times when the vehicle is in motion,” according to Andrew Injury Law, which has offices in Caldwell, Meridian and Nampa.

What are penalties for not following child restraint rules?

Idaho state law does not specify which penalties parents and guardians could face for not having children properly restrained in a moving vehicle.

However, you can be found guilty of child endangerment under Idaho law if you “willfully” cause or permit a child in your care or custody to be injured.

The same goes for people who willfully cause or permit a child to be “placed in such situation that its person or health is endangered.”

Endangering a child under circumstances that are “likely to produce great bodily harm or death” is punishable by up to a year in county jail or 10 years in state prison, state law says.

Does Ada County or Boise restrict riding in a truck bed?

The city of Boise and Ada County don’t have specific requirements when it comes to riding in the back of a truck.

“Although riding in the bed of a pickup truck may be legal under certain circumstances, Idaho State Police encourages people to carefully consider the risks involved,” Snell said.

“Occupants in the bed of a pickup are not protected by seat belts, airbags or the structural safety found inside the passenger compartment,” Snell said.

“This can increase the likelihood of serious injury in the event of a crash or sudden maneuver,” the Idaho State Police spokesperson added. “Whenever possible, we encourage occupants to ride inside the vehicle and use the seat belts.”

Can my dog legally ride in the back of my pickup?

According to Snell, there are no state law in Idaho that prohibit you from letting your pets ride in the bed of a truck.

“However, other laws may apply,” he added.

Snell said drivers and passengers should be wary of violating Idaho laws banning animal cruelty and carrying animals “in a cruel manner.”

If you’re convicted of violating Idaho’s animal cruelty law, you could face up to six months in jail and a $5,000 fine.

Breaking the law a second time during a 10-year year period could result in a maximum of nine months in jail and a fine of up to $7,000.