Is it illegal to ride in the back of a pick up truck in South Carolina?

Answer 1

Its tough to say.....the law says two different things and can be interpreted two different ways. One way would be that you have to use a seatbelt no matter what. One way would be the old school train of thought where it is ok. Here are the two statues that discuss this.

-Officer A

SECTION 56-5-6520. Mandatory use of seat belt.

The driver and every occupant of a motor vehicle, when it is being operated on the public streets and highways of this State, must wear a fastened safety belt which complies with all provisions of federal law for its use. The driver is charged with the responsibility of requiring each occupant seventeen years of age or younger to wear a safety belt or be secured in a child restraint system as provided in Article 47 of this chapter. However, a driver is not responsible for an occupant seventeen years of age or younger who has a driver's license, special restricted license, or beginner's permit and who is not wearing a seat belt; such occupant is in violation of this article and must be fined in accordance with Section 56-5-6540.

SECTION 56-5-3900. Transportation of minors in open vehicles.

(A) It is unlawful to transport a person under fifteen years of age in the open bed or open cargo area of a pickup truck or trailer. An open bed or open cargo area is a bed or cargo area without permanent overhead restraining construction.

(B) Subsection (A) does not apply when:

(1) an adult is present in the bed or cargo area of the vehicle and is supervising the child; (2) the child is secured or restrained by a seat belt manufactured in compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, installed to support a load of not less than five thousand pounds for each belt, and of a type approved by the Department of Public Safety; (3) an emergency situation exists; (4) the vehicle is being operated in an organized hayride or parade pursuant to a valid permit; (5) the vehicle is being operated while hunting or in an agricultural enterprise; (6) the vehicle is being operated in a county which has no incorporated area with a population greater than three thousand five hundred; or (7) the vehicle has a closed metal tailgate and is being operated less than thirty-six miles an hour. (C) A person violating this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined twenty-five dollars. (D) No driver's license points or insurance surcharge may be assessed for a violation of this section.

Never carry passengers in a truck bed unless they are properly restrained .

Answer 2

Nope there are no seat belts but I think it is ok if you are on private property

Answer 3

Yes. It is very much legal as long as there is a guardian the age of 16 or older. yes