Is it allowed to transport people in the back of a truck?

Body types

In one of our articles we talked about what categories of vehicles exist. We also told you in what cases, if it is necessary to transport people, it is necessary category in addition to the standard one .

Transportation of people can only be carried out in vehicles whose bodies allow the safe transportation of people . The most popular types include:

Sedan . An ordinary two or four door car, which can be transported on the front and rear sofas.
Station wagon . A utility vehicle that requires a large trunk. Passengers can only be transported in the cabin.
Minivan . Just like a station wagon, it belongs to the cargo-passenger type of car, but it has more seats. Carriage in luggage compartment is also prohibited.
Cabover body . Small “cars” designed to transport people and equipped with appropriate devices to ensure safety and comfort.
Van . This closed vehicle has a partition that protects the cargo from the people sitting in it. People cannot be transported in the cargo compartment.
Pickup . It looks like a van, only the cargo compartment is open. Transportation of people can only be carried out in the cabin.

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This section of the Rules contains 9 points, but only the last three requirements of this section directly affect you.

Rules.
Section 22. Clause 22.7. The driver is obliged to board and disembark passengers only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop, and to start driving only with the doors closed and not open them until the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
I see no need to comment on this requirement of the Rules.

Rules.
Section 22. Clause 22.8. It is prohibited to transport people outside the vehicle cabin.
Any normal driver understands that transporting people in a cargo trailer is dangerous and, therefore, prohibited by the Rules.

But what's interesting! It would seem that you can move comfortably in a caravan trailer, lying in front of the TV.

But no. The rules strictly prohibit this. And they do it right. While driving, everyone must be in the vehicle and everyone must be wearing seat belts.

Rules.
Section 22. Clause 22.8. It is prohibited to transport people in excess of the number provided for by the technical characteristics of the vehicle.
The technical documentation supplied with the car always indicates how many people it is designed for. And if this convertible is designed for four people, then whether they are thin or fat, small or large, there is no room for a fifth.

And separately about transporting children.

Rules. Section 22. Clause 22.9.

Transportation of children under the age of 7 years in a passenger car, the design of which provides for seat belts, must be carried out using child restraint systems (devices) corresponding to the weight and height of the child.

Transportation of children aged 7 to 11 years (inclusive) in a passenger car, the design of which provides for seat belts, must be carried out using child restraint systems (devices) corresponding to the weight and height of the child, or using seat belts…

...and in the front seat of a car - only with the use of child restraint systems (devices).

Rules.
Section 22. Clause 22.9. Last paragraph. It is prohibited to transport children under 12 years of age on the back seat of a motorcycle.
That is, this is definitely not possible.

And that’s even more impossible! The front seat is for the driver only.

As for motorcycles and mopeds, drivers need to know one more requirement of the Rules - for the first two years after receiving a license, they will drive their vehicles completely alone. Novice drivers with less than 2 years of experience are generally prohibited by the Rules from transporting passengers:

Rules.
Section 22. Clause 22.2.1. Transportation of people on a motorcycle must be carried out by a driver who has a driver’s license for the right to drive vehicles of category “A” or subcategory “A1” for 2 or more years; transportation of people on a moped must be carried out by a driver who has a driver’s license for the right to drive vehicles of any category or subcategories for 2 or more years.

How are people allowed to be transported?

As we have already said, transportation can only be carried out in bodies designed for this purpose. Seats and safety belts are required to ensure safety. To ensure safe movement, the law provides for penalties for violating transportation rules.

Usually, people who do not have enough space in the cabin, or workers accompanying the cargo, move in the cargo compartment. In general, riding in the back of a truck is not prohibited , but several points must be observed.

The fine for transporting passengers in a cargo van will not be charged in the following cases:

The driver of the vehicle has at least 3 years Category D is required only if you need to transport more than 8 people (excluding the driver). If less than eight people are transported, category C will be sufficient .
In the corresponding compartment, special platforms should be installed that look like side walls.
The number of seats must be no less than the number of passengers carried .
The mandatory height at which the seats must be attached should not be less than 20-50cm . The side railing must be at least 80cm .
It is necessary to thoroughly fasten the seat backs to secure the seating of passengers.

Body requirements

Having an open category is just one important factor: transporting passengers in the back of a truck requires it to be properly equipped.

What criteria are set here:

The presence of securely fixed benches on the floor, maximum height – 50 cm;
It is mandatory to install an audible alarm or radio communication with the driver. This is important in case an emergency occurs in the cabin: passengers need medical assistance, a fire breaks out, etc.;
The minimum height of the side platform is at least 30 cm from the level of the benches. This is necessary to prevent people from falling. Even if there is an awning, the rule must be followed;
It is mandatory to install backrests on seats located along the side and rear sides of the body;
It is extremely important to have lighting under the awning;
The body must be equipped with an awning;
The minimum distance between seats is from 60 cm;
While driving, the sides must be locked and securely fixed, otherwise there is a risk of people falling, and then the driver may be prosecuted in civil proceedings and will have to pay compensation for harm to health;
Smooth backs, seats and sides. The presence of sharp and other parts that can harm human health is unacceptable.

It is also important to follow the rules for boarding and disembarking passengers. They must climb into the body using a ladder installed near the rear of the side on the right side in the direction of travel.

Cases of illegal transportation

In all cases that do not meet the above requirements, transportation will be considered illegal .
Under no circumstances should people be transported in trailers or unequipped bodies. In addition to the fact that this threatens the driver with a fine, it is also dangerous for the people themselves who agreed to such a means of transportation. Remember! You cannot carry people outside the cab, outside the cab of a tractor, self-propelled vehicle, or in the cargo compartment of a motor vehicle.

This rule applies to all cases without exception. This also applies to the transport of people with disabilities. No reason will be considered valid if you do not provide adequate security for your companions.

Please note that the law enforcement officers especially strictly punish drivers who are negligent in transporting children.

Rules for transportation and behavior of passengers

Before boarding a body equipped for transportation, the body supervisor or truck driver is briefed on the rules of boarding, placing and disembarking, as well as the rules of behavior while driving.

Boarding and disembarking are permitted only from the sidewalk, in the absence of vehicle traffic. All passenger movements can only occur during a stop, with the permission of the body supervisor. The number of passengers cannot exceed the number of seats.

Civil transportation of children in the back of a truck is strictly prohibited.

When transporting people in the back of a truck, there are several restrictions:

You cannot transport piercing and cutting tools without a cover or in open boxes;
You must not move around the body, lean against the sides, sit on them or lean over the side walls while the vehicle is moving.

If the body of a cargo vehicle with an on-board platform is not equipped with means allowing for the transport of people, only a certain category of passengers is allowed to be carried in it.

These are the people who provide escort for the cargo or the persons who follow its receipt. The seating area for such passengers should be located below the level of the side, at least 15 cm.

Towing a truck

Are people allowed in the back of a truck when towing? According to clause 20.2 of the traffic rules, the presence of passengers in the back of a towed truck is unacceptable, for any method of towing.

People may only be in the back of the towing vehicle if towing is carried out using a flexible or rigid hitch. If towing is carried out by partial loading, passengers are prohibited from being in both vehicles.

Fines

The fine for transporting people in a cargo van that is not designed for this purpose and does not have the proper equipment is established based on certain circumstances:

If you simply violate the rules for transporting people, you will have to pay five hundred rubles .
If transportation is carried out outside an equipped cabin, the fine increases from five hundred rubles to a thousand .
If incorrect transportation of minor passengers is detected, the driver undertakes to pay an administrative fine in the amount of three thousand rubles . Regarding officials, the law obliges them to pay 25 thousand rubles . A legal entity can also be punished and ordered to pay up to one hundred thousand rubles .

Possibility of evading a fine

If the transportation of people in the back of a truck, for which you were fined, was carried out, in your opinion, legally , you can challenge such a punishment within ten days from the date of the accusation.

You will have to prove that all requirements have been met , and, if necessary, provide witness testimony and video recordings. If you are unable to challenge the fine yourself, remember your legal right to seek help from lawyers who will help you assert your rights and drop illegal charges.

Vehicle equipment rules

Under what conditions is it permitted to transport people in the back of trucks? According to paragraph 4 of the Basic Provisions of the Traffic Regulations, the transportation of passengers is allowed only in a specially equipped body.

The truck body must meet the following requirements:

firmly fixed seats or benches are installed in the body, at a height of 30-50 cm from the floor;
the height of the onboard platform must be at least 30 cm from the level of the seats;
strong backrests are installed on the seats located along the rear and side sides;
the distance between the seats is from 60 cm;
the truck body is equipped with an awning;
lighting is installed under the awning;
a driver communication button or an audible alarm is equipped.

The sides and seats must be smooth, without protruding sharp parts. For boarding (disembarking) people, the body is equipped with a ladder, which is attached to the rear side, on the right side relative to the direction of travel.

Side locks must be closed and additionally secured to prevent accidental opening while driving.

A mandatory requirement is the presence of a fire extinguisher (with a capacity of 2 liters or more) and a first aid kit in the body.

Video: Transporting people

Conditions for transporting people in the back (van) of a truck

The next Transportation Rule is to equip the body in accordance with the Basic Regulations of PP No. 1090. It specifies the requirements for a cargo vehicle prepared for transporting people and the person operating it:

The car must be registered with the traffic police.
With a license plate of the appropriate type.
The driver is required to issue a waybill indicating the type of work associated with people, with a note about the medical examination completed.
Accordingly, the vehicle is subject to inspection by a mechanic inspector to prevent damage while driving. Especially if its unsatisfactory technical condition poses a threat of an accident.

As for the number of people transported, there should not be more than the number of seats provided. When the passengers are a group of children (we are talking about a bus with a passenger compartment), no one should stand or two adults should be seated on the same seat. For example, such a situation should not be allowed during an intercity trip, in mountainous areas, when the flight belongs to an excursion and tourist route.

Body equipment for transporting people

The technical equipment of a truck designed to accommodate people in a flatbed body or van may be provided for by the design features of the manufacturing plant. If there are no chairs, seats can be installed independently. The body is equipped with seats with the following parameters:

height from the floor is not less than 0.3 and not more than 0.5 m;
the distance from the top edge of the side to the seat is at least a third of a m (33 cm).

Of course, if the car is stopped by a traffic police officer, he will not use a ruler to check whether the parameters comply with those required by the regulations. But 15 cm instead of the prescribed 33/35 will be determined by eye. Therefore, it is better for the seats, and often this is just a board nailed along the side, to be slightly lower so that the support for the back remains no less than the required minimum.

Note: When the truck body is an open space with folding sides, without an awning covering, transporting children is prohibited by the DD Rules (subclause 22.2).

The carriage of persons accompanying the cargo traveling to the loading site is permitted. They can be in the back of a truck even if the equipment required to transport people is not present. At the same time, a condition is stipulated: the absence of equipment that meets the standards does not exclude a chair for the forwarder.