Transportar personas en la batea de una camioneta pickup está prohibido en carreteras federales en México; la sanción se calcula en UMAs y el riesgo de lesiones graves es alto incluso en trayectos cortos.
Mexican authorities are cracking down on a common, but dangerous, practice: transporting people in the beds of pickup trucks. New regulations, enacted on March 22, 2026, prohibit carrying passengers in truck beds on federal highways and carry fines of up to approximately $173 USD.
The move comes as officials emphasize the serious safety risks associated with the practice, even on short trips. According to the Reglamento de Tránsito en Carreteras y Puentes de Jurisdicción Federal, the practice is illegal and subject to penalties based on the Unidad de Medida y Actualización (UMA).
Fines and Penalties
Drivers caught transporting passengers in truck beds face fines ranging from 20 to 25 UMAs. Currently, this translates to approximately $2,346 to $2,933 pesos – roughly $132 to $173 USD. The exact amount will be determined by federal transit authorities.
Article 70 of the federal traffic regulations explicitly prohibits carrying passengers in the cargo area of a truck. The law states that vehicles “should not transport people in the area designated for cargo.”
Local Exceptions Do Not Apply on Federal Highways
While some municipalities may allow passengers in truck beds under specific conditions – such as passengers being seated and secured – these exceptions are limited to local roads. They do not apply to federal highways, and drivers remain responsible for safety regardless.
Authorities warn that the primary concern is safety. Passengers in truck beds lack the protection of seatbelts and a vehicle’s structural frame, leaving them vulnerable to serious injury or death in the event of a crash or sudden stop. This regulation underscores the importance of prioritizing passenger safety on Mexico’s roadways.
