If you live in Arizona and plan to drive your pickup truck to Puerto Peñasco, Mexico, don’t even think about letting anyone ride in the truck bed, or you could face a fine of up to $157.
In Mexico, it is common to see people riding in the bed of a pickup truck, particularly young people and especially in tourist areas such as beach destinations.
However, Mexican traffic laws restrict passengers from riding in pickup beds and also establish requirements for safely transporting cargo.
Eliseo Estrada Muñiz, traffic commander in Nogales, Sonora, said riding outside the cab poses a serious risk to passengers.
“They can fall out. People have fallen out and been killed, especially minors,” Estrada Muñiz said.
Pets also cannot be transported while tied up
in the bed of a pickup truck in Nogales, according to Estrada Muñiz.
“It’s a fine. These are laws that have been passed, and animals have rights too. You can’t transport them tied up with a rope like before. They must be transported in their carrier,” he said.
Article 96 of the Traffic Law for the State of Sonora states that drivers may not operate vehicles with too many passengers or with packages that obstruct visibility, limiting occupancy to the seats designed for passengers.
Article 97 also requires vehicles to travel with their doors closed and prohibits carrying people on the exterior of the vehicle body.
Fines in the state of Sonora can range from 20 to 25 UMAs (Units of Measurement and Update), equivalent to a maximum of 2,932.75 pesos, or about $157.03 based on today’s exchange rate.
To avoid problems during your trip, here are some points to keep in mind under traffic regulations.
Passengers are prohibited from riding in the bed of a pickup truck
Article 97 of the Traffic Law for the State of Sonora prohibits transporting people on the exterior of a vehicle’s body. The truck bed is intended for cargo, not passengers.
The restriction also applies on federal highways, such as Mexico 15 between Nogales and Hermosillo, where federal regulations establish provisions for passenger transportation. Violating these rules can result in a traffic citation.
Secure your luggage properly
If you plan to use your pickup bed to transport luggage, tools or other objects, make sure everything is securely fastened to prevent cargo from shifting or falling onto the roadway.
Article 98 of the state law includes provisions for the safe transportation of cargo. Before leaving, make sure all objects are properly arranged and secured. If you use a tarp, fasten it properly to prevent it from coming loose during the trip.
Tips for avoiding problems while traveling
Keep all passengers inside the cab. Make sure everyone traveling with you sits in an available seat and wears a seat belt. If there is not enough room for everyone, it is better to travel in two vehicles.
Be prepared for inspections. If you cross through Nogales or San Luis Río Colorado, make sure your documents are in order and follow authorities’ instructions at inspection checkpoints.
Check your insurance and vehicle permits. Before leaving Arizona, confirm that your policy covers travel to Mexico. If your insurance does not provide coverage in Mexico, purchase a policy that meets the applicable requirements. Also check whether you need a temporary vehicle import permit for your pickup truck. Requirements depend on your route and destination.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Heading to Puerto Peñasco? This pickup mistake could cost you $157
