Is Riding in a Trailer Illegal in Texas?

Have you ever been driving down an interstate like I-40 or on the backroads of Texas and come across a semi moving a mobile home? If you're like most people, it has crossed your mind, "Hmmm, I wonder if the owners are inside."

As ridiculous as it sounds, you know you've thought about it. Need your mobile home moved? Let 'em load it up while you stay in bed and enjoy the ride. Well, that fantasy thought is just that. If someone is in a moving mobile home, called a house trailer in Texas, they are breaking the law.

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Can You Legally Ride in a Mobile Home in Texas?

According to Texas Transportation Code 545.419, it is illegal for a person to ride in a house trailer while it is being pulled or moved by another vehicle. It is also illegal for the person driving the vehicle pulling the trailer to have someone inside while moving.

Texas Transportation Code 545.419 Explained

A person may not occupy a house trailer while it is being moved.

The same applies to enclosed trailers and RVs with hitches that must be pulled. A person cannot legally be inside an RV, like a 5th wheel or bumper pull, while it is being transported. You cannot just crash on the couch in the RV while the rest of the family is in the truck cab. Not only is it illegal, but it is also dangerous.

Texas Law on Trailers, RVs, and 5th Wheels

The Texas Transportation Code 545.4191 states,

A person may not operate a truck, road tractor, or truck tractor when another person occupies a trailer or semitrailer being drawn by the truck, road tractor, or truck tractor.

Safety Risks of Riding Inside a Moving Trailer

As with most laws, there are exceptions, but if you were planning on just chilling in a trailer while it’s in motion and someone is in the cab of the vehicle pulling it, it’s not happening legally.  Not only is it dangerous, it's just not smart.  While it sounds relaxing, you don't want to be in that trailer bouncing around, and it could be deadly if it ends in a wreck.

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Penalties for Violating Texas Trailer Laws

If found breaking these laws, it is a Class B Misdemeanor and punishable with a fine of up to $2,000 and up to 180 days in jail.