Question 17 from ticket 23 of the 2026 traffic rules exam tasks traditionally causes difficulties for driving school cadets. It is dedicated to the intricacies of transporting people in the back of a truck - a topic that is not encountered so often in practice, but contains many nuances. Mistakes here are costly: from fines to deprivation of rights. In this article we will analyze the question in detail, taking into account the latest changes in the rules, exceptions for different categories of vehicles and typical pitfalls that lie in wait for the exam.
The peculiarity of this question is that it tests knowledge of several points of traffic rules at once: 22.1 (conditions for transporting people), 22.2 (requirements for trucks) and 22.5 (exceptions for business trips). At the same time, the wording of the question often contains a catch - for example, a mention of “specially equipped places” or “speed no more than 60 km/h,” which not all cadets notice. We will not only give the correct answer, but also explain why other options are incorrect, and we will also show how these rules work in real life.
The exact text of question 17 from ticket 23 of traffic rules 2026
To begin with, let us present the current wording of the question (as of 2026) to avoid confusion with outdated versions:
Question: Is it legal to transport people in the back of a flatbed truck?
- Allowed.
- Allowed if they accompany the cargo.
- Allowed if equipped seating is available.
- Prohibited.
At first glance, the question seems simple, but there are several pitfalls here. Firstly, we are talking about onboard platform (not about a van or tank). Secondly, the key word is "allowed", which implies compliance with all mandatory conditions. Finally, the answer options contain half-truths, which is confusing.
Before giving the correct answer, let's understand the legal basis.
Legal basis: what traffic regulations say about transporting people in the back
The basic requirements for transporting people in the back of a truck are specified in section 22 of the traffic rules. Here are the key points you need to know:
- 📜 Clause 22.1 — general conditions for the transportation of people. It says here that the number of passengers should not exceed the number of equipped seats.
- 🚛 Clause 22.2 — special requirements for trucks. For example, the body must be equipped with seats fixed at a height of 30–50 cm from the floor and at least 30 cm from the top edge of the side.
- 🚨 Clause 22.5 — exceptions for business trips (for example, for utility workers or rescue workers).
- 📏 Clause 22.6 — speed limit: no more than 60 km/h when transporting people in the back.
In addition, there is also Technical regulations of the Customs Union (TR TS 018/2011), which imposes additional requirements on the design of the vehicle. For example, the body must have:
- 🪑 Seats with durable backs;
- 🚪 Easy-to-open side locks;
- 🛡️ Awning or other protective covering from precipitation;
- 🔦 Lighting (if transportation is carried out in the dark).
If at least one of these conditions is not met, transportation of people in the back automatically becomes a violation, even if other requirements are met.
Correct answer and analysis of each option
Now let's return to the question and look at all the answer options:
Allowed.
❌ Wrong. The unconditional “allowed” is incorrect, because transportation of people in the back is allowed only if a number of conditions are met (equipped places, speed, etc.). This option is a trap for those who do not read the question carefully.
Allowed if they accompany the cargo.
❌ Wrong. Accompanying cargo does not in itself give the right to transport people in the back without equipped seats. This rule was in effect in old editions of the traffic rules, but now it is outdated. Persons accompanying the cargo must sit in the cabin or in the back, equipped according to all rules.
Allowed if equipped seating is available.
✅ That's right. This is the only option that fully matches clause 22.2 of the traffic rules. Even if people accompany cargo or travel a short distance, the body must be equipped with seats according to the standards.
Prohibited.
❌ Wrong. A complete ban applies only to vehicles that do not meet the requirements (eg no seats or awning). If the conditions are met, transportation is permitted.
Thus, the correct answer is 3.
Even if people travel “for 5 minutes” or “accompany cargo,” the body must be equipped with seats in accordance with GOST. Exceptions are made only for business trips (clause 22.5 of the traffic rules).
Exceptions: when transportation of people in the back is permitted without equipped seats
There are several cases when traffic regulations allow the transportation of people in the back without special equipment. Lists them clause 22.5:
Transporting workers to and from work (e.g. construction workers, utilities). In this case, the speed should not exceed 60 km/h, and there should be benches in the back (not necessarily secured according to GOST).
Business trips (firefighters, rescuers, emergency services employees). In this case, even standing people in the back is allowed if this is due to operational necessity.
Evacuation of people from emergency zones (floods, fires, etc.). Here the rules are relaxed, but the driver must still ensure maximum safety.
Important: even in these cases prohibited:
- 🚫 Transport people along with cargo that can cause harm (sharp objects, chemicals, etc.);
- 🚫 Exceed the speed of 60 km/h;
- 🚫 Transport children under 12 years of age (with rare exceptions).
If a traffic police inspector stops a car with people in the back, he has the right to demand documents confirming the official nature of the trip (for example, a waybill with the appropriate mark).
What happens if the inspector finds a violation?
When transporting people in the back without equipped seats or speeding, the driver faces a fine Art. 12.23 Code of Administrative Offenses - from 1,000 to 3,000 rubles. If the violation resulted in minor or moderate harm to health, the fine will increase to 20–25 thousand rubles or deprivation of rights for 1.5–2 years.
Typical mistakes of cadets and how to avoid them
During the traffic police exam, many people make mistakes in this matter due to the following misconceptions:
“If people are accompanying the cargo, you can ride without seats.”
🔹 Reality: Cargo escort does not cancel the requirements for body equipment. This rule became outdated in 2010, but is still found in textbooks.
“You can carry people in a van without restrictions.”
🔹 Reality: A van is the same truck, and to transport people it also requires equipped seats (unless we are talking about minibuses of the category D).
“If the speed is up to 60 km/h, then you can drive without seats.”
🔹 Reality: The speed limit is additional a requirement, not a replacement for equipped places. Both conditions must be met.
To avoid falling into these traps, remember a simple rule:
⚠️ Attention: Transporting people in the back of a truck is permitted only subject to the simultaneous fulfillment of three conditions:
- The body is equipped with seats in accordance with GOST;
- Speed does not exceed 60 km/h;
- There are no prohibiting signs (for example,
3.22“Overtaking by trucks is prohibited” may indirectly restrict movement with passengers).The exception is business trips (clause 22.5), but even here the speed limit remains.
The body is equipped with seats with backrests|Speed does not exceed 60 km/h|People are not transported along with dangerous cargo|There is an awning or protection from rain|Children under 12 years old travel in the cabin-->
Real examples: when the rules are applied in practice
Let's look at several situations that truck drivers may encounter:
| Situation | Does it comply with traffic rules? | Consequences of violation |
|---|---|---|
| Transporting workers to construction sites in the back GAZelle with benches, speed 50 km/h. | ✅ Yes (clause 22.5) | No violations |
| Transporting friends to a picnic in the back UAZ without seats, speed 40 km/h. | ❌ No (clause 22.2 violated) | Fine 1,000–3,000 rubles. |
| Evacuation of people from a flood zone in the back KAMAZ no seats. | ✅ Yes (clause 22.5, emergency situation) | No violations |
| Carriage of cargo with one accompanying person in the back ZILequipped with one seat. | ✅ Yes (if the seat complies with GOST) | No violations |
| Transporting children in the back pickup truck with benches, speed 30 km/h. | ❌ No (children under 12 years old - only in the cabin) | Fine 3,000 rubles. |
Please note: even if the body is equipped according to all the rules, children under 12 years old It cannot be transported in it (with the exception of cases provided for in clause 22.9 of the Traffic Regulations, for example, in rural areas in the absence of alternatives).
Another nuance: if the truck is used for commercial passenger transportation (for example, like a minibus), it must meet the requirements for buses (category D), and the driver must have the appropriate category of license.
If you transport people in the back for business reasons, always take with you a waybill with a note about the purpose of the trip. This will help you avoid a fine when stopped by an inspector.
Fines and liability for violations
Violation of the rules for transporting people in the back is punishable by Article 12.23 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation. The amount of fines depends on the severity of the consequences:
- 💰 1,000–3,000 rubles — for transporting people in the back without equipped seats or at excessive speed.
- 💰 20,000–25,000 rubles or deprivation of rights for 1.5–2 years — if the violation resulted in slight or moderate harm to the health of passengers.
- 🚔 Criminal liability (Article 264 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation) - if as a result of the violation people died or suffered serious harm to their health.
In addition, the inspector has the right:
- 🚫 Prohibit further movement until the violation is eliminated (for example, until passengers are removed from the body).
- 📋 Draw up a protocol even if the violation is revealed by photo/video recording.
- 🔍 Check documents for the right to drive a vehicle (if the transportation is of a commercial nature).
Important: if they are traveling in the back strangers (not employees of the organization), this can be regarded as illegal transportation of passengers, which entails a fine of up to 50,000 rubles (Article 12.3 of the Administrative Code).
⚠️ Attention: If you own a truck and hand it over to the driver for a business trip with people in the back, make sure that:
- The waybill indicates the purpose of the trip (for example, “transportation of workers”);
- The driver is instructed about the speed limit (max. 60 km/h);
- The body meets at least the minimum requirements (benches, awning).
Otherwise, you as an official may be fined (up to 50,000 rubles).
FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions
Is it possible to transport people in the back of a pickup truck (for example, Toyota Hilux or Ford Ranger)?
Yes, but only if the body is equipped with seats in accordance with GOST. Pickup trucks are classified as commercial vehicles, so they are subject to the same rules. The exception is if the pickup is certified as passenger (for example, with a rear row of seats in the cabin), but such models are rare.
Do I need to wear seat belts in the back?
Traffic regulations do not require seat belts for passengers in the back, but seats must have backs (clause 22.2). In practice, belts are almost never installed in the body, but this does not negate other requirements.
Is it possible to transport people in the back of a truck with a trailer?
No, this is expressly prohibited clause 22.8 of the traffic rules. Transporting people in the back of a car with a trailer is only permitted if the trailer itself is designed to carry passengers (for example, summer cottage trailer with seats).
What is the penalty for transporting people in the back without equipped seats?
Fine from 1,000 to 3,000 rubles (Article 12.23 of the Administrative Code). If the violation causes harm to health, the fine increases to 25,000 rubles or deprivation of rights for 1.5–2 years.
Is it possible to transport people in the back of a truck off-road?
Yes, but only if all other conditions are met (equipped places, speed up to 60 km/h). However, off-road the risk of injury is higher, so the inspector may regard the trip as creating a danger for passengers (Article 12.34 of the Administrative Code).