A lateral access limitation system for a vehicle includes a first structural member configured to be coupled to a side portion of the vehicle, a second structural member including a first end and an opposing second end, the first end and the opposing second end of the second structural member releasably coupled to the first structural member, and a third structural member coupled to the second structural member. The third structural member is positioned to prevent unintended access to a protected region. The second structural member and the third structural member are configured to selectively pivot about both the first end and the opposing second end of the second structural member to facilitate accessing the protected region.