Texas Minors Can’t Legally Ride in Pickup Truck Beds. Who Knew?

As I get older, there are more and more things that I did as a child/teenager that are being prohibited for younger generations. These things are usually put to a stop in the name of safety. I will admit, sometimes those things need to be stopped. Sometimes they really do pose a danger. However, there are times when I think that some of the rules are just too much.

I came across one the other day that I can remember doing all the time as a kid. See if you remember this one.

It's Illegal for Minors to Ride in the Bed of a Pickup Truck in Texas

There were tons of times when we would climb in the bed of a pickup truck to ride somewhere. Now, don't get me wrong, we wouldn't do it for long trips or even when getting on major highways. We were smart enough to climb inside and get buckled for those kinds of commutes. But if we were just going down the road, it was just quicker and easier to climb in the bed. Sure, it was a bumpy ride, and you'd be a bit sore afterwards, but it was still a good time, especially in the spring and summer when the weather was good.

READ MORE: Want a Raccoon as a Pet? Texas Says No.

However, that activity is actually frowned upon, even here in the Lone Star State. According to the Texas Transportation Code, specifically section 545.414, children under the age of 18 are prohibited from riding in the beds of pickups, and whoever is operating the vehicle can be charged with a misdemeanor. The operator can be fined anywhere between $25 and $200.

There are Exceptions to Minors Riding in Truck Beds

There are a few exceptions that allow minors to ride in the beds of pickup trucks, and I must admit, I didn't know about all of these exceptions. Minors can ride in the bed in these situations:

• The truck is being towed in a parade or during an emergency.
• The truck is being driven on the beach
• The truck is being used to transport farmworkers between fields on farm-to-market roads, ranch-to-market roads, or county roads that are outside of municipalities
• The truck is used in a hayride (with permission of governing bodies/law enforcement from the county or municipality where the hayride takes place
• The truck is the only vehicle owned and/or operated by members of the household

Other than these, people under 18 can't legally ride in the bed of a pickup truck in Texas. Who knew??