What is the consequence of operating an open-bed truck with a child under 18 in the bed?

Operating an open-bed truck with a child under 18 in the bed is classified as an Open-Bed Truck Occupancy Offense. This is due to the inherent risks and dangers associated with allowing children to ride in the open bed of a truck, which can lead to serious injuries or fatalities in the event of sudden stops, turns, or accidents.

Traffic safety laws are designed to protect vulnerable populations, such as children, from these risks. The classification of this act as an offense reflects the law's prioritization of safety and its recognition that children are particularly at risk in such situations.

Acknowledging the potential for danger, law enforcement and traffic safety regulations enforce specific rules regarding passenger safety, especially for minors, to ensure that they are secured safely within the vehicle's cabin rather than in an exposed position where they face a higher risk of injury.