What is the age limit for a child allowed to ride in the open bed of a truck or trailer?

In Texas, the law prohibits children under the age of 18 from riding in the open bed of a truck or trailer. This regulation is in place to enhance safety for younger passengers, as riding in the open bed poses significant risks, including being ejected from the vehicle and exposure to elements and potential hazards on the road.

By setting the age limit at 18, the law acknowledges that older teenagers are more capable of understanding the risks and making safer decisions, although the safest practice remains for all passengers to be properly restrained within the cab of the vehicle. This restriction is aimed not just at passengers' safety but also at reducing the likelihood of serious injuries in the event of sudden stops or accidents, where the risk of falling out of an open bed increases dramatically for younger occupants.