MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Highways and Transportation

By: Senator(s) Woodfield

AN ACT TO PROHIBIT THE CARRYING OF CERTAIN PASSENGERS IN A TRUCK BED OR OPEN CARGO AREA; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. (1) Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, every driver of a motor vehicle being operated in forward motion on any public road, street or highway is prohibited from carrying any passenger in a truck bed or in any open or uncovered non-passenger or cargo area which does not have a passenger seat or seats manufactured or installed as an integral part of the vehicle. A motor vehicle is a vehicle intended primarily for use and operation on the public roads, streets and highways which is either self-propelled or is designed either to be attached to or drawn by a self-propelled vehicle, but does not include farm tractors and other machines and tools used in production, harvesting and cultivation of farm products.

(2) Violation of this section is a violation of the traffic regulations and rules of the road and shall be punished as provided in Section 63-9-11, Mississippi Code of 1972.

(3) The provisions of this section shall not apply to the carrying of any passenger aged eighteen (18) or older to or from his place of employment.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 1999.