Senate Bill 2571

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

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

SECTION 1. 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 nonpassenger 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 and 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.

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.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2003.