Tennessee § 55-8-189 - Transporting child in truck bed.

§ 55-8-189. Transporting child in truck bed.

A person commits an offense who, on the streets of any municipality, roads of any county, or the highways of this state, transports a child under six (6) years of age in the bed of a truck with a manufacturer's ton rating not exceeding three-quarter (¾) ton and having a pickup body style. A person commits an offense who, on any interstate defense highway or state highway, transports a child between six (6) years of age and under twelve (12) years of age in the bed of a truck with a manufacturer's ton rating not exceeding three-quarter (¾) ton and having a pickup body style. A city or county may prohibit, by ordinance or resolution, a person from transporting a child between six (6) years of age and under twelve (12) years of age in the bed of a truck with a manufacturer's ton rating not exceeding three-quarter (¾) ton and having a pickup body style on city or county roads or highways. This section does not apply to a person transporting a child in the bed of such vehicle when that vehicle is being used as part of an organized parade, procession, or other ceremonial event, and when that vehicle is not exceeding the speed of twenty miles per hour (20 mph). This section does not apply when the child being transported is involved in agricultural activities. A violation of subsection (a) or subdivision (b)(1) is a Class C misdemeanor. Acts 1996, ch. 635, § 1; 1999, ch. 325, § 1. Compiler's Notes. Acts 1998, ch. 888, § 1 provided that the General Assembly hereby strongly urges the department of safety to take all necessary and prudent measures to alert persons of the dangers of minor children riding in the back of pickup trucks. The department of safety is urged to use public service announcements, advertising, public meetings and any other means available to inform the public of the risks to minors from riding in the back of pickup trucks. The department of safety is encouraged to report to the senate transportation committee and the house transportation committee in February, 1999, its efforts to promote the safety of Tennessee's children pursuant to this act. Cross-References. Penalty for Class C misdemeanor, § 40-35-111 .