Texas § TN.545.414 - RIDING IN OPEN BEDS
Full text of Texas The Texas Constitution § TN.545.414 — RIDING IN OPEN BEDS, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ TN.545.414. RIDING IN OPEN BEDS
RIDING IN OPEN BEDS; OFFENSE. (a) A person commits an offense if the person operates an open-bed pickup truck or an open flatbed truck or draws an open flatbed trailer when a child younger than 18 years of age is occupying the bed of the truck or trailer. (b) An offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $25 or more than $200. (c) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that the person was: (1) operating or towing the vehicle in a parade or in an emergency; (2) operating the vehicle to transport farmworkers from one field to another field on a farm-to-market road, ranch-to-market road, or county road outside a municipality; (3) operating the vehicle on a beach; (4) operating a vehicle that is the only vehicle owned or operated by the members of a household; or (5) operating the vehicle in a hayride permitted by the governing body of or a law enforcement agency of each county or municipality in which the hayride will occur. (d) Compliance or noncompliance with Subsection (a) is not admissible evidence in a civil trial. (e) In this section, "household" has the meaning assigned by Section 71.005 , Family Code. Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 79, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Source: official Texas text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas § TN.545.414
What does The Texas Constitution § TN.545.414 cover?
Section TN.545.414 ("RIDING IN OPEN BEDS") is part of the The Texas Constitution, the codified statutory law of Texas. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Texas § TN.545.414?
A common citation format is "The Texas Constitution § TN.545.414" (Texas). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Texas law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Texas official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Texas attorney.
How does Texas § TN.545.414 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Texas can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Texas.