To amend chapter 304, RSMo, by adding one new section relating to the operation of certain motor vehicles, with penalty provisions.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI, AS FOLLOWS:

     Section A. Chapter 304, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section to be known as section 304.665, to read as follows:

     304.665. 1. No person shall operate any truck, as defined in section 301.010, RSMo, with a gross weight of twelve thousand pounds or less on any highway of this state when any person under the age of eighteen is riding in the open area or bed of such truck. No person under the age of eighteen shall ride in the open area or bed of such truck when the truck is in operation. Any person who operates a truck with a gross weight of twelve thousand pounds or less or who rides in the open area or bed of such truck in violation of this section commits an infraction.

     2. The provisions of this section shall only apply when a truck described in subsection 1 of this section is operated on a highway which is part of the state or federal highway system or when such truck is operated within the corporate limits of any city. The provisions of this section shall not apply to:

     (1) An employee engaged in the necessary discharge of the employee's duties where it is necessary to ride in the open end or bed of the truck;

     (2) Any person while engaged in the transportation of any unprocessed agricultural products where it is necessary to ride in the open end or bed of the truck;

     (3) Any person riding in the open end or bed of a truck while such truck is being operated in a parade, caravan or exhibition which is authorized by law; or

     (4) Any person riding in the open area or bed of such truck if such truck has installed a means of preventing such person from being discharged or such person is secured to the truck in a manner which will prevent the person from being thrown, falling or jumping from the truck.