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 304.670, to read as follows:

     304.670. 1. No person shall operate any truck, as defined in section 301.010, RSMo, with a gross vehicle weight rating of twelve thousand pounds or less on any highway of this state when any person is riding in the open area or bed of such truck. No person shall ride in the open area or bed of such truck when the truck is in operation.

     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 highway system. The provisions of this section shall not apply to any person riding in the open area or bed of such truck in seats which are bolted to the truck and have safety belts.

     3. Any person operating a truck in violation of this section where the passengers in the bed are age eighteen or over commits an infraction. Any person operating a truck in violation of this section where any passenger in the bed is under age eighteen commits a class C misdemeanor. Any person who rides in the open area or bed of a truck in violation of this section commits an infraction.