According to the Transportation Code, what is the legal age limit for a child in an open bed pickup truck?

The Transportation Code specifies that children under the age of 18 cannot be transported in the open bed of a pickup truck unless certain conditions are met, such as when they are in a parade or are participating in a similar event where safety protocols are in place. The rationale behind this regulation is primarily to protect younger individuals from the dangers associated with riding in an open vehicle, which can expose them to serious injury in the event of sudden stops, accidents, or other hazards on the road.

The age of 18 is established as a legal threshold because it is recognized that individuals who have reached this age are better able to understand and manage the risks involved in riding in such conditions, thus justifying the legal framework focused on child safety in vehicles.