It's funny how much things can change over the years. Growing up we never wore seat-belts. Grandma chewed tobacco and Grandpa smoked in the car while you played in the backseat. No one cared about lead paint.

And we all hitched a ride somewhere in the bed of a pickup truck.

bmcent1
bmcent1
loading...

What Is Illegal To Put In The Bed Of Your Truck? Your kids.

Personally, my childhood feels attacked. My teen years feel attacked. I grew up in a rural area, and this is just how we all got around. I loved riding in the back of the truck.

My nostalgia for the "good old days" though doesn't change the fact that it's technically illegal in the state of Texas.

It's a misdemeanor offense and the fines can range anywhere from $25 to $200 according to the Texas DPS website.

On their website, it reads:

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.
Michael J. Rivera/TSM
Michael J. Rivera/TSM
loading...

What If You're On The Beach Or Doing Farm Work? You're Fine.

As is the case with pretty much everything, there are some exceptions to the rule. First of all, the passenger must be at least 18 years of age. So, if you have older kids riding in the bed of the truck...you're fine as long as they can sign up for the draft and vote.

Other exceptions include moving workers from one farm location to the next as long as it isn't within a municipality. So, keep to the back roads. Don't go through downtown.

Parades and hayrides are also okay.

What if it's the only vehicle your family has? That's an allowable defense as well.

Visiting the beach? Riding in the bed on the beach is okay, too.

It's all right here on the DPS website. You'll want to scroll to the bottom.

20 Unusual Laws in the State of Texas

We want you to stay legal so here is a list of 20 strange laws you could break in the state of Texas.

Texas Crime Statistics By City

Check to see how crime compares in your city versus elsewhere.

RANKED: America's Top 12 Best-Looking State Trooper Cruisers

Did you know that there is a brotherhood of state troopers called the American Association of State Troopers (AAST)? Their goal: PROTECT. PROVIDE. CONNECTAccording to their website the AAST was formed in 1989 when a "small group of Florida state troopers had the vision to create an association that would unite state troopers across the country and assist them by providing valuable benefits and services."

Each year the AAST releases a calendar of the best looking state trooper cruisers. Ranking is determined by their Facebook followers. It's all for a great cause too. Proceeds benefit the AAST Foundation, which provides higher education scholarships for AAST troopers' children dependents. A noble cause by any measure. 

More From NewsTalk 940 AM