§ 21-1107. Restrictions on persons in cargo areas of vehicles

   (a) Applicability of section. -- Subject to subsection (c) of this section, this section applies to:

   (1) A truck that has a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more; and

   (2) A truck/trailer or truck tractor/semitrailer or trailer combination that has a combined gross vehicle weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more.

(b) Applicability of section -- Highways. -- While a vehicle subject to this section is being operated on a highway:

   (1) The driver may not allow a person to occupy the area of the vehicle primarily intended to carry cargo; and

   (2) A person may not occupy the area of the vehicle primarily intended to carry cargo.

(c) Scope of section. -- This section does not apply to:

   (1) An attendant delegated to care for livestock;

   (2) A vehicle that is controlled or operated by a farmer and is:

      (i) Used to transport agricultural products, farm machinery, or farm supplies to or from a farm;

      (ii) Not used in the operations of a common or contract motor carrier; and

      (iii) Used within 150 miles of the farmer's farm;

   (3) A vehicle owned or operated by the U.S. Department of Defense if the vehicle is controlled or operated by:

      (i) Active duty military personnel; or

      (ii) A member of the military reserves or National Guard on active duty, including personnel on full-time National Guard duty and personnel on part-time training; or

   (4) A vehicle traveling at a speed of not more than 25 miles per hour.

HISTORY: 2000, ch. 351.