Q: I have seen lots of people in the summer time riding in the back of pickup trucks. Isn’t there a law against that?  — Fabian from Niles.

A: Fabian, there is a law against that, but like most laws, there are exceptions. MVC 257.682b, Permitting person under 18 to ride in open bed of pickup truck prohibited; exceptions; civil infraction, states “(1) Except as provided in this section, an operator shall not permit a person less than 18 years of age to ride in the open bed of a pickup truck on a highway, road, or street in a city, village, or township at a speed greater than 15 miles per hour. (2) Subsection (1) does not apply to the operator of any of the following: (a) A motor vehicle operated as part of a parade pursuant to a permit issued by the governmental unit with jurisdiction over the highway or street. (b) A military motor vehicle. (c) An authorized emergency vehicle. (d) A motor vehicle controlled or operated by an employer or an employee of a farm operation, construction business, or similar enterprise during the course of work activities. (e) A motor vehicle used to transport a search and rescue team to and from the site of an emergency. (3) A person who violates this section is responsible for a civil infraction.

Parent Tip:  Are you kids drinking alcohol at summer parties? Are you sure?  Ask the tough questions. Monitor your kids by asking who, what, and where. Make sure to stay connected by communicating with the parent or chaperone at any gathering your kids might attend without you. Set a “no alcohol” before age 21 rule in your household and be sure to ask teen party hosts to enforce that boundary.

Let your kids know that drinking alcohol before age 21 can lead to serious health and safety consequences. Help your kids practice different ways to say “NO” to alcohol and other drugs when with their peers. Design an “escape plan” with your kids so that they can leave a party if they feel unsafe for any reason. Host an alcohol and drug free party for your kids and their friends. Be sure to provide: parent supervision, fun food, music, and include activities they enjoy like dancing and water balloon games!

Over 80 percent of parents strongly support 21 as the legal drinking age. Helpful websites for parents include: drugfree.org, parenting.org, abovetheinfluence.com, theantidrug.com, parentingisprevention.org, and drugfreeamerica.org. Get involved! Facebook.com/CASS.Community

I would like to leave a reminder that this article is for you. If you have questions concerning legal and traffic issues, please e-mail me at Trooperrob53@Yahoo.Com. There will be no legal advice given, only excerpts from the Michigan Compiled Laws and Motor Vehicle Code. Safety tips are also provided.