At what age is it prohibited to ride in an open bed pickup truck traveling more than 15 mph?

The law in Michigan stipulates that individuals younger than 18 years old are not permitted to ride in the open bed of a pickup truck when it is traveling over 15 mph. This regulation is in place primarily for safety reasons, as riding in the open bed of a truck can expose younger passengers to a higher risk of injury in the event of an accident or sudden stops.

The age limit of 18 aligns with the understanding that younger individuals may not have the same level of judgment or maturity as older teens and adults when it comes to recognizing and reacting to potential hazards while riding in such a situation. Thus, the focus is on protecting younger passengers whose safety could be compromised by circumstances that can arise at higher speeds.

Given this context, it can be understood why other age limits, such as younger than 21 or younger than 16, do not adequately address the specific safety concerns identified for those under 18. Also, the option related to being younger than 12 might imply a stricter rule, which isn't the case since the regulation focuses on those on the cusp of adulthood at age 18.