Relating to the operation of a motor vehicle while another person rides in or on a portion of the vehicle not for passenger use; creating a criminal offense.

HB 5040 makes it a criminal offense to operate a motor vehicle while someone rides in or on a part not designed for passengers (like a truck bed or trunk). This directly affects drivers who allow passengers in non-passenger areas and the passengers themselves. The bill includes specific defenses, such as when operating waste-hauling vehicles, for emergency personnel, or when a pickup truck bed passenger is 18+ years old. The law takes effect on September 1, 2025.