by Chief of Police DeWayne Philpott
CURRENTLY:
Teague Police Department, while supporting Halloween trick or treating activities, is actively working with our council to help review the possibility of permitting sanctioned hayrides while trick or treating. As a department we have families and children that enjoy these events as well. We do not wish to hinder our/your children’s abilities to enjoy things we all did as we grew up, much as many of you feel. Our goals are for the benefit of our children in the community to have a safe and enjoyable Halloween event.
EDIT/UPDATE (for original post):
This post spurned unintentional misconceptions and assumptions related to our position and intentions on trick or treating, and riding in open bed trucks or trailers.
1. Teague Police Department whole heartedly supports trick or treating and the traditions surrounding our community.
2. We apologize for not “spelling” everything out so you could understand the intentions behind the post. Additionally, we utilized a wrong choice of words by using “exceptions” as it is just a defense to prosecution not an exception to the statutory provisions. We will work to be more explanative in the future.
3. The post was simply to clarify that there is a state law relating to the questions being asked by citizens regarding the legalities surrounding using trailers for trick or treating, not the intentions of the police department on enforcement. The state law has been in effect since 2001 and 2003 which many people may not know about.
4. Parades are authorized and a process for permitting is in place, which requires TXDOT approval as parades typically require shutting down these roads. Hayrides are not currently provisioned in ordinance.
5. No where in the post did Teague Police Department say we were prohibiting trick or treating.
ORIGINAL POST:
Teague Police Department has been receiving phone calls related to Halloween and riding in trailers for trick or treating. We are putting out this information for everyone to be informed.
Riding in the back of a pickup truck or on a trailer can feel liberating. It can conjure up memories of your nostalgic childhood, as you rode in the back of the family pickup or trailer. But with the changes in vehicle safety laws, you might be wondering if it’s legal to ride in the truck bed or trailer these days. Although it may seem unimaginable now, there was a time where wearing a seat-belt was merely a suggestion.
Current Texas law permits adults 18 years and older to ride in the open bed of a truck or open trailer. Conversely, passengers under 18 years old are prohibited from doing so, and a driver that permits a minor to ride in the bed of a truck is subject to a $25 to $200 fine, except under certain exceptions.
We wish everyone a happy and safe Halloween!
