Is It Illegal to Ride in the Bed of a Truck in NC?

In North Carolina, it is illegal to ride in the bed of a truck if you are over the age of 16. This law applies to all types of vehicles, including pickups, flatbeds, and vans. It is also illegal for any passengers to be standing in a truck bed while the vehicle is in motion.

The reasoning behind this law is to prevent serious injury or death that can occur when an individual falls out of the truck bed while it is moving. Even at slow speeds, riders in the bed can be thrown from the vehicle and suffer catastrophic injuries when they strike the pavement or another object.

The law specifically states that no person over 16 years old can ride in a pickup or flatbed truck while it is in motion. The only exception to this rule would be if there was a camper shell installed on the back of the truck that provided additional protection and there were no seats available inside the cab.

The penalties for violating this law can be severe. Depending on your state, you could face fines up to $500 or more and even potential jail time. If an individual riding in the back of a truck suffers injury due to a violation of this law, then you could face additional criminal charges such as negligent driving or reckless endangerment.

In conclusion, it is illegal to ride in the bed of a truck in North Carolina if you are over 16 years old. This law exists to protect individuals from serious injury or death that can occur when they fall out of a moving vehicle. The penalties for violating this law are steep and could include fines up to $500 and even jail time.

Is It Illegal to Ride in the Bed of a Truck in NC?

Yes, it is illegal to ride in the bed of a truck if you are over 16 years old in North Carolina. The penalties for violating this law can include fines up to $500 and even jail time.

Photo of author

James Gardner