Is Riding In A Pickup Truck Bed Illegal in North Carolina?

It's just about peak hunting season, and that means the pick-em-ups are going to be out in full force. If you're riding from one area to another, you and the boys might decide to just take one truck, and have everybody hop in the back because it's just a mile or two down the road.

Someone will always ask you, "You know that's illegal, right?" Well, let's settle that.

Is Riding In A Pickup Truck Bed Illegal in North Carolina?

The short answer is no, it's not, but the long answer is no, it's not - as long as you meet the requirements and rules.

It's legal in all 50 states to ride in the back of a pickup truck, but each state has its own laws regarding the safety side of the activity because it still is dangerous - even if it's legal.

A few years ago, the North Carolina Governor's Highway Safety Program demonstrated what can happen in the event of an accident while there are passengers in the bed of a truck.

Can Children Ride In The Back of A Pickup Truck?

"I know we lost Timmy on that speedbump back there, but we'll he'll catch up at some point."

According to BuckleUpNC, children can ride in the back of a pickup truck if they are over the age of 16 - with a few exceptions:

• If an adult is present in bed or cargo area and is supervising the child.
• If the child is secured or restrained by seat belt in compliance with FMVSS 208 installed to support load of 5,000 lbs. for each belt and of a type approved by the Commissioner.
• If an emergency situation exists
• If the vehicle is being operated in a parade.
• If the vehicle is being operated in an agricultural enterprise, including providing transportation to and from the principal place of the agricultural enterprise.

The kids can also ride in the back if there's a “permanent overhead restraining construction," which means something welded or bolted to the bed. Not the typical topper that's clamped into place. That's to make sure that if something happens, they don't fly out like the "kid" in the safety video.

What Happens If You Get Caught?

Whoever is driving the truck assumes responsibility for all passengers, so if an officer pulls you over because you have a truck bed full of eight-year-olds and you're not in a parade or farming, then you're looking at a fine - even if the kid's parent is in the truck with you.

For each violation of the truck bed laws, you'll be fined a minimum of $25 per head.

Read more at BuckleUpNC

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