No, riding unrestrained in the back of a truck bed is illegal in North Carolina under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-135.2, with exceptions for agricultural, emergency, or parade activities. Local ordinances, such as those enforced by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, further prohibit the practice on public roads. Violations carry fines up to $100 under state traffic codes, while municipal authorities may impose additional penalties. The 2026 North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) safety initiative targets truck bed riding as a high-risk behavior, aligning with federal NHTSA recommendations to reduce fatalities.
Key Regulations for Riding in the Back of a Truck in North Carolina
- Statutory Ban: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-135.2 explicitly prohibits transporting passengers in open truck beds unless secured in approved seating with restraints, except for agricultural workers, emergency responders, or parade participants.
- Local Enforcement: Municipalities like Raleigh and Durham enforce supplementary ordinances, such as Durham Code § 12-1003, which criminalize truck bed riding as a moving violation with escalating fines for repeat offenses.
- Federal Alignment: NCDOT’s 2026 safety framework mirrors NHTSA’s 2024 guidance, mandating that truck beds must meet FMVSS 207/210 standards for passenger safety if used for transport, effective January 1, 2026.