North Carolina Law: Minimum Age to Ride in Pickup Truck Bed is 16

North Carolina General Statute §20-135.2B establishes clear rules for passengers in pickup truck cargo areas—with a firm age floor and specific exemptions.

The Rule

Minimum Age: 16 years old to ride in the open bed of a pickup truck on public roads.

Statutory Exceptions (Can Ride Under 16)

• Agricultural Operations: Farmers/farm workers using truck for farming activities on farm property or adjacent roads.
• Immediate Family: Driver's spouse, parents, children, siblings (by blood, marriage, adoption).
• Parades: Authorized parade participants at ≤20 mph.
• Emergency: Life-threatening situations requiring immediate transport.

Additional Requirements (All Passengers)

• No standing — must sit on floor or fixed seats
• Tailgate must be closed and secured
• No children <12 in bed on interstate/primary highways (even with exceptions)
• Violation: Infraction, $25 fine + court costs (no license/insurance points)

Rationale and Context

Ejection risk in crashes/rollovers is extreme. NHTSA: pickup bed passengers 8x more likely to die than cab occupants. NC law strengthened 2005 (was 12). 30+ states have some restriction; 20+ ban all bed passengers.

Practical Advice

Don't risk it. Put passengers in the cab. If truck is only vehicle: multiple trips, rent, or ride-share. The $25 fine is trivial; the funeral isn't.