Tarp It or Ticket: North Carolina's "Secure Your Load" Laws Explained

North Carolina "Secure Your Load" Laws: What You Need to Know

If you use a trailer in North Carolina, chances are you’ve heard of the “Secure Your Load” laws. At Trailer Liquidation Direct, we’re more than just your local Lexington trailer dealer with a wide selection of new and used trailers for sale. We’re dedicated to making sure our customers are well-informed about every aspect of trailer ownership, including local laws that regulate how to use your trailer in North Carolina. There are significant legal and financial penalties for drivers who don’t properly secure their loads in North Carolina, so ensuring you’re following the laws keeps our roads safe and saves you hassle.

Browse Trailers for Sale in Lexington

What Is the NC Secure Your Load Law?

In North Carolina, NC General Statute 20-116(g)(1) states that:

"No vehicle shall be driven or moved on any highway unless the vehicle is constructed and loaded to prevent any of its load from falling, blowing, dropping, sifting, leaking, or otherwise escaping therefrom, and the vehicle shall not contain any holes, cracks, or openings through which any of its load may escape."

This means that you can’t drive on the highway unless your cargo is secured and won’t fly off or fall out of your vehicle. This includes leaks of liquids and sifting of cargo like gravel or leaf litter.

Trailer Tarp Requirements NC

If your truck or trailer is loaded with rock, gravel, stone, or any other similar cargo, there are a couple of additional requirements:

• The height of your load against all four walls cannot extend above a horizontal line six inches below the top of the vehicle when loaded at the loading point.
• The load must be securely covered by tarp or another appropriate covering to prevent your load from falling, dropping, sifting, leaking, blowing, or escaping any other way.

This means that when you’re carrying rock, gravel, or stone, your load must be 6 inches lower than the top of your vehicle and must be properly covered.

Littering Legislation

There is additional anti-littering legislation that is relevant to tying down your cargo. NC General Statute 14-399 states that:

"When litter is blown, scattered, spilled, thrown, or placed from a vehicle or watercraft, the operator thereof shall be presumed to have committed this offense."

This means that if cargo blows off your trailer, you won’t just be cited for an unsecured load. You can also be charged with intentional or unintentional littering.

What Is the Unsecured Load Fine NC?

The penalty for failing to follow these laws can include:

• A fine ranging from $250 - $2,000
• Mandatory community service
• One point on your license

What Are the Risks of an Unsecured Load?

This law is intended to minimize roadside litter and to ensure safe driving conditions. In North Carolina, a great deal of roadside litter comes from unsecured cargo flying out of truck beds and trailers, which is harmful to the environment and dangerous for other drivers on the road around you. The types of risks depend on the type of load you’re hauling.

• Hauling Debris: If you’re carrying loose debris, the biggest risk is that small parts of your cargo will blow off your trailer. When hauling pine straw, tree limbs, construction materials, or loose trash to a convenience center, relying on gravity is not enough. You must use a heavy-duty tarp or specialized cargo net to cover your load.
• Hauling Equipment: When you’re towing gear, the risk is that your load may shift or roll off your trailer. If you are hauling equipment like a zero-turn mower, a skid steer, or a UTV, it must be secured so it cannot move around. Relying on the parking brake alone is not a legal or safe method of securing a load.

Browse New Trailers for Sale in North Carolina

How Do I Secure My Trailer Load?

There are a few simple factors to keep in mind when securing a dump trailer load or other trailer cargo:

• Don't Overfill: Keep the materials in your trailer 6 inches below the top edge of the walls.
• Tie It Down: Use heavy-duty ratchet straps for equipment. Bungee cords aren’t sufficient to hold down heavy equipment.
• Cover It Up: For loose materials, use a durable mesh tarp or canvas cover that is securely tied down front-to-back and side-to-side.
• Double-Check Your Cargo: Walk around the trailer before leaving the job site. Is the ramp gate locked? Are the D-rings secure? Is the tarp flapping?

What Gear Will Help Me Secure My Trailer Load?

We know it’s tempting to make do with the tools you already have, but it’s better to invest in the right equipment for the job than risk a costly fine. If you’re looking to up your game, Trailer Liquidation Direct can help you find the right equipment for your needs. For instance:

• If you regularly exceed your current trailer’s volume, the team at our Lexington trailer dealership can help you find a larger, more capable model.
• If you’re buying a dump trailer from us, ask about our built-in tarp kits. They roll out in seconds and keep you perfectly compliant with North Carolina law.
• If you need heavier-duty D-rings installed or you’re looking for a trailer with higher mesh sides to keep yard waste contained, we carry inventory to match your needs.

Shop Used Trailers for Sale Near Me

Visit Your North Carolina Trailering Experts

As your trusted Lexington trailer dealer, the team at Trailer Liquidation Direct is here to help you find the right trailer for your needs and ensure you can use your trailer safely. If you’d like to learn more about our inventory of new and used trailers for sale, please reach out with questions.

Contact Trailer Liquidation Direct