Understanding the rules for weighted tags in North Carolina can be a headache-inducing process, often involving a lot of back-and-forth with various statutes. Whether you're a seasoned hauler or just getting into the world of towing and trailering, this guide is designed to simplify the regulations and help you ensure your vehicle is properly tagged. Let’s dive into the essentials of weighted tags in NC and keep your journey smooth and legal.
What Are Weighted Tags?
In North Carolina, the weight tag on your vehicle must cover both the weight of the vehicle itself and any trailer it tows when used for hauling property. For recreational vehicles (RVs) and boats, there are exceptions, primarily because these are not considered property-hauling vehicles when used for personal recreation. However, when it comes to commercial or even occasional property hauling such as equipment, household items and vehicles, proper tagging is enforced.
The standard tag in North Carolina covers vehicle weights up to 4,000 pounds. If your vehicle, like a big pickup, exceeds this weight, even when empty, you’re technically not legal on the road without a heavier weighted tag. In North Carolina, “First in Flight” tags cover 4,000, 5,000 and 6,000 pound weighted tags. Weighted tags 7,000 to 26,001 pounds are “Weighted” tags. North Carolina law allows a tolerance of up to 9,000 pounds if you are pulling a trailer. It is the vehicle owner’s responsibility to ensure they purchase a sufficient amount of License Weight to cover the combination weight of the truck, trailer and load. Private, noncommercial pickup trucks, registered with regular “First in Flight”-type license tags, may trailer a combined total load of up to 9,000 pounds. If the total is heavier, a weighted license tag is required with enough capacity to cover the entire combined load of:
- the truck
- anything carried in the bed of the truck
- the passengers of the truck
- the trailer and whatever is being carried on/in the trailer
So if you have a 6,000-pound truck pulling a 1,500-pound trailer carrying a 4,000-pound tractor, then you need a weighted tag because the combined weight (11,500 pounds) is more than 9,000 pounds.
Why It Matters
The consequences of not adhering to these laws can be significant. For instance, if you’re stopped and your tag doesn’t cover the actual weight of your truck and trailer combo, law enforcement has the authority to fine you and park your rig until the issue is resolved. This can lead to delays and potentially costly towing and storage fees.
Examples to Guide You
Let’s look at some practical examples to illustrate how weighted tags work in different scenarios:
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Let use this tow vehicle information for our examples:
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Ford Pickup Truck Weight: 5,100 lbs
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Truck Cargo Capacity: 1,300 lbs
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Towing Capacity: 10,000 lbs
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Total Combined Weight Capacity: 16,400 lbs
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Example 1: Driving Alone with a Heavy Pickup: In this example, we recommend at least a 6,000 tag to cover your vehicle and a few passengers and light cargo - remember that the weight of your passengers needs to be considered in your cargo weight. If you want to be able to haul up to the max cargo capacity of 1,300 pounds without a trailer, you need a 7,000 pound “Weighted” tag.
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Example 2: Towing a camper or boat trailer: If you're only towing a camper or a boat trailer with your truck, a tag rated for your vehicle weight is often sufficient. In this instance, your weighted tag does not need to cover the weight of your camper or boat trailer since they are not considered “property hauling vehicles.
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Example 3: Hauling a Small Cargo Trailer: You are hauling a small trailer and cargo that weighs 2,990 with your Ford Pickup Truck. The truck and its cargo weighs 5,500, you can trailer this with our “First in Flight” tag if you rate it at 6,000. You can trailer up to 9,000 pounds with your “First in Flight” tag. Once you exceed 9,000 pounds combined weight, you must have a weighted tag rated for the total weight of your truck, trailer and cargo.
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Example 4: Using a Large Equipment Trailer: You want to tow a larger trailer with a gross weight of 9,900 pounds. You want your tag to be rated to tow the max trailer gross weight plus the max truck cargo capacity, which totals 16,300. You buy a weight for your tags in 1,000 pound You weighted tag would need to be rated for 17,000 pounds.
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Pro Tips
- Verify Your Total Weight: Include the weight of the vehicle, trailer, and load.
- Tag for Max Weight: Tag your vehicle for the maximum weight you expect to haul.
Why This Matters to You
Understanding the requirements for weighted tags isn’t just about following the law—it’s about avoiding fines and preventing disruptions in your vacations or work. Whether you're hauling equipment for a big job, taking a boat to the lake, or heading out on a family camping trip, having the right tag means peace of mind.
Need Additional Help?
Before you hit the road, why not ensure your vehicle is up to par? View our inventory today to find the best options for trailers that meet your towing needs. Or, if you already own a suitable trailer but want to ensure it's in top condition, schedule a service appointment with us at NC Trailers. Our experts are here to help you stay safe, legal, and ready for any journey you have planned.
Schedule an Appointment
Navigating the complexities of North Carolina's weighted tags doesn't have to be complicated. With the right information and a proactive approach, you can tow confidently and legally across the state.
Additional Links
Looking for motor vehicle license fees, check out this link for North Carolina form MVR-34
Looking for the form to submit for a Weighted tag, check out this link for North Carolina form MVR-618
Commercial Motor Vehicle Enforcement, check out this link
US Department of Transportation (USDOT) contact at (919) 856-4378
Overweight and/or over-dimensional permits for North Carolina may be secured by calling (919) 861-3720
NC State Highway Patrol Motor Carrier Enforcement Section............... (919) 715-8683
Troop A (Greenville)....................................... (252) 758-5300
Troop B (Fayetteville) .................................... (910) 486-1058
Troop C (Raleigh)...........................................(919) 733-3911
Troop D (Greensboro) ................................... (336) 334-5621
Troop E (Salisbury)........................................ (704) 639-7595
Troop F (Newton)........................................... (828) 466-5504
Troop G (Asheville)........................................ (828) 298-4253
Troop H (Monroe).......................................... (704) 283-8559
NC Department of Revenue Motor Fuels Tax Division ............................... (919) 733-3409
NC Dept. of Transportation Oversize/Overweight Permit Unit .................. (888) 221-8166
Division of Motor Vehicles Registration Section ...................................... (919) 733-3915
Traffic Engineering & Safety Systems Branch (STAA Routes) ................... (919) 773-2800
Need to sell your trailer or buy a new one?
Titles, tags, and registration are handled by the NC DMV, so take paperwork questions to them. If you are buying or selling a trailer, call us or stop by either lot in Thomasville or Winston-Salem.
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