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Navigating the World of Weighted Tags in North Carolina: What You Need to Know

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:

  1. the truck
  2. anything carried in the bed of the truck
  3. the passengers of the truck
  4. 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:

  • Let use this tow vehicle information for our examples:

    • Ford Pickup Truck Weight:  5,100 lbs

    • Truck Cargo Capacity:  1,300 lbs

    • Towing Capacity:  10,000 lbs

    • Total Combined Weight Capacity:  16,400 lbs

    • 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.

    • 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. 

    • 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.

    • 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.

Pro Tips

  1. Verify Your Total Weight: Include the weight of the vehicle, trailer, and load.
  2. 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

Service Prelim Form


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

About the Author

Hi, I’m Johnny Shelton with NC Trailers, the #1 rated trailer dealer in the Carolinas. With over 300 trailers in stock, we’ve proudly served contractors, adventure seekers, and everyone in between since 1996. Having sold and serviced over 10,000 trailers, we’re grateful for the trust our customers have placed in us. We’re committed to using our experience to help you succeed in all your trailer and towing needs. Let’s thrive together!

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First Last N.
12:41 13 Apr 25
Nctrailers Team are awesome !!! Sam the sales representative was very helpful on the phone and when I should up on site. Shanice with my contract. Tammy explaining each process during the DMV registration and paperwork. Ryan was very patient in the pouring rain preparing and getting me connected to the truck and doing the safety checks 5 times to make sure no issues. Thanks nctrailers of Thomasville for professionalism and attention to detail. I definitely be seeing you guys in a few months for a car trailer .
Desiree B.
18:02 12 Apr 25
Had the pleasure of buying our first trailer for our new business from them this weekend. And let me say I can’t say enough about this company. From the first call with Donna, till we drove off the lot hooked up, they were absolutely amazing! Their inventory is intensive yes, but the customer service is extraordinary! Our purchase experience start with a transfer to Zach who was welcoming and extremely knowledgeable! Shancie took care of the financing and made everything so easy and simple, and Tammy was fast with our paperwork! Noah and Ryan went above and beyond for the install and hookup of all the accessories we choose! These folks are the best around and hire the most wonderful crew! Highly recommend them for any trailer purchase or service needs!
Mitch O.
12:47 12 Apr 25
I would like to take a minute and recognize several people at NC trailers. From the start it was Zach & Sam in sales which went above and beyond the process of helping me pick the correct trailer and helping me complete all necessary paperwork when I was literally 1800 miles away driving down the road.

Shanice in financing made financing the trailer simple and quick, and behind the scenes Tammy in tag/title department was doing her magic so it all came together as one cohesive unit the day of picking the trailer up.

Speaking of picking up the trailer, Ryan & Noah truly went above and beyond expectations working in the pouring rain, while not compromising standards of making sure everything went smoothly and that I was hooked up correctly while taking the time to fully go over every aspect of the trailer and how to hook and unhook the trailer.

Tyler in Service & Parts was very helpful with information regarding the Gooseneck hitch for my next trailer.

Thank you to each Team member of NC trailers. I HIGHLY recommend this company to anyone needing a trailer.

So, if you need any type of trailer, accessory or even a repair, NC trailers should be your First and only stop. They truly make you feel like Family and the trailers are rated top in the Industry and priced very reasonably.

Head on over to NC trailers and get your trailer today. Tell them Mitch with a “M” not a “B” sent you, and you should receive an extra smile or two.
Anthony T.
21:34 10 Apr 25
Awesome place to do business!
Shaun O.
04:19 09 Apr 25
I have to say I had great experience with the staff at NCtrailers in Thomasville, NC. The staff up there were amazing. I had the pleasure of being David’s first sale for his new career dealing in this type of equipment. He has had many years in sales and it shows but he decided to venture into a new atmosphere of sales. Working through the contract side of things Shanice was very thorough and was able to give me all the details I needed. She was so inviting and made you feel comfortable through would could be a stressful process.

Tammy was a sweetheart with the tag and title paper work and talked me through all the necessary links and info I would need to setup the last little bit of info.

Ryan and Noah had me all hooked up and ready to go and even took the time to help me find a short in my connection on my truck so I would be comfortable knowing all the lights and everything worked properly on the new trailer.

All in all I had a great experience with the entire staff from parts to sales to service. I will most definitely be recommending them to anyone I know for their trailer needs.

Now wish me luck on my lawn care company venture.
Lawn Legends LLC.
Conard B.
14:22 07 Mar 25
The staff was very helpful and motivated I went back and forth with two trailers figuring prices and add ons they were very patient and provide me with two different layouts for two different prices. I finally made my decision. I would highly recommend for your next trailer go too NC trailer sales.
Keith B.
02:54 07 Feb 25
After searching many sites, I settled on calling NC Trailers of Thomasville, NC. Zach was very helpful over the phone answering my questions. After I decided on a trailer I drove 3 1/2 hours to arrive at their location only 30 minutes before they closed. They didn’t mind my late arrival or staying to complete the sale. I changed my mind on the trailer I wanted and Shaun was very quick to redo all the paperwork for the sale. Noah was also helpful in going over the trailer with me and answering questions I had. And thank you Tammy for saving me a trip to NCDMV, at NC Trailers they can do your DMV registration and you leave with tags already installed. The trailer pulled smoothly all the home.
Jenny D
00:33 11 Dec 24
Tyler at NC trailers was knowledgeable, helpful & communicated well. Tyler made getting the replacement part I needed hassle free. Thanks again!
Stephen J.
18:46 09 Dec 24
What a great place to purchase a trailer!! Such a huge inventory and very competitive pricing. My sales representative was Zach and he really went over the top to satisfy what I wanted. Shaun handled my contract and was super efficient as with Tammy, who handled my DMV paperwork. Many thumbs up to this great group!!
Thanks so very much!!
Frederick H.
10:06 07 Dec 24
Bought a Landscaping trailer from them 5 years ago. Great trailer! They service and have parts in stock! Went and seen Tyler for parts the other day and he's very knowledgeable and friendly. Would recommend these guys to anyone! Dec 2024 Update: This is my second review. Lol. I some new HD axles installed on a trailer back in the spring and they are holding up GREAT! Thanks Tyler again for your sales work and Wes for an amazing flawless install! Great knowledgeable crew here!
Stephanie N James R
03:44 07 Dec 24
This company was great! Zach showed us great options, and helped us pick the perfect trailer for our needs. Shawn explained all of the extra packages we could add to it, and finalized the contract. Tammy did a great job at making sure we had our title, tag,and registration taken care of. And, Ryan and Noah got us hooked up and ready to go. Because they have an on-site parts and service department they were able to install the needed brake controller the our truck wasn't equipped with. Wonderful place. Will definitely recommend!
william C.
20:34 27 Nov 24
This is my second Trailer I bought from NC Trailers. Everyone that helped me went above and beyond with their service.
Sales- Shancie
Finance- Shawn
DMV/paperwork- Tammy
Hookup-Ryan & Noah.
Their Service department helped me out a week later too.

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