Can you wear a thong on the beach in NC? What to know about indecent exposure laws
Summers are perfect for taking in some rays at the beach, but you may want to choose a less-revealing bathing suit if you plan on hitting the sand.
North Carolina has general laws that prevent people from exposing themselves, but those rules came into question when residents of a neighborhood in north Charlotte called the police on a neighbor they said liked to hang outside of his home in the nude, in full view of others — and since he was on his own property, there was nothing the police could do.
State laws protected the man, who later became known as Charlotte’s “naked neighbor,” because he was in his own yard. But anyone who shows their private parts in a public place can face harsh punishments.
Do those laws apply to skimpy swimsuits on the beach? Here’s what to know.
Can you wear a thong on the beach in NC?
Wearing a thong on the beach does not violate North Carolina’s indecent exposure law, according to Shea Denning, a professor of public law at the UNC School of Government.
But anyone who exposes their private parts in any public place where other people are present can be charged with indecent exposure, according to Raleigh-based Cotten Law Firm.
The state defines “private parts” as male and female genitalia, meaning a person’s buttocks or breasts are not considered private parts. State law says women cannot be charged with breastfeeding in public.
However, some towns and beaches in the state have laws that require buttocks to be covered, Denning says. And many municipalities have ordinances requiring tops for women, though not for men, The News & Observer reported.
What is the punishment for indecent exposure?
In most cases, indecent exposure is considered a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine up to $1,000 and 30 days of probation for a defendant who has no prior convictions, according to Kurtz & Blum, a law firm based in Raleigh.
A person who exposes themselves to a minor under the age of 16 “for the purpose of arousing or gratifying sexual desire,” can be charged with a felony, punishable by up to 25 months in prison.
This story was originally published August 1, 2023 at 2:47 PM with the headline "Can you wear a thong on the beach in NC? What to know about indecent exposure laws."
