Are headache racks required on trucks?

A headache rack is a steel, or sometimes aluminum, rack that is mounted on the bed rails just behind the cab of a pickup or truck. Headache racks are not required.

Front end structures are also not required by the federal requlations; however, if a front end structure is in place and is used as part of the cargo securement system, it must meet the standards in 49 CFR Part 393.112.