We’ve all seen it, you’re driving up the freeway, alongside cars filled to the brim with luggage and bikes securely mounted. The car in front has the family bicycles mounted on a bicycle rack too. Sounds fine, except for one small problem which can end up being costly.
Drivers who have a bike rack attached to the rear of their vehicle, could be hit with a whopping fine of up to $514 and three demerit points if their licence plate is obscured in any way.
According to the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS), you'll need to fit an auxiliary number plate only if the rear number plate of your vehicle is obscured by a bike rack or mobility device rack. The same rules apply if your bike rack is unloaded but still obscures the rear number plate of your vehicle.
An auxiliary plate is a legal copy of the vehicle number plate issued by the RMS, through MyPlates and allows the plate number to be seen clearly. An auxiliary plate will set you back $50 in NSW.
For ACT Motorists, auxiliary or bike rack number plates are available through Access Canberra and range from $47.20 for tin and $84.40 for plastic plates
Keep in mind penalties also apply for a DIY number plate, which is considered illegal too, so there’s no point bringing out the textas and cardboard to save a few bucks here.
As well as being visible from 20 metres away, you must make sure your auxiliary plate is clean and free from dirt, just as you would with your vehicle number plate. Failure to wash your car properly, including having your plates visible could see you hit with a fine. In the same way your primary plates are secured, you’ll also need to ensure the auxiliary plate is securely attached too that it’s top edge is no more than 1.3 metres above the ground.
It’s important to make sure the bicycle rack and bicycles do not obscure the vehicle lights including the brake lights, centre-mounted brake light and indicators. If any lights are obscured you must attach an additional set of lights at the rear of the bicycles.
For any night driving, you’ll also need to fit one or more number-plate lights to illuminate the auxiliary number-plate if fitted. You can pick one of these up from most automotive accessory stores, like Repco or other stores that sell bicycle racks.
Following these steps will ensure you can truly enjoy your 2 wheeled adventure and have you prepared the next time you hit the road, with bikes in tow!
