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You are about to make or have just made the purchase of a bike rack. After seeing how to mount a bike rack on a car, you may have realized that depending on the model of bike rack you choose, it was necessary to attach a license plate to the bike rack in order to be in compliance with the Highway Code.
Why attach a license plate to a bike rack?
The Code de la Route specifies that the license plate as well as the signal lights of a vehicle must always remain visible, and this under any circumstances.
Therefore, if, for the bike rack, your choice was a hatchback or hitch ball bike rack that hides the license plate and signal lights, then you will need to invest in an additional license plate and signal kit. Adding a card with your license number is, of course, absolutely not allowed by law. For it to be valid, it must absolutely be approved and the same size as the one on the back of the vehicle. Otherwise, this infraction to the highway code can lead to a fine of 135€ under Article R. 317-8 of the Highway Code.
If you have opted for a model of bike carrier that attaches in the trunk or else on the roof bars of the car, the problem does not arise.
How to attach a license plate to a bike rack.
Some bike rack models (and in particular platform hitch bike racks) are equipped with a base to accommodate this license plate. This is the easiest way to add a license plate since you will only need to attach it with rivets, the same way you can attach a license plate to a vehicle. What's more, these bike racks are already equipped with traffic lights. All you have to do is connect it to your car's electrical socket to power it. When your bike carrier does not have such a device, you will have to buy - in addition - a license plate holder that also includes the various traffic lights that you will have to connect to the electrical hitch socket located under your vehicle in order to connect the plate to your car and power it. Before you hit the road, always make sure the traffic lights are working.
Are you now up to speed on the signage laws for using a bike rack and equipped with an additional license plate to attach to your bike rack? Now all you have to do is install your bikes on your bike rack to go explore new horizons. Happy riding!
