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A bit late in the day to be asking this v important question but...
What are the rules for using bike racks?
We are off to France tomorrow with our bikes, mine has 29" wheels and we have a tiny car (Yaris), is this illegal?
There is quite a lot of wheel overhang...
Thoughts anyone?
I don't really want to put in in the car.
Thanks
Got a light board, with Reg plate no on it?
Can't, no electrics...
Is it really wider than your wing mirrors?
Does it obscure your lights and number plate? If so broken rules and also really dangerous.
bike on rack, wheels off and in car or on rack as well.
What he said so you are not wider and you can see your lights and plate
From what I can tell the Gendarmerie prefer it if your lights an plate are not obscured, excessive projections either side of the vehicle are also disliked.
If you can mount the rack in an elevated position so that the vehicle lights and Number plate are visible you [i]should[/i] be OK, if the rack obscures them, they might pull you, also be aware that you need to be able to access your emergency kit (which you will of course have right?), if it's in the boot and you can't open the boot due to the rack they might try and get you for that too... apparently.
Could/would you consider removing one or both of the wheels? that could well help you to comply....
Lights and plate must be visible
Lights and plate must be visible
Isn't that the law here too, nevermind in France?
Isn't that the law here too, nevermind in France?
Yup, as it should be.
Ok, thanks everyone...think I may just have a little rejig then...
This is turning into quite a project...
Isn't that the law here too, nevermind in France?
Yup, as it should be
Agreed, I was just wondering if the OP was merrily driving around with it in the UK...
Legally, the limit on overhang in the UK is 305mm each side, and I think that's from the main body, not the mirrors.
Isn't that the law here too
And I have seen a familys day out with their bikes rather spoilt by the Police pulling them over for obscuring their lights and plate. Must have been a slow day in Cromford....
Don't worry bails, I haven't used it yet, bought it specifically to go to France.
There should have been more guidance with the instructions regarding legalities etc.
Oh and emergency kit is accessible and all present and correct.
Thank you all.
Plates and lights have to be visible. Emergency kit (triangle, hi-viz jackets) all have to be reachable without leaving the car I believe. Don't forget bulb replacements and breathalyzer (x2 as you always have to have one and you need one to use!) too.
I see loads of bikes on the back obscuring plates and lights.
I'm sure if I did it if get pulled over!!
Put mine on top BTW!
[i]There should have been more guidance with the instructions regarding legalities etc.[/i]
😯
There should have been more guidance with the instructions regarding legalities etc.
Why?
I see loads of bikes on the back obscuring plates and lights.I'm sure if I did it if get pulled over!!
i do it all the time for shuttling to local riding spots. but then you very rarely see the old bill round here and if you do they are more interested in sheep rustling.