Bike Carriers & Racks: Which Type Is Best for Your Vehicle?
From tow bar mounted carriers to roof racks and boot racks, choosing the right bike carrier depends on your vehicle, budget, and how many bikes you need to transport. This guide compares the best options on the market to help you find the perfect fit for your next adventure, and explains something many Kiwi drivers overlook: staying legal once your bikes are loaded up.
Types of Bike Carriers & Racks
Tow Bar Mounted Carriers
These are a popular choice for families and keen riders because they sit low, are easy to load, and can usually carry two to four bikes. If your vehicle already has a tow bar fitted, this is often the most convenient option. The trade-off is that these carriers almost always sit directly in front of your number plate and rear lights, which brings up an important legal requirement we will cover below.
Roof Racks
Roof mounted racks keep your bikes up and out of the way, which is handy if you also need to tow a trailer or load the boot with luggage. They tend to suit smaller vehicles well, though loading bikes onto the roof can be a bit of a workout, especially with larger mountain bikes.
Boot (Trunk) Racks
Boot racks strap onto the rear of your car using straps and hooks rather than a tow bar. They are usually the most budget-friendly option and a great starting point if you only carry bikes occasionally. Like tow bar carriers, they can obscure your lights and plate, so the same rules apply.
The Rule Every Kiwi Driver Forgets: Bike Rack Lights
No matter which type of carrier you choose, if it blocks your vehicle's lights or number plate, you are required by law to fix it. Under NZ bike-carrying compliance rules, your lights must be visible from at least 200 metres away, and your number plate cannot be wholly or partially obscured. Breaking this rule can mean 20 to 25 demerit points per offence, plus fines, not to mention the real danger of a driver behind you not seeing your brake lights in time.
Supplementary Number Plates
If your rack covers your plate, you will need an official NZTA supplementary plate, fixed to a hard, flat surface and illuminated at night. Homemade signs or plates hanging loosely will not cut it.
Why a Bike Rack Light Board Is the Easy Fix
This is exactly where the Safelite Panel comes in. Designed and built in New Zealand, it slots onto virtually every bike rack sold here, with mounting holes suiting inner and outer distances from 31cm to 52cm. It restores your indicators, brake lights and number plate visibility the moment bikes go on, using two heavy-duty bungee cords with easy-lock toggles, no tools required.
- Plug-and-play 7-pin trailer plug wiring, ready for any standard NZ towbar socket
- Pre-drilled holes and bolts for your NZTA supplementary plate
- UV-stable, waterproof aluminium composite built for NZ roads
- Full two-year warranty
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose a tow bar carrier, roof rack, or boot rack, the right one comes down to your vehicle, budget, and how many bikes you are hauling. But whichever you pick, do not forget the legal side of things. A Safelite bike rack light board is a simple, affordable way to keep your lights visible, your plate legal, and your family safe on the road.