Top 5 Laws for Carrying Bikes You're Probably Breaking Without Knowing
Most cyclists are passionate about riding but unaware of the specific laws for carrying bikes on their vehicles. From improper number plate display to missing supplementary lights on your rack, common violations can lead to unexpected fines. Discover the top five rules cyclists unknowingly break and how to fix them fast.
1. Obscuring Your Vehicle's Brake and Indicator Lights
This is perhaps the most common violation Kiwi drivers make when carrying bikes. Under NZTA rules, your vehicle lights must be clearly visible in clear weather from a distance of at least 200 metres. When bikes are mounted on your rack, they often block your brake lights and indicators, putting you and other road users at serious risk.
The penalty: You could face 20 to 25 demerit points for each obscured light, plus hefty fines.
The fix: Install a proper bike rack light board that connects to your towbar socket and displays your brake lights, indicators, and hazard lights clearly.
2. Driving with an Obscured Number Plate
It's illegal to drive with a number plate that's wholly or partially obscured. When you mount bikes on a towbar rack, your rear number plate becomes completely hidden from view. Many drivers don't realise this simple act breaks New Zealand transport law.
The solution: You must display an official NZTA supplementary number plate that's properly illuminated for night driving. Homemade plates or numbers written on cardboard are strictly prohibited.
3. Incorrectly Mounting Supplementary Number Plates
Simply hanging a supplementary plate loosely at the rear of your vehicle isn't legal. The plate must be securely fixed to a hard, flat surface and properly illuminated when driving at night. Many cyclists think any visible plate will do, but the law is quite specific about proper mounting.
4. Using Non-Compliant Lighting Equipment
Not all bike rack lights meet NZTA standards. Some drivers purchase cheap alternatives that don't provide adequate visibility or use incorrect wiring. Your supplementary lights must function exactly like your vehicle's original lights, including brake lights, indicators, and number plate illumination.
Look for light boards that offer plug-and-play wiring with standard 7-pin trailer connections and meet New Zealand compliance standards.
5. Failing to Keep Lights Clean and Functional
It's your responsibility to ensure all vehicle lights are clean and in good working condition at all times. This includes your supplementary bike rack lights. Dirty, damaged, or non-functioning lights can result in fines and demerit points, even if you have the right equipment installed.
Regular maintenance tip: Check your bike rack lights before every journey, especially after driving in dusty or muddy conditions.
Stay Safe and Legal on New Zealand Roads
Understanding these laws isn't just about avoiding fines and demerit points, it's about protecting yourself, your family, and other motorists. When your brake lights and indicators are obscured, drivers behind you can't anticipate your movements, creating dangerous situations.
Investing in quality, NZTA-compliant bike rack lighting equipment ensures you can transport your bikes safely and legally. With proper supplementary lights and number plates correctly mounted, you'll have peace of mind knowing you're following all New Zealand transport regulations while protecting your valuable bikes on the road.