SAFELITE LIGHT BARS

Close-up of a Safelite supplementary light board mounted on a bike rack with orange LED lights illuminated

Australian Laws for Carrying Bikes on Vehicles

We are not lawyers, but we can provide clear guidance on the rules. If your number plate or vehicle lights are obscured when carrying bikes on a bike rack, you are breaking the law. You could face hefty fines and demerit points, with penalties varying by state and territory. More importantly, you are putting yourself, your family, and other motorists in danger.

Bike Rack Lights Requirements

It is illegal across Australia to obscure your vehicle lights when carrying bikes. Your rear lights must be clearly visible from at least 200 metres in normal conditions, and indicators must be visible from at least 30 metres. It is your responsibility to ensure they are clean and in good working condition at all times. If your bike rack or the bikes themselves obscure any of your lights, you must fit an additional light bar or bike rack lights.

Auxiliary Number Plates

It is illegal to drive a vehicle with a number plate that is wholly or partially obscured, even when the bike rack is empty. When a tow bar mounted bike rack or bike carrier is used, it will almost certainly obscure your rear number plate, meaning an auxiliary plate (also called a bike rack number plate or mini plate) is required. Auxiliary plates must be fixed to a hard, flat surface, must match the character combination of your registered plate, and must be illuminated when driving at night. The top edge must sit no more than 1.3 metres above the ground. Homemade, handwritten, or DIY plates are illegal in every state and territory and can result in fines and demerit points. Only official auxiliary plates ordered through your state or territory roads authority are permitted.

Fines and Demerit Points

Penalties for obscured number plates and lights vary significantly between states. In NSW, fines can reach $514 with three demerit points. In Victoria, drivers face on the spot fines plus three demerit points. South Australia has the steepest penalties, with maximum fines up to $2,500 plus a Victims of Crime Levy. Western Australia, Queensland, Tasmania, the ACT, and Northern Territory each have their own penalty schedules. Always refer to your state or territory roads authority for the most current rules on vehicle lighting and auxiliary plates.

Protect your family and stay legal. A Safelite bike rack light board will fit most bike racks sold in Australia and helps keep you on the right side of the law.