Bike Rack Light Board Installation: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
Installing a light board on your bike rack doesn't have to be complicated. With the right tools and a bit of guidance, you can ensure your number plate and lights stay visible and legal. Follow this simple guide to get it done right.
Why a Bike Rack Light Board Matters
If you're carrying bikes on a towbar mounted rack, there's a good chance your number plate and vehicle lights are partially or fully obscured. Under NZTA rules, this is illegal and can land you with 20 to 25 demerit points per offence, plus fines. More importantly, drivers behind you need to see your brake lights and indicators clearly, especially at 200 metres in clear weather. That's where a bike rack light board like the Safelite Panel comes in, keeping your lights and supplementary number plate visible the moment your bikes go on the rack.
What You'll Need
- Your Safelite bike rack light board (fits mounting holes from 31 cm to 52 cm)
- NZTA supplementary number plate
- The bolts supplied with your light board
- No tools required for the bungee mounting system
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Step 1: Position the Light Board
Line the Safelite Panel up against your bike rack, using the pre-drilled mounting holes as your guide. Because it's a universal fit, it slots straight onto virtually every bike rack sold in New Zealand.
Step 2: Secure With the Bungee Cords
Use the two heavy-duty bungee cords with easy-lock toggles to fasten the board firmly in place. There's no fiddling with tools, even in the rain, so you can have it on in seconds and off again just as fast when you don't need it.
Step 3: Fit Your Supplementary Number Plate
Attach your official NZTA supplementary plate using the pre-drilled holes and bolts supplied. Remember, it's illegal to hang a plate loosely or use a homemade version, so make sure it's fixed to the hard, flat surface of the panel.
Step 4: Connect the Plug
The Safelite Panel comes with 1.4 m of cable and a standard flat 7-pin trailer plug. Simply plug it straight into your vehicle's standard NZ towbar socket. No wiring, no adapters, no hassle.
Step 5: Double-Check Everything
Before you hit the road, check your indicators, brake lights and number plate are all clearly visible. Give the board a gentle tug to confirm the bungee cords are secure, especially if you're heading off on a long trip to the trails.
Built to Last on Kiwi Roads
The Safelite Panel is made from UV-stable, waterproof aluminium composite, so it shrugs off rain, dust, salt spray and everyday knocks. Whether you're loading up for a weekend away or heading out for a race, it's designed and built right here in New Zealand to handle our conditions. Every panel comes backed by a full two-year warranty, so you can buy once and buy right.
Final Thoughts
Fitting a bike rack light board is one of the easiest upgrades you can make to protect your bikes, your family and your licence. With a straightforward plug-and-play design, no tools required, and full NZTA compliance for your number plate, the Safelite Panel takes the guesswork out of staying visible and legal on New Zealand roads. Get it sorted before your next trip and drive with confidence.