Laws for Carrying Bikes

We’re not lawyers, but we can tell you this. If your number plate or lights are obscured when carrying bikes on a bike rack, you’re breaking the law.

You could recieve 20-25 demerit points for each offence plus hefty fines. More importantly, you are putting yourself and your family in danger.

Outline of the laws for carrying bikes on cars:

BIKE RACK LIGHTS

• It is illegal to obscure your lights when carrying bikes.
• Lights must be clearly visible in clear weather at a distance of at least 200 metres, and it’s your responsibility to make sure they’re clean and in good condition at all times.
• If your bike rack or bikes obscure any of your lights, you must fit additional bike rack lights.

SUPPLEMENTARY PLATES

• It is illegal to drive a vehicle with a number plate which is wholly or partially obscured. When a tow-bar mounted bike rack or bike carrier is used when carrying bikes, it will obscure your number plate and a supplementary plate will be needed. Safelite can do this for you. Just select the correct option and fill out the supplementary plate application form at the checkout.
• When carrying bikes on the backs of cars, it is illegal to just hang a supplementary plate at the rear. Supplementary plates should be fixed to a hard, flat surface and have lights when used at night.
• It is illegal to use home made supplementary plates or numbers written on cardboard. Only NZTA supplementary plates can be used. Safelite can order this for you. Just select the correct option and fill out the supplementary plate application form at the checkout.

Refer to the NZTA website for the general rules on lights.

Demerit points and penalties

Operating a motor vehicle with plates or lights that are wholly or partially obscured or not easily distinguishable, can result in 25 Demerit points for each offence, plus an appropriate fine. See the NZTA website for more info.

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