Is it OK for bike rack to cover license plate? I was recently driving around town when I encountered something I hadn’t seen before. A bike rack had been placed in front of a car, and it completely covered the license plate. I was a bit perplexed and thought to myself, “Is it really OK for a bike rack to cover the car’s license plate?”. I have seen bike racks before but never one that completely covered a car’s license plate. I decided to do some research to see if this was a legitimate thing, or if I had stumbled upon a situation that could get someone in trouble.
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Through my research, I quickly discovered that there are some restrictions on bike racks and their placement. It varies between US states. So, sometimes it may be considered an obstruction of the license plate, and therefore illegal.
I also found other factors that can come into play. Some of them are the size and type of bike rack being used. It’s an important thing to consider. Especially if you’re thinking of using intentionally a bike rack to cover a car’s license plate.
Is it OK for bike rack to cover license plate?
I wanted to make sure I wasn’t violating any laws by parking in my usual spot. I found out that in most jurisdictions, it is illegal for any part of a vehicle, including bike racks, to obstruct the license plate. This means that it is not okay for bike racks to cover car license plates.
Mount the bike rack higher than the license plate
However, I also found out that bike racks can be mounted higher than the license plate. In that way, the license plate is not covered. This is the best way to avoid the issue altogether.
It’s important to keep in mind that this is an issue that could potentially have legal ramifications.
Is it OK for bike rack to cover the car’s license plate? The answer is: No, it is not ok for bike racks to cover car license plates. It’s best to take the time to ensure that your license plate will remain visible. That way, you can avoid any potential legal trouble.
Legal implications of bike rack covering car’s license plate
As a cyclist, I’m always looking for good parking options. That’s why I was surprised at the legal implications of a bike rack covering a car’s license plate.
It’s illegal to cover license plates
It turns out that in some states, it’s illegal to block, obscure, or cover a vehicle’s license plate with any object, including bike racks.
Not only is this practice illegal, but it can also result in hefty fines. In some states, obstructing a license plate can result in a fine of up to $200.
What can happen when you are found to be covering up a license plate while driving? Well, you could be charged with a misdemeanor and face jail time.
For example, Virginia’s traffic code specifies that license plates may not be obscured in any way. That includes obscured by a hitch or any other attachment. On the other hand, Utah state law clearly says it is OK. But only if you install the bike rack properly.
Table of license plate legal visibility in the 52 US States:
| US State | License Plate Visibility |
| Alabama | Should be visible all the time |
| Alaska | Should be visible all the time |
| Arizona | Should be legible and visible |
| Arkansas | Should be legible |
| California | Should be clearly visible |
| Colorado | Should be clearly visible |
| Connecticut | Visible |
| Delaware | Cleary readable |
| District of Columbia | Should be clear and distinct |
| Florida | Should be visible all the time |
| Georgia | Should be plainly visible |
| Hawaii | Should be visible all the time |
| Idaho | Should be clean and visible |
| Illinois | Should be clearly visible |
| Indiana | Should be clearly visible |
| Iowa | All of the numbers and letters have to be clear |
| Kansas | Should be clearly legible |
| Kentucky | Should be clearly visible. |
| Louisiana | Should be clearly visible |
| Maine | Should be clearly visible |
| Maryland | Should be clearly visible |
| Massachusetts | Should be obviously displayed |
| Michigan | Should be clearly visible |
| Minnesota | Should be plainly visible |
| Mississippi | Should be clearly visible |
| Missouri | Should be clearly visible |
| Montana | Should be obviously visible |
| Nebraska | Should be visible |
| Nevada | Should be readable from 100 feet |
| New Hampshire | Should be clean and not obscured |
| New Jersey | Should be displayed conspicuously |
| New Mexico | Should be clearly visible, legible, and free from dirt or other material |
| New York | Should be visible |
| North Carolina | Should be readable from 100 feet |
| North Dakota | Should be clearly visible |
| Ohio | Should be clearly visible |
| Oklahoma | Should be clearly visible |
| Oregon | Has to be plain view and easy to read |
| Pennsylvania | Should be visible all the time |
| Rhode Island | Should be clearly visible |
| South Carolina | Should be visible all the time |
| South Dakota | Should be clearly visible |
| Tennessee | Should be clearly visible |
| Texas | Should be free of foreign material and legible |
| Utah | Should be clearly visible |
| Vermont | Should be plainly legible |
| Virginia | Should be clearly visible and legible |
| Washington | Should be visible all the time |
| West Virginia | Should be clearly legible |
| Wisconsin | Should be clearly legible |
| Wyoming | Should be clearly legible |
To sum up, it’s still important to know the regulations in your area. After that covering a license plate with a bike rack will be your responsibility.
Aware of the weight limit of your bike rack
It’s also important to be aware of the weight limit of your bike rack. Some states require that the bike rack must be able to support the weight of the bicycle (or bicycles) plus any additional weight that is on the vehicle. If the rack cannot support the weight, then it might be considered a safety hazard and could lead to a citation.
The bike rack must be mounted in a safe manner and securely attached to the vehicle
Finally, it’s important to understand that bike racks must be securely mounted to the vehicle in order to be considered legal. If the bike rack is mounted in an unsafe manner, or if it is not securely attached to the vehicle, then it could be considered a hazard and result in a citation.
So while a bike rack covering a car’s license plate looks convenient, it’s important to understand the legal implications before doing so.
Knowing the applicable laws in your state, making sure the bike rack is securely mounted, and ensuring the rack can support the weight of the bicycle are all important steps to take in order to avoid any legal issues.
Safety concerns of bike rack Cover That might cover your car’s license plate
Always ensure that your bike rack cover does not block your license plate. If you find that it does, make sure to adjust it before getting behind the wheel. Additionally, double-check your license plate after parking to make sure it is still visible.
Safety also should always be a priority. By taking the time to double-check the position of the bike rack, you can save yourself from an unpleasant situation.
The disadvantages of bike rack cover to the visibility of the car’s license plate
As a car owner, it is important to be aware of the potential disadvantages of bike rack covers when covering your car’s license plate.
Police need to identify your car easily
For one thing, if your bike rack cover obscures your license plate, it can be difficult for police to identify your car. This can be especially problematic in states that require license plates to be visible and legible at all times.
Additionally, if police need to identify your car and can’t do so due to a bike rack cover, you could be subject to fines or other penalties.
The bike rack cover makes it difficult to access the parts of the car
A bike rack cover can also make it difficult to access your vehicle. The cover can make it difficult to open the doors or trunk, as it can block the latch or handle. This can be especially problematic if you need to access the trunk in an emergency, such as when you have to reach for something or need to retrieve something from inside.
In some cases, the cover can be a helpful tool for protecting your car’s bike rack, but it is important to consider the potential disadvantages before making a decision.
How do you show the number plate on the bike rack?
If your Car’s License Plate Visibility is your priority due to your state’s law we provide 8 simple solutions with some best-selling products you can put on your bike rack in our article here:
8 Ways Making Car License Plate Visible With A Bike Rack On!
Conclusion
As I stood there in front of my car, I sighed. I had spent all that time researching the best bike rack for my car, but now I was worried. What if the bike rack ended up covering my license plate? I didn’t want to break any laws, so I decided to just go ahead and buy the bike rack.
When I got home, I was relieved to see that the bike rack didn’t cover the license plate! I was so excited to have a safe place to store my bike, and I knew that I had made the right decision. From now on, I can easily take my bike anywhere I want without worrying about leaving it on the side of the road. I may not have known it at first, but buying that bike rack was definitely the right call.
Thank you for reading this article.
