Bike Carriers: Blocking License Plates / Lights / Illegal?

[gopherhockey]

At our Levis trip we had someone (I won't name names unless she wants to come forward) who got picked up in WI because her bike was blocking her tail lights (and license plate I think). The cop told her that her carrier was illegal and made her put her bike inside her car. (luckily she had room!)

This was a normal trunk mounted bike rack. I've seen thousands of these... and of course there are many other types of rear racks that block lights and plates just as easily.

I am wondering if anyone knows the actual law on this one.

.. and if it is illegal to do that, how can those racks even be sold?

Maybe Wisconsin has different rules than Minnesota...? Or maybe this cop was just being a di#$)

I've been curious for some time now, so I thought I'd post up...

[mtnbykr]

you can get a ticket in mn for having your lic. plate covered by snow/mud/etc. taillights must be visible also.

[JayPee]

The cop was most likely being an arse. Granted, it's is illegal but I've never -ever- heard of someone being pulled over for it. Remember, Wisco cops have hard-on's for you Minnesota folk.

[rideharder]

it is a federal department of transpotation regulation (law), these regulations have a gray area and some cops inforce them and some let them slide. the commercial trucks we run at work are picked up for things like this all the time and im suprised that WI partol sent time on a car.

just to claify it is illegal to have any light or plate obstructed from normal view. on that note it is good to remember that anything that sticks out from the car/truck need a red flag and if it sticks out more that 4 feet you need a oversided load permit.

As for selling racks, it is not the manufacturs responsiblilty to konw/educate you on the laws, it is the drivers. that is what the MN DOT tells us at out vehicle inspections. it is not illegal to sell these items it is illegal to use them improperly. hope that helps your understanding.

[wis.rider]

The cop was most likely being an arse. Granted, it's is illegal but I've never -ever- heard of someone being pulled over for it. Remember, Wisco cops have hard-on's for you Minnesota folk.
the cop was being a total arse and mor than likely just because it was an out of state plate. all cops are that way. I get pulled over in mn a lot more than I do in wi, mostly because I have wi plates on the car but work in mn.

[JayPee]

the cop was being a total arse and mor than likely just because it was an out of state plate. all cops are that way. I get pulled over in mn a lot more than I do in wi, mostly because I have wi plates on the car but work in mn.

Hmmm.. I've been pretty lucky, I've never been pulled over in MN even though my car was suspect for the longest time with a bad exhaust system and WI plates.

[SKullman]

I got pulled over on 61 3 miles from the Welsh MTB race. My rear rack was blocking the rear plate. Tail lights were totally visable.

He suggested I relocate the licence plate when I use the rack, but it had to be securly mounted and have a light to illuminate it.

I got off with a warning because 6 other cars with racks went by while he was talking to me.

[bikeoutback]

Not that this is a great defense at all but the rack does insert into a trailer hitch and it is legal to tow a trailer even though that blocks your license plate.

[manual63]

I got pulled over about a week ago. All the cop said was that he had a hard time seeing the plate with the bike on back. But didn't tell me anything beyond that. I was nice to him though. I only cursed him when he was long gone......:)

[rideharder]

Not that this is a great defense at all but the rack does insert into a trailer hitch and it is legal to tow a trailer even though that blocks your license plate.


that is because the trailer has a plate or a permit. racks do not. the cop will check the trailer plate frist then the tow unit after. it is a whole differnt cup of tea b/c the trailer accually touches the road and is registered with the state, the rack is a car accessory. if you guys have doubts about the rules and why they are enforced just call the state patrol, they are more that happy to educate you on how to do it legal and safely.

[gopherhockey]

I have questions into a few city police departments as well as Minnesota and Wisconsin on this subject.

I'll post up any answers as I get them.

[bigwheel]

that is because the trailer has a plate or a permit. racks do not. the cop will check the trailer plate frist then the tow unit after. it is a whole differnt cup of tea b/c the trailer accually touches the road and is registered with the state, the rack is a car accessory. if you guys have doubts about the rules and why they are enforced just call the state patrol, they are more that happy to educate you on how to do it legal and safely.

The new permanent MN trailer permits do not have a license plate. Only a sticker on the tongue. Maybe the "touches the ground" thing is special, but all you need to do to keep the cops from seeing your plate (legally) is to pull a trailer. I have no idea what happens when you pull a Minnesota trailer (without plates) into Wisconsin.

We had a similar problem with a friend who moved from MN to WI and wanted to register his canoe. In WI, canoes don't need a registration, and there is no way to get a sticker to say that the canoe "lives" in WI. We were going into the boundary waters, where the DNR (jerks) set up stops in the woods to check registrations and permits. So, rather than try to explain it to them we ended up registering his boat at my MN address, just to get a sticker. The forest service people are nice and would accept the explanation, but if we ran into DNR, my friend would probably have been fined if he didn't have a sticker on his boat.

[CookieMonster]

Okay...... I'll fess up....I'm the one that got pulled over in WI on the way to the Levis Trip...Well, actually the terd pulled me over when I was exiting 94 to hit the super target in Eau Claire. On the traffic warning / equipment violation notice I have right here in front of me the siting states covered brake / tail lights and turn signals section 305.15(4). Now I haven't gone and looked up the WI state statues so I'm not sure what exactly 305.15(4) states. Anyway, yesterday before hitting the rode to go to the womens ride I stoped at the SA by my apt to get my normal freezy fix, and on this fine day there was one of Minneapolis finest present...so I decided to go chat him up and ask him a few questions regarding bike carriers. Basically, what he said was that technically they can pull you over and give you a ticket for pretty much anything relating to the plates and its visibility. As for the carrier he wasn't sure if they were legal or not and even stated that he had been thinking about getting one himself. He suggested that I go and look up the MN state statues to find out for sure what the rules were. He then asked if the guy who pulled me over was city police or a state trooper..I told him it was a trooper he then said ah...they sometimes can be dinks (used a different word here) especially when they are not having that good of a day. So, I guess I will go google MN state statues to find out the full and final verdict on this one...good to know that at least one Minneapolis police officer won't be pulling me over for my bike rack :D

[gopherhockey]

This from a Mr. Lorentz with the Wisconsin State Patrol:

John thanks for writing,

As a biking enthusiast, I am glad to help out. I have heard similar questions in the past from both officers and the public. You are absolutely correct with your assessment. In fact, I use the boat trailer as an example when I discuss the license plate issues with my officers. I have listed Wisconsin license plate display statue below. I have asked our officer to be as tolerant with bicycles as we are with trailers.

341.15(2) [/URL]
(2) Registration plates shall be attached firmly and rigidly in a horizontal position and conspicuous place. The plates shall at all times be maintained in a legible condition and shall be so displayed that they can be readily and distinctly seen and read. Any peace officer may require the operator of any vehicle on which plates are not properly displayed to display such plates as required by this section.

The second issue is lighting, tail lamps, stop lamps and directional. Lamps require a 300 to 500 foot visibility. Lighting is an important safety issue. I have not seen the spokes of a bicycle wheel to be a hindrance. However, I can not speak for all law enforcement officers. The addition of remote lighting on the end of the bike rack is an option.

347.15(2)
Direction signal lamps when in use shall be plainly visible and understandable from all distances to 300 feet during normal sunlight. No direction signal lamp shall have any type of decorative covering that restricts the amount of light emitted when the direction signal lamp is in use. When actuated, such lamps shall indicate the intended direction of turning by flashing the lights showing to the front and rear on the side toward which the turn is made. This subsection does not apply to any type of decorative covering originally equipped on the vehicle at the time of manufacture and sale.

347.14(2) (http://www.legis.state.wi.us/statutes/Stat0341.pdf)
(2) A stop lamp shall be so constructed as to be actuated upon application of the service or foot brake or separate trailer brake and shall emit a red or amber light plainly visible and understandable from all distances up to 300 feet to the rear during normal sunlight when viewed from the driver's seat of the vehicle following.

347.13 Tail lamps and registration plate lamps.
347.13(1) [URL="http://www.legis.state.wi.us/statutes/Stat0347.pdf"] (http://www.morcmtb.org/forums/)
(1) No person shall operate a motor vehicle, mobile home or trailer or semi trailer upon a highway during hours of darkness unless such motor vehicle, mobile home or trailer or semi trailer is equipped with at least one tail lamp mounted on the rear which, when lighted during hours of darkness, emits a red light plainly visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear. No tail lamp shall have any type of decorative covering that restricts the amount of light emitted when the tail lamp is in use. No vehicle originally equipped at the time of manufacture and sale with 2 tail lamps shall be operated upon a highway during hours of darkness unless both such lamps are in good working order. This subsection does not apply to any type of decorative covering originally equipped on the vehicle at the time of manufacture and sale.


It is difficult to answer to the legality of a bike rack because each is different, and people interpret the laws differently. Personally, I use the rear rack that fits into my trailer hitch receiver. It eliminates a lot of lifting. Too often people interpret the letter of the law and not the intent of the law. I wish I had a better answer, but so much is dependent upon interpretation.

People should look at their racks with there bikes on, to determine how they can secure the bikes with the least compromise of lighting and license plate visibility. They should determine if any remoting of lights or license plates is required.

[CookieMonster]

hmmm....are those the WI state statues you posted? b/c the one I got for my bike rack wasn't due actually to the liscense plate it was due to covered brake/tail lights and turn signals (i.e. 305.15(4) ).

[gopherhockey]

hmmm....are those the WI state statues you posted? b/c the one I got for my bike rack wasn't due actually to the liscense plate it was due to covered brake/tail lights and turn signals (i.e. 305.15(4) ).

Yup, this is a response for WI. Hopefully I'll have some answer from MN state parol soon as well.

[bigwheel]

Thanks for posting this, John. And, thanks to Mr. Lorentz for getting back to you with the thoughtful response. Unfortunately, it sounds like the interpretation is up to the cop. If he/she wants to be a jerk, you are screwed. I can see the concern about hiding tail lights, but the license plate thing is ridiculous.

Anyway, for future rides, I think I'm going to make a rack tail light. I thought about this in the past (for non-bike reasons), but never built one. It will be brainlessly simple and cheap.

I'm going to pick up some cheap trailer lights and make a velcro connector to hook the lights to the bikes (or whatever is back there). It'll have a fairly long wire, and a trailer light connector on the other end of the wire. When going for a long trip, just velcro the lights onto the bikes and connect it up to the van's trailer light wiring.

If the cop still wants to pull me over for the license plate (which I doubt will happen), he/she will get good argument.

[Fast1]

hmmm....are those the WI state statues you posted? b/c the one I got for my bike rack wasn't due actually to the liscense plate it was due to covered brake/tail lights and turn signals (i.e. 305.15(4) ).


Were you required to pay on spot? I heard that driving infractions received by non-residents of WI require immediate payment.

[mtnbykr]

http://www.legis.state.wi.us/rsb/code/trans/trans305.pdf

[bikeoutback]

Were you required to pay on spot? I heard that driving infractions received by non-residents of WI require immediate payment.

I've been hearing that same thing for years and years now and yet every single person I know from MN that has been pulled over in WI has never had to pay on the spot yet. The fines are known to be alot more than in MN but not one of them has had to pay on the spot or been hauled off to jail till they paid, each was handed a ticket to mail in with payment and sent on their way.

[CookieMonster]

Luckily I got away with just a warning ticket so no fine or anything to pay :D I've been having alot of good luck lately....well, with most things that is...

[mtnbykr]

I've been hearing that same thing for years and years now and yet every single person I know from MN that has been pulled over in WI has never had to pay on the spot yet. The fines are known to be alot more than in MN but not one of them has had to pay on the spot or been hauled off to jail till they paid, each was handed a ticket to mail in with payment and sent on their way.

hmmm,

my b-i-l is a cop in wi. he carries a cc machine for out-of staters. you either pay w/ cc or cash or spend the night.

[Going_Loud]

I have done a couple ride alongs with a trooper and I could email him some questions if you guys are interested.

[gopherhockey]

This from MN state patrol:

Mr. Lundell;
I have been assigned to respond to your email request.

Thank you for the inquiry.

The main issues are what you already know, apparently. You can't block the tail lights or license plate. Most officers will only issue a warning, that is probably true. They can issue a citation, however, if they choose. It is going to be an officer's call.

The issue of pulling a trailer is answered as you have said, by having tail lights on the trailer. Up until just a few short years ago, the trailer also had to have a license plate, which solved that issue. But now, they don't. We have to pull up beside the trailer and look at the tongue to see the permenent registration decal, or stop the vehicle and look at it.

An answer? Well, we don't want to tell your group or any other on how to handle it, but we do know that they make bicycle carriers for the roofs of vehicles, and a trailer is an option too. Some people take their bike apart - at least the front wheel, and haul it in a shortened state, above the license plate, and between the lights. That eliminates those issues.

I really can't think of anything else, except to say that equipment and registration tickets don't go on your record, and are typically lower fines that moving violations. :>)

The fact that alot of officers are not writing the ticket, tells me that they are using some common sense and good judgement, by taking each case on it's own merits. In other words, some of these types of violations may be worse than others, by having more of the plate or lights blocked, or whatever.

Just remember that the plate has to be completely legible, and the tail lights can't have a reduced visibility of less than 500 feet to the rear, by being blocked or covered, or whatever. Brake lights (stop lamps) have to be seen at least 100 feet to the rear in the day time.

Good luck, and if you have any further questions or comments, please feel free to contact me.


Sgt. Curt S. Mowers #277
Public Information Officer
Minnesota State Patrol

[JayPee]

Okay...... I'll fess up....I'm the one that got pulled over in WI on the way to the Levis Trip...Well, actually the terd pulled me over when I was exiting 94 to hit the super target in Eau Claire.

Hehehe.. that's right by their headquarters. I'm always careful in that area.

[Homegrown]

Guys,
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Correct me if I am wrong, but I think I have seen cop cars with these bike racks on them.
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-Spencer

[Gus]

I too have wondered about this for a long time and another easy option is to make a set of tail lights that hang from the rack as did I. What I did was took a smaller diameter piece of conduit (pipeing) and hung a light from it that then is wired w/ a connector that attathches to the trailer hook up on the car....because if you have a hitch mounted rack you most likely have a trailer light hook up.....I did it for around $30 contact me for details if you need help making one or want to see what i did
I also turned a 12 foot trailer from my old boat into a trailer for bikes ...I can get 6 bikes and has a spot for a trunk or just loading gear. A little more expensive though

[Tetreves]

Were you required to pay on spot? I heard that driving infractions received by non-residents of WI require immediate payment.

I guess in Wisconsin, you don't have the right to a trial.

[mtnbykr]

I guess in Wisconsin, you don't have the right to a trial.

probably falls under "posting bail". then if you don't show to your trial, you "forfeit bail".

really not that hard to figure out.

[gopherhockey]

Rosemount response:

Mr. Lundell,

You are correct in noticing that several bike carriers do block the tail lights or license plates on many of the vehicles that they are used on. Companies are allowed to sell these items because they do not block out tail lights or plates on all vehicles or they have fine print saying to check your local and state laws. I agree with you in that they shouldn’t sell them without a large warning advising that they may not be legal on your type of vehicle.

According to MN State Statue 169.50, vehicles built after 1960 must have 2 red tail lights that are plainly visible at 500 feet to the rear and on the same plain.

<O:p</O:p
MN State Statue 169.79 requires that the license plate be “conspicuously displayed thereon in a manner that the view of any plate or permit is not obstructed”.

<O:p</O:p
Trailers are legal because they are required to display registration. Trailers under 3000lb gross vehicle weight have a sticker on the tongue of the trailer. It is impossible for us to read as we are driving but the law allows for this. I wish they would go back to the license plate on the back of the trailer and make that a permanent registration.
<O:p</O:p
As far as knowing what is legal or not, if any part of tail light or license plate is blocked by bike or carrier, it is illegal (according to the letter of the law) and you may get stopped and possibly cited for it.

Thanks Sgt. Bryan Burkhalter

[bigwheel]

Thanks again, John.

Hopefully, this guy will not be carrying his bike on back while he's writing my ticket.

http://www.ci.farmington-hills.mi.us/images/Pic-Services-PoliceBikePatrol.jpg

[transplant]

All hitch mount owners should blow that up, print it out and carry it with them. I'm sure a cop would appreciate being shown that picture when he pulls you over for that very same violation. I bet he'd even let you off without doubling your fine for being a smart@$$.