Rack ADVICE

Hitch-Mounted Bike Racks and License Plates: What’s the Law?

Author: Alison McPherson

Just got into riding or recently snagged a hitch-mounted bike rack? Wondering what the legal regulations are regarding it covering your rear license plate?

I've recently heard some stories about folks running into issues with their hitch-mounted bike rack covering their license plate and getting ticketed. Determined to get to the bottom of this and spread the word, I reached out to get the facts and help fellow outdoor enthusiasts avoid these hassles.

What Are the Rules?

To get a clear answer, I reached out to the Calgary Police. The bottom line is straightforward: if your license plate is covered, you can get ticketed. However, there's some leniency if you actually have a bike on your rack and are clearly headed to or from a ride. In such cases, they probably won’t ticket you.

It might be a bit of a hassle to remove your rack between rides, but it could save you from a ticket.

Likelihood of Getting Ticketed

The officer I spoke with mentioned that it’s pretty unlikely they will ticket you just for having a bike rack covering your license plate. They’ve got bigger fish to fry. You’re probably not high on their radar unless you’re driving around with your license plate covered and running stop signs, speeding, or committing other infractions. In that case, you might be a higher target.

Legal Solutions

I also confirmed that it's legal to move your license plate to your bike rack to ensure it’s always visible. However, this isn't highly recommended as it increases the chance of your license plate being stolen.

Stay Safe and Keep Riding

In summary, covering your license plate with a bike rack could get you a ticket, but it's pretty unlikely if you're following other good driving habits. So don't let this deter you from getting out there and enjoying your rides. Keep riding, stay safe, and happy trails!