Bicycle transport: What you should pay attention to when transporting bicycles with a rear-mounted bike rack
Anyone driving with a rear-mounted bike rack on their car must comply with certain legal regulations. In Germany, the Road Traffic Regulations (StVO) and the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO) stipulate how a rear-mounted bike rack may be used. The basic principle is that the rack and the bicycles being transported must not impair road safety. This means they must be firmly and securely mounted so that they cannot come loose or slip during the journey.
Increase visibility with appropriate lighting on your rear bike carrier
An important factor for safe riding with a rear bike carrier is the visibility of the lights and license plate. Obscuring the taillights, turn signals, or license plate with the carrier is not permitted, so an additional light bar with all required lighting functions and a license plate holder is mandatory. The license plate must always be clearly legible and properly illuminated. In Germany, a third, so-called repeater license plate should also be used on the rear bike carrier for this purpose; this plate must match the official license plate number.
Pay attention to the dimensions
The (new) dimensions of the vehicle are also relevant when using a rear-mounted bike rack. In Germany, the load may extend a maximum of 1.5 meters beyond the rear of the vehicle. For journeys under 100 kilometers, this overhang can be increased to up to 3 meters, in which case special markings with flags are required. The total width of the vehicle, including the rack and bicycles, must not exceed 2.55 meters. Care must always be taken to ensure that no sharp edges or protruding parts endanger other road users.
Caution regarding speed!
In Germany, there is no general legal speed limit for driving with a rear-mounted bike rack. The manufacturer’s specifications for both the rack and the vehicle are decisive. Many manufacturers recommend a maximum speed of 120 or 130 km/h.
This applies outside of Germany
In other EU countries, regulations may differ. For example, in Italy and Spain, a red and white warning panel is mandatory whenever cargo protrudes to the rear. This also applies to bicycles on a rear carrier. Austria may also have marking requirements, and in France, the visibility of license plates and lights is particularly strictly monitored.
Anyone traveling with a rear-mounted bike rack, both domestically and internationally, should therefore inform themselves about the respective national regulations before starting their journey in order to avoid fines and safety risks.
