Category Archives: Tipps und Tricks

If you want to transport your bicycles, a rear-mounted bike carrier is one of the most practical and convenient solutions. Compared to a roof rack, it offers numerous advantages, especially loading. The bicycles don’t need to be lifted overhead, which not only saves energy but also reduces the risk of damage to the vehicle or the bicycles. The rear-mounted bike carrier is mounted directly onto the tow ball of the trailer hitch and is usually ready for use within minutes. Practical loading ramps allow you to easily slide the bicycles onto the carrier and then securely fasten them. This is a great advantage, especially for heavy bicycles such as e-bikes or mountain bikes. And then you’re almost ready to go, right? Not quite, since a license plate for the rear-mounted bike carrier is essential.

The license plate for the rear bike rack

Unfortunately, it’s not quite that simple; there’s one more hurdle. You have to equip your rear bike rack with a third license plate. An additional license plate is always required if the vehicle’s rear license plate is obscured. This is always the case with rear bike racks, regardless of whether the rack is loaded or unloaded. Taillights and turn signals must also not be obscured, which is why many rear bike racks have their own lighting unit.

Homemade license plates are not permitted; you must obtain an official third license plate. You can get this from your local vehicle registration office. The cost varies depending on the location, but is generally manageable and typically costs between €20 and €40. The license plate is identical to your vehicle’s regular license plate, including stickers, and can remain permanently attached to the rear bike rack. Most rear bike racks on the market have an integrated license plate holder.

Fines for non-compliance

If you are driving with a rear-mounted bike rack and don’t have a third license plate, you risk a fine if stopped by the police. This can be up to €40, and you will also receive a point on your driving record. Depending on the situation, further warnings may follow, for example, if the lights or license plate are poorly visible. To avoid trouble, unnecessary costs, and potential delays, you should therefore always check before starting your journey that the rear-mounted bike rack is correctly installed, fully illuminated, and properly equipped with a third license plate.

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.

To transport bicycles safely and comfortably, a rear-mounted bike rack is the most practical solution. There are various mounting options for transporting bicycles, which differ depending on the vehicle type and the rear-mounted bike rack model. Generally, rear-mounted bike racks are attached either to the tailgate, the trunk lid, the spare tire, or – most commonly and safely – to the trailer hitch.

Safe on the road: The towbar-mounted bike carrier

The simplest way to transport bikes is by mounting a towbar-mounted bike carrier. This solution is considered particularly convenient and user-friendly. With this type of mounting, the carrier is placed directly onto the tow ball of the towbar. Installation is tool-free: The carrier is placed on the tow ball and then secured – depending on the model – with a tension lever or, for example, a clamping device. Modern systems now feature an integrated locking mechanism that prevents the carrier from coming loose while driving and also protects it against theft.

A major advantage of towbar-mounted bike racks is their versatility. They easily accommodate multiple bicycles, often including e-bikes, and are generally quite easy to load, especially when using loading ramps. Furthermore, such a rack sits very securely on the vehicle, significantly reducing the impact on handling compared to other mounting methods. Many models are also foldable, allowing access to the trunk even when loaded.

When mounting, ensure that the tow ball of the trailer hitch is clean and free of grease, otherwise the clamp will not engage reliably. To mount, place the rear bike carrier onto the tow ball and engage the clamping mechanism so that the carrier securely grips the ball. After mounting, the carrier should be firmly secured and checked for tightness. Only then should the bicycles be placed in the designated rails and secured.

Alternatively: Mounting on the tailgate or the spare wheel

One option is a rear-mounted bike rack. This is attached to the top and bottom edges of the tailgate or trunk lid using straps and hooks. The straps must be pulled taut so that the rack fits as securely as possible against the vehicle. It is particularly important to protect any contact points between the rack and the car with protective film or rubber bumpers to prevent any paint damage. This transport solution is relatively inexpensive and flexible, but often has a limited load capacity and is not suitable for every vehicle.
Another option is a rear-mounted spare tire carrier, which is primarily used on SUVs or vehicles with an externally mounted spare tire. The carrier is mounted directly onto the spare tire and secured with screws. This option is stable, but only suitable for vehicles with a compatible design.

In Germany, every vehicle requiring registration and every trailer must undergo a regular MOT inspection. Generally, the intervals for motor vehicles are every two years. The rules are slightly different for trailers.

When does the trailer have to undergo a MOT inspection?

For trailers, the MOT inspection interval depends on the trailer’s weight. Large trailers weighing over 3,500 kg to 10,000 kg must undergo an initial inspection after 12 months and then every 12 months thereafter. Trailers weighing between 750 kg and 3,500 kg must undergo an initial inspection after 24 months and then every 24 months thereafter.

The first inspection for trailers up to 750 kg is due after 36 months, with subsequent ongoing inspections scheduled every 24 months. These intervals also apply to unbraked trailers.

The table summarizes the MOT inspection intervals for trailers:

If you have a new trailer, it’s best to check your vehicle registration document or your vehicle registration certificate. This should indicate when you need to have your next MOT or initial inspection. The MOT sticker on the rear license plate, similar to a car, also provides reliable information about when your trailer needs to be inspected again.

What do you need to bring to the MOT?

You should prepare well for your MOT appointment to keep it as short as possible. It’s best to check yourself beforehand whether the trailer’s tires and lights are in good condition and whether the trailer has any defects. Be sure to have important documents with you. These include your vehicle registration document or vehicle registration certificate, as well as the most recent MOT report (if available) and your ID.

The most frequently asked question for our customer service is probably about the detachable towbar and whether it must be removed when not in use. First of all, it’s important to note: There are no legal regulations regarding whether a detachable towbar must be removed when not in use and no trailer is attached. There are no regulations regarding this, nor are there any fines to expect.

One argument for removing the towbar, however, is that many people find it annoying because it gets in the way when not in use. Second, it is necessary to remove the tow bar whenever it would obscure the vehicle’s license plate. This is not permitted on public roads.

The removable towbar in the event of an accident

In 2023, 2.5 million traffic accidents were recorded in Germany. This includes minor accidents and rear-end collisions, which often occur even at low speeds. If you haven’t removed your towbar, the towbar is also important in the event of an accident. The installed tow bar also changes the overall length of the vehicle, a factor that shouldn’t be overlooked. With a longer trailer, you’re likely to collide with another vehicle when maneuvering or parking, and even minor damage can occur.

In the event of a rear-end collision, an installed towbar can cause significant damage to the vehicle behind you. The protruding tow bar impacts the vehicle behind you with greater pressure at specific points. Depending on the angle, speed, and location of the impact, the damage to the vehicle varies. Even at low speeds, fenders are often dented or frames are distorted. In a collision without a trailer hitch, the force is distributed more evenly, so the damage is usually less.

Relevant for the insurance

So far, there are no official details or regulations from standard insurance companies regarding this either. However, since the risk of accidents and the extent of damage change with a trailer hitch that is not removed, insurance companies may assume an increased operational risk. This can lead to the vehicle owner being held jointly liable, and you may be asked to pay. There is still no official information on this.

Important to note: Replacing the towbar

If you are involved in a rear-end collision and the rear of your vehicle, including the towbar, is affected, you must absolutely replace the entire towbar. The impact from the other vehicle can damage the towbar, making it impossible to tow a trailer. Even small hairline cracks can be relevant.

If your trailer is due for a general or initial inspection, or subsequent MOT inspections, you can best prepare for the upcoming appointment with your local MOT and often ensure that your trailer remains roadworthy.

What to look out for at your MOT appointment

A good way to start your MOT appointment is to have all the necessary documents with you. This includes your ID, the most recent MOT report (if available), and your vehicle registration document or vehicle registration certificate.

Also, make sure your trailer’s lights are undamaged and fully functional. Working lights are essential for a trailer and road safety. It’s best to check the lights and indicators, the brake lights, the license plate light, and the reversing light beforehand.

You should also check the tires on your trailer beforehand. The tire tread must be at least 1.6 mm, and they must not be older than six years. You can check the age of the tires yourself in advance; the markings on the sidewalls will tell you this. There you will find a four-digit inscription: the last two digits indicate the year, and the first two digits represent the calendar week of that year. You can also check the tire tread in advance using a 1 euro coin: If you insert it into the tread, you should no longer be able to see the gold edge of the coin. Only then is the tread still sufficient.

Wheel chocks are also important for trailers weighing over 750 kg. The TÜV (German Technical Inspection Agency) checks whether these are undamaged and fit the tires.

In 2025, the EU driving license reform will bring several changes for Class B license holders. The goal of the reforms is to reduce accident rates and to standardize driving licenses across Europe. The Council and the European Parliament have now reached a preliminary political agreement on updating the Driving Licence Directive. There are no specific changes for Germany yet; these will only be transposed into national law after the finalization of an Official Journal of the EU.

What is known so far about the changes to driving licenses

So far, the European Council’s press release from the first quarter of 2025 reveals the following changes:

• The digital driver’s license is to be introduced across the EU by 2030 at the latest. It will be accessible via smartphone and is intended to complement, but not replace, the physical driver’s license. Drivers can still apply for a physical driver’s license if they wish.
• The validity of all newly issued driver’s licenses will be limited to 15 years; after this period, the license must be renewed. This is purely a document renewal; the driver’s license itself remains valid unless there are health concerns. The aim of this measure is to ensure that photo and personal data are up to date and to increase security against forgery. In addition, EU countries may also shorten the validity of the driver’s license for older drivers from the age of 65.
• Meanwhile, mandatory health tests for older drivers were rejected, despite the EU Commission’s original proposal. Member states can decide for themselves whether they wish to introduce such tests. In Germany, mandatory health tests for older drivers are currently rejected to avoid additional bureaucratic burdens.
• A uniform two-year probationary period will be introduced across the EU for novice drivers. This regulation is intended to increase road safety and help young drivers gradually become accustomed to road traffic.
• Regardless of the new regulations, all driving licenses issued before January 19, 2013, must be exchanged for the new, uniform EU driving license by January 19, 2033, at the latest. The exchange deadlines are staggered according to the holder’s year of birth and the date the license was issued. The aim of this measure is to standardize driving licenses across Europe and increase security against forgery.

The breakaway rope is essential for trailer travel, as it secures the trailer in an emergency and initiates emergency braking. Already when attaching the trailer, the breakaway rope is an important point that needs to be taken into account and should be included in every routine. In Germany there are different ways to attach the breakaway rope: either you attach the rope to the specially designed eyelet using a snap hook or you use a holder for the breakaway cable. But how is this regulated in neighboring countries, and what do you have to pay attention to when traveling on holiday within the EU?

The breakaway rope in the Netherlands

Even when traveling in the country of caravans, the Netherlands, a breakaway cable is important for all trailers (unbraked and braked). The breakaway rope must be attached to the towing vehicle or trailer hitch using an eyelet or bracket. In addition, it must also be secured against slipping, so simply wrapping the rope around the ball rod of the trailer hitch is not sufficient. Therefore a breakaway cable holder is required, which is mounted on the ball rod. If your vehicle has an eyelet specifically designed for the breakaway rope, this is also permitted. The Dutch Automobile Club ANWB has also put together all the information about it.

The breakaway rope when traveling in Austria and Switzerland

Although a breakaway rope must be used when towing a trailer in Austria, no slip protection such as a breakaway rope holder is required. Its use is still recommended.
In Switzerland, too, the breakaway rope must be secured against slipping off the trailer hitch, so a breakaway cable holder is also necessary there. However, this is not the case with removable trailer hitches, where breakaway cable holders are only permitted on foreign vehicles. On Swiss vehicles, the breakaway cable must be attached to a part that is permanently installed on the vehicle. This can also be in the form of an eyelet, but this must also be permanently installed on the vehicle and not, for example, part of the removable ball rod.

This is how you use the breakaway rope correctly in Scandinavia

What is important to pay attention to in Denmark, is that the breakaway rope, which was placed around the ball rod, cannot slip off. An eyelet must then be used or a holder must be installed to prevent it from slipping.
In Norway, a safety rope is also required for unbraked trailers. It must consist of two chains or steel ropes and must have a certain breaking strength just like the hook or fastening to which the rope is attached. This must at least correspond to the maximum permissible total weight of the trailer. In addition, the links in the chain may be so short that the trailer hitch cannot function in any way, for example when turning.

The regulations in Spain and Slovenia

In Spain, a breakaway cable is required for braked trailers, but this is not necessary for unbraked trailers. It is important to ensure that a safety rope or a chain must be attached instead. Both can be placed around the ball rod, but the ADAC recommends a slip protection device, for example in the form of a breakaway rope holder or an eyelet on the vehicle.
The rules are similar in Slovenia: a breakaway rope is required for braked trailers, and a chain or safety rope for unbraked trailers. However, it is important to note the following: If the trailer comes off the trailer hitch, the trailer hitch must not touch the ground. In addition, continued travel must be guaranteed for at least as long as it takes to remove the trailer from the danger zone. Here, too, a loop placed around the ball neck is generally sufficient, but a slip protection is recommended by the ADAC.
In principle, anti-slip protection in the form of a breakaway rope holder always makes sense. In some of the countries mentioned, heavy fines are due if the breakaway rope is not secured and detaches from the towing vehicle.

During the holiday season, rear-mounted bike racks are popular companions to easily transport your own bikes. Depending on where you go on vacation, different rules than in Germany apply to this transport.

In Germany, for example, a third license plate must be used if the carrier covers the license plate on the vehicle. In addition, the carrier may protrude a maximum of 150 cm at the back and the bicycles may protrude a maximum of 20 cm on the sides. Special labeling for the bicycle racks and/or their load is not required in Germany. However, any lamps that may be hidden on the vehicle must work on the rear bike carrier.
It’s similar in Austria too: In Germany we are allowed to protrude 20 cm on the sides of bicycles. If the license plate is not readable and is covered up, a third license plate must be used. If taillights and reflectors are used, it is mandatory to use a light bar.

Rules for rear bike racks in Belgium and the Netherlands

In Belgium it is a little different, where the width of the vehicle with a bike rack cannot exceed a total of 255 cm. In addition, the vehicle’s license plate and lighting must be fully visible; if this is not the case, both a separate lighting bar and a third license plate are required. What is also special is that a bicycle rack with its own rear fog light is also required for vehicles with a Belgian license plate.
In the Netherlands, bicycles are also allowed to protrude 20 cm, so the maximum width is 255 cm. The rear bike carrier may protrude a maximum of one meter to the rear. A third license plate and extra lighting must be used if this is obscured by the use of the rack on the vehicle. As in Germany, special labeling of the rear bicycle carrier is not required.

Rear bike rack in southern Europe

In Italy, bicycles may protrude a maximum of 30 cm on each side when transported; a red and white marking board is also mandatory there. This must have dimensions of 50×50 cm. We have summarized all the information about this in a separate blog post. When it comes to the license plate and the lighting, in Italy you have to remember that both have to be fully visible. If this is not guaranteed, you will have to use a separate light bar and a third license plate.
Also in Spain, light bars and the third license plate are required under the same conditions. In addition, a square, red and white striped sign measuring 50×50 cm is mandatory there, even if there are no bicycles loaded on the rack.

In Spain’s neighboring country Portugal, it is initially advised to transport bicycles on the roof with a roof rack. If a rear bike carrier is used, the carrier and the bicycles must not be wider than the car. It must also be proven that the carrier is approved for the transport of bicycles and that the carrier is demonstrably suitable for transport. At the rear, the rear bike rack is only allowed to protrude 45 cm, which is significantly less than in all other countries. Important to know: For carriers that are mounted on the towbar, this is measured from the trailer hitch. In addition, in Portugal the necessary measures apply if the license plate and lighting are obscured (use of third license plate and light bar). The warning sign is also mandatory.

Regulations in Northern Europe

In Northern Ireland the regulations are quite simple, bikes are only allowed to protrude a maximum of 30.5cm on each side. If the license plate is covered, it must be replaced by a third license plate; the same applies to the lighting.
In Sweden, bicycles are only allowed to protrude a maximum of 20 cm on each side and a third license plate must always be attached. The lighting must also be fully visible, otherwise a light bar is required. There are also country stickers.

Driving with a trailer is and remains a closed book for many, despite having a driving license. However, with a few small tips, trailering will become easier. We have summrized the most important tips for you that you should definitely keep in mind as an inexperienced driver. 

Pay attention to the maximum permissible loads

No matter whether you want to tow a braked or unbraked trailer, a maximum trailer load is entered in the vehicle registration document for your towing vehicle. The same applies to your trailer hitch, which is also tested and approved for a trailer load. Before you set off, put together the values ​​of the towing vehicle and trailer coupling and check how much you can really tow and how heavy your trailer will be. Be sure to pay attention to the lowest of the values, as this is decisive. The values ​​should under no circumstances be exceeded, this is dangerous for your journey and can also be noticed negatively during a police check. 

Load your trailer correctly

So that your trailer lies safely on the road and the journey runs as smoothly as possible, it is important to load the trailer correctly. In the first step, it is important to keep an eye on the permissible support load. Under no circumstances should you exceed the tongue load of the towing vehicle or that of the trailer hitch. However, it is not a problem to fully use the lower of the two values, you just should not exceed the lower value (and therefore also the higher one). 

Make sure to place heavy transport items above the axle of the trailer if possible. If you distribute the loads differently, you will change the optimal road holding of the trailer and possibly influence the optimal braking effect of the trailer. In addition, the heaviest loads should always be stored as low as possible in the trailer; a large cabinet that is transported upright, for example, can easily fall into the trailer when cornering and braking movements happen. However, when lying down, the weight of the trailer is better distributed. 

Before driving, you should always secure your transported goods against slipping, tipping over and falling down. Otherwise, the loads could shift as a result of braking, cornering and any necessary evasive maneuvers while driving. You should also secure cargo well that sticks out of the back of the trailer. In addition, you are obliged to mark these cargos. 

The correct driving license for your trailer ride

You need the appropriate driving license to travel with the trailer. In Germany there are three driving licenses that allow driving with a trailer, namely the driving license classes B, B96 and BE. The three classes differ mainly in the permissible total mass of the combination that you can tow with the trailer. You can find out more about this in our blog posts about driving licenses.