Community Forums

Matt_RV · 07-23-2016, 08:47 AM

Hello there!

As per state law all licensed vehicles are required to have a rear license plate. This rear plate needs to be lighted and in the center of the vehicle.

Okay, nice... but I have a motorcycle/bike rack mounted to my rear hitch receiver. If I place a motorbike or bicycle on there, the license plate will be obscured.
Now I guess lots of you guys have a bike rack, could anyone figure a good solution for this problem?

cheers,
Matt

Timon · 07-23-2016, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt_RV

As per state law all licensed vehicles are required to have a rear license plate. This rear plate needs to be lighted and in the center of the vehicle.

Yes to rear plate but it's not a requirement that it be in the center. Many vehicles have offset plates, normally to the DS, which is 100% legal.

Mike and Cha · 07-23-2016, 10:04 AM

I would suggest you mount it on your rear ladder if you have one. If not maybe on the MC. It doesn't have to be centered, just clearly visible to Law Enforcement.

TXiceman · 07-23-2016, 10:12 AM

I installed a new mounting bracket to the right side under the tail light. I know of nothing requiring it be center mounted. I could not mount it on the left as there is a ladder in the way.

Ken

Matt_RV · 07-23-2016, 10:26 AM

hm thanks a lot! I somehow thought it needed to be center mounted, but thinking about it I figured that lots of vans, SUVs and trucks have it mounted towards the edge.
Well then, off I go, looking for appropriate holders..

cheers,
Matt

aguablanco · 07-23-2016, 10:35 AM

Don't forget that it has to be lighted.
RichH

Scarab0088 · 07-23-2016, 10:51 AM

We got a "fix-it" ticket once for the plate being blocked by a bike rack...this was in CA.

Back then, fix-it tickets were a no fine citation, if the repair was certified within 30 days.

Moved the plate back and forth between the bumper mount and the rack as needed after that...until getting a Toy Hauler

rk911 · 07-23-2016, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt_RV

Hello there!

As per state law all licensed vehicles are required to have a rear license plate. This rear plate needs to be lighted and in the center of the vehicle.

Okay, nice... but I have a motorcycle/bike rack mounted to my rear hitch receiver. If I place a motorbike or bicycle on there, the license plate will be obscured.
Now I guess lots of you guys have a bike rack, could anyone figure a good solution for this problem?

cheers,
Matt

is your concern where your plate is mounted or the bike blocking the view of the plate?

Matt_RV · 07-23-2016, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rk911

is your concern where your plate is mounted or the bike blocking the view of the plate?

both

rk911 · 07-23-2016, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt_RV

both

35-yr career in public safety. most of the LEO's I've been associated with only care about license plate location if it's mounted/affixed somewhere other than the location provided by the manufacturer, ie...tied to the front grill, stuck in the rear window, etc. a plate is not illuminated at night is also cause for a traffic stop. you might be surprised at the number of bad guys caught due to a license plate violation.

as far as being obstructed by the bike or bike carrier...if the plate is not readable then that also is cause for a stop but most LEO's I know usually won't effect a stop on that alone. of course there is always that 1 in a 1000 that will stop a driver for the slightest infraction. follow any vehicle for a mile or two and a picky LEO will find probable cause to make a stop.

if you're obeying the traffic laws and your plate is mounted in the provided location and is lit then I wouldn't break a sweat over the partial obscuring of the plate by the bike/bike rack.