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Bicycle Rack obstructing view of license plate on cars

Erbuck

Erbuck

Power Lurker
Joined
Apr 24, 2011
Location
between jobs
Moto(s)
Two yellow ones, One orange
Name
Eric
Not a moto topic, but, I'm curious how trailer hitch bicycle racks that obscure a car's rear license plate can be legal. Does it fall under the same allowance for a trailer that obstructs a rear license plate? When those bike racks are folded up, you can't read the plate unless you are standing right behind the vehicle, looking down through the gap.
 
I’ve wondered about that too. Think it’s one of those violations that isn’t enforced. I’ve seen folks with handicapped license plates attach an extra plate on the back of their trailer.
 
NATEWA said:
it’s one of those violations that's selectively enforced.
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FTFY. it's one of those things that isn't usually enforced, but if you've (the general "You") done something to catch the officer's eye that they want you to stop and have a chat, you've pretty much it pretty much handed them a reason.

reason given for my last traffic stop? trailer ball on the bumper obstructing the plate. further back, i've also been stopped for no light on the back plate, which led into Mr. CHP (literally) bringing out the code book to look for things to check, including bringing out the tape measure to check the height of my headlights. in the end all he found to write was that missing license plate light and a lack of a front plate, but missed the limo dark (5%) front windows, and how low the rear plate was mounted (under the bumper on that car).
 
It's selectively enforced, just like tinted windows, massive wheel offsets on penis compensating pickup trucks, modified exhausts on motorcycles, etc. It can be enforced if you're a dick and the LEO needs to teach you a lesson.
 
I've had the trailer ball blocking my license plate pull over before. End of story. Never knew it was illegal until then
 
A license plate can't be obstructed - 5201(a) VC. If you don't have any bikes on the rack, you're near a toll plaza, and don't have a front plate, I'll write that ticket. It reads as toll evasion (unless you have a Fastrak when I stop you).

Otherwise, I look for violations that cause crashes.
 
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KooLaid said:
I've had the trailer ball blocking my license plate pull over before. End of story. Never knew it was illegal until then
Click to expand...

B&W tow and stow. Not cheap but the only hitch you’ll ever need. Perfect for my set up.
 
TheRiddler said:
A license plate can't be obstructed - 5201(a) VC. If you don't have any bikes on the rack, you're near a toll plaza, and don't have a front plate, I'll write that ticket. It reads as toll evasion (unless you have a Fastrak when I stop you).

Otherwise, I look for violations that cause crashes.
Click to expand...

Friend went through fastrak and received an additional “evasion” fee for not having a front license plate.
 
deathbug74 said:
FTFY. it's one of those things that isn't usually enforced, but if you've (the general "You") done something to catch the officer's eye that they want you to stop and have a chat, you've pretty much it pretty much handed them a reason.

reason given for my last traffic stop? trailer ball on the bumper obstructing the plate. further back, i've also been stopped for no light on the back plate, which led into Mr. CHP (literally) bringing out the code book to look for things to check, including bringing out the tape measure to check the height of my headlights. in the end all he found to write was that missing license plate light and a lack of a front plate, but missed the limo dark (5%) front windows, and how low the rear plate was mounted (under the bumper on that car).
Click to expand...

I usually check all of my exterior lights for that reason - don’t want to give them an excuse to pull me over.
 
Most if not all racks have a place to attach your CA plate while in use. My Thule does. I havent used it but it does.
 
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