Bike rack regulations in European countries

Before travelling abroad with a loaded bike rack, you must be aware of the rules in force in the country or countries in question, to avoid any penalty. As the regulations on bike racks are not standardised at European level, here is everything you need to know to travel safely to our neighbours (Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Germany, the United Kingdom, Austria, Sweden).

Bike rack safety

The installation and use of bike racks are subject to strict safety rules. Here is a reminder of the important details to check and the good practices to adopt in order to use your bike rack correctly.

First and foremost, you must ensure that you strictly follow the manufacturers' instructions regarding the fitting and use of their bike racks. You must absolutely identify the limits of your bike rack, in particular regarding the maximum permitted speed and the maximum permitted load.

The maximum permitted load can easily be found in the technical documentation provided by the manufacturer. It is also printed on the label affixed to the bike rack. The total load capacity of the bike rack must be respected, but there is also a weight limit per bike that must not be exceeded. The weight limit per bike must be carefully monitored, especially if you are transporting an electric bike, which is significantly heavier than a conventional bike.

In the case of a bike rack installed on the vehicle's tow ball, it is essential to check the maximum vertical load permitted by the tow hitch in question. Similarly, for a bike rack fixed to the roof, you must check the maximum load indicated for the vehicle.

A reminder of good safety practices regarding the use of a bike rack:

• Regularly check and reinforce if necessary the fixation of the bikes (with straps);
• Remove any detachable accessories from your bikes (bottle, bags, computer, lights);
• On an e-bike, always remove the battery to reduce the weight supported by the bike rack.

Bike rack regulations in our European neighbours

In Europe, bike rack regulations vary from one country to another. While common rules do exist, there are also local specificities that must not be overlooked. The detailed information below will help you avoid an unfortunate fine in the event of an inspection. It is better to set off with peace of mind and not risk disrupting a well-deserved holiday!

In France 

• The bike rack must be approved for use on the road. It must comply with the requirements of the French standard NFR 18-903-2 or the international standard ISO 15263-4.
• A bike rack fixed to the roof of the vehicle must rest on a roof rack or roof bars. Bikes installed on the roof must not overhang beyond the front bonnet.
• In France, the bike rack and bikes must not exceed a maximum width of 250 cm.
• If your installation exceeds the limit of 40 cm to the right and left of the vehicle, you must add white lights visible from the front and red reflectors visible from the rear.
• The vehicle's number plate and signal lights must remain entirely visible. If not, a lighting bar must be installed and a second plate fixed.

In Belgium

• In Belgium, the bike rack must compulsorily incorporate a reversing light and a rear fog light. To do so, your bike rack must necessarily feature a 13-pin connector.
• The number plate and signal lights must be entirely visible. If the installation obscures them, a lighting bar allowing a new plate to be fixed is essential.

In Switzerland

• The lights and number plate must be fully and entirely visible. Swiss regulations require a bike rack with a 13-pin connector, enabling the reversing light and fog light to be displayed.
• The rear bike rack must not overhang more than 20 cm on each side of the vehicle. The maximum permitted width is 2 metres.
• If the installation extends the length of the vehicle by more than one metre at the rear, you must compulsorily add a warning panel.
• Please note that the total height of the load with a roof bike rack must not exceed 4 metres.

In the United Kingdom

• Please note that in the United Kingdom, it is not recommended to drive in the third lane (or fourth, etc.) with a vehicle fitted with a bike rack.
• The number plate and lights must be clearly visible. Opt for a bike rack with an integrated lighting bar or add a bar with a second number plate.

*Please note that since Brexit, certain regulations may be subject to change.

In the Netherlands

• Your bike rack and bikes must not overhang more than 20 cm on each side of the vehicle.
• If the number plate is obscured, the fitting of a second white number plate is compulsory. The lights must also remain clearly visible; if this is not the case, you must install a lighting bar.

In Germany

• In Germany, the maximum width of your installation (bike rack and bikes) is set at 255 cm.
• For a bike rack installed on the roof, the total height of the load must not exceed 4 metres.
• The bike rack must use a 13-pin connector, in order to incorporate a reversing light and a rear fog light.

In Austria

• As in Germany, Austrian regulations require a reversing light and a fog light on a rear bike rack. A bike rack equipped with a 13-pin connector is therefore essential.
• In Austria, you are permitted to use a red number plate, but this type of plate is only valid in that country.

In Italy

• It is compulsory to fit your bike rack with a warning panel in Italy, even if no bike is attached to it. It must be an aluminium panel, 50 x 50 cm in size, marked with 5 diagonal red and white stripes.
• Please note that the Italian warning panel is different from the panel used in Spain, which features 3 diagonal red and white stripes. Reversible Italy/Spain panels are available in shops.
• When the bike rack occupies the full width of the car, a second warning panel must be added. The 2 panels must be placed at the right and left extremities, forming "an inverted V".
• The number plate and the car's rear lights must always be visible. If not, the use of a lighting bar is necessary.
• If you drive at night, your bike rack must be fitted with a red light.
• The bike rack load may overhang the rear of the vehicle, but must not exceed 30% of its total length.

In Spain

• As in Italy, it is compulsory in Spain to place a warning panel at the rear of your bike rack.
• Unlike the Italian panel, the Spanish warning panel features 3 diagonal red and white stripes. This panel must be approved, 50 x 50 cm in size, made of aluminium (plastic panels are not permitted).
• If the bike rack occupies the full width of the car, a second warning panel must be added. The 2 panels must be placed at the right and left extremities, forming "an inverted V".
• The number plate and rear lights must remain perfectly visible. If your bike rack obscures them, you must install a lighting bar with a number plate holder.
• Your installation may only overhang at the rear. For a "divisible" load, the permitted overhang is set at 10% of the vehicle length and 15% for an "indivisible" load.

In Portugal

• First of all, note that Portuguese regulations do not recommend the use of bike racks on a tow ball or tailgate. These have only been permitted on Portuguese roads since 2003.
• We recommend keeping the manuals supplied with your bike rack, to prove, in the event of an inspection, that it is fully approved.
• The bike rack and its load must not overhang the vehicle in width.
• A rear bike rack must not extend the length of the vehicle by more than 45 cm. For a model fixed to the tow hitch, the measurement is taken from the tow ball. For a bike rack installed on the tailgate, the measurement starts directly from the rear of the vehicle.
• The vehicle's number plate and signal lights must be clearly visible. If not, the addition of a lighting bar is essential.
• For a bike rack on roof bars, the total height of the installation must not exceed 4 metres.

In Sweden

• In Sweden, it is compulsory to affix an additional white plate at the rear, on the bike rack or on the bikes. A sticker indicating the crew's country is essential, for example GB for the United Kingdom.
• The car's number plate and rear lights must be clearly visible. If this is not the case, fitting a lighting bar is essential.