Now Reading: There’s a Hitch (And it’s a Rack)
-
01
There’s a Hitch (And it’s a Rack)
Q: What are the limitations on bicycle racks or other attachments that extend beyond the rear bumper when not being used? Especially when painted flat black and therefore difficult to see? This is an increasing problem on oversized, badly-parked SUVs and pickups in parking lots that have spaces marked for something the size of a Camry. Perhaps the installers should be encouraged to put reflective tape around all edges instead of leaving them flat black.
A: Your question brings up another question: Why is it that nearly every attachment you can buy for your vehicle, whether it’s a bike rack, a tow hitch or a cargo deck, only comes in black? I’ve banged my shin on enough trailer hitches (most of the time on my own vehicle) to believe that maybe they should be neon green. Or maybe I should pay more attention when I’m walking.
(more…)
Peter Telfer
doug,
most of the bike racks with bikes attached obscure the license plate. does this make them illegal?
peter telfer
TheWiseDrive
If they’re obscured to the point of being unreadable, yes it does. RCW 46.16A.200 states that license plates must be “kept clean and be able to be plainly seen and read at all times.” However, I’ve never heard of an officer writing a ticket for that violation. That doesn’t mean it’s never enforced, but compared to most other violations it’s a pretty low priority.