Warning to drivers with a bike rack on their car this summer over error that could land you with £5k fine
DRIVERS are being warned to check they have the correct bike rack for their vehicle – or face a £5,000 fine.
An incorrectly installed rack could lead to a motorist being charged with dangerous driving.
1
Roof racks are advised for anyone looking to save space – but watch out for high winds
Anyone convicted of the offence faces a fine of up to £5,000.
As hot weather returns to the UK and ahead of the last Bank Holiday of the year, the RAC has issued advice on using bike racks safely.
In a statement on its website, a spokesperson for the motoring agency said there are several types of bike rack available.
"Installing a bike rack onto your vehicle gives you and your family the opportunity to experience the great outdoors almost anywhere in the UK," said the statement.
"However, ahead of your road trip, there are several key factors you need to consider."
Keep within the law
The statement goes on to explain how motorists can keep within the law.
"If this is the first time you are planning on attaching a bike rack, it is important to know what style is needed," the spokesperson added.
"There are three main types of rack – rear mounted, tow bar, and roof – and users should be aware of the pros and cons each of them offer."
The agency explained that rear mounted bike racks are the most commonly found style here in the UK, as they are the most cost-effective option for multiple bicycles.
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The spokesperson said: "They are designed with a metal frame that sits against the back of a car, with four to six straps that can be hooked onto the edges of a car boot.
"If you're planning on going for a bike ride further away from home, then a rear-mounted bike carrier is ideal, as they are efficient and don't require any additional mounts or attachments. These racks can fit up to three or four bicycles.
"Rear mounted racks are simple to install and can be stored easily."
However, buyers should be aware that they do not fit all models of cars and should check whether they can be attached to your vehicle.
Roof racks
They can also take up space within the boot, so it is important to consider this ahead of travelling.
In outlining the pros and cons of attaching a roof rack, the RAC said they are easy to install but can affect the handling of the car, particularly in high winds,
The statement added: "Unlike rear mounted racks, they do not obstruct car lights or number plates – something that can cause legal issues, and even fines up to £5,000."
If your car is fitted with a tow ball or bar, then these can carry up to five bicycles while a semi-vertical bike rack holds bicycles at an angle, saving space.
The latter, says the RAC, is ideal for urban environments, garages, or commercial bike storage, as it "allows users to easily load and unload bikes without lifting them fully overhead".
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The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Warning to drivers with a bike rack on their car this summer over error that could land you with £5k fine
ROAD RULES Warning to drivers with a bike rack on their car this summer over error that could land you with £5k fine DRIVERS are being warned to check they have the correct bike rack for their vehicle – or face a £5,000 fine. An incorrectly installed rack could lead to a motorist being charged with dangerous driving. 1 Roof racks are advised for anyone looking to save space – but watch out for high winds Anyone convicted of the offence faces a fine of up to £5,000. As hot weather returns to the UK and ahead of the last Bank Holiday of the year, the RAC has issued advice on using bike racks safely. In a statement on its website, a spokesperson for the motoring agency said there are several types of bike rack available. "Installing a bike rack onto your vehicle gives you and your family the opportunity to experience the great outdoors almost anywhere in the UK," said the statement. "However, ahead of your road trip, there are several key factors you need to consider." Keep within the law The statement goes on to explain how motorists can keep within the law. "If this is the first time you are planning on attaching a bike rack, it is important to know what style is needed," the spokesperson added. "There are three main types of rack – rear mounted, tow bar, and roof – and users should be aware of the pros and cons each of them offer." The agency explained that rear mounted bike racks are the most commonly found style here in the UK, as they are the most cost-effective option for multiple bicycles. Tour de France: Unchained, Trailer The spokesperson said: "They are designed with a metal frame that sits against the back of a car, with four to six straps that can be hooked onto the edges of a car boot. "If you're planning on going for a bike ride further away from home, then a rear-mounted bike carrier is ideal, as they are efficient and don't require any additional mounts or attachments. These racks can fit up to three or four bicycles. "Rear mounted racks are simple to install and can be stored easily." However, buyers should be aware that they do not fit all models of cars and should check whether they can be attached to your vehicle. Roof racks They can also take up space within the boot, so it is important to consider this ahead of travelling. In outlining the pros and cons of attaching a roof rack, the RAC said they are easy to install but can affect the handling of the car, particularly in high winds, The statement added: "Unlike rear mounted racks, they do not obstruct car lights or number plates – something that can cause legal issues, and even fines up to £5,000." If your car is fitted with a tow ball or bar, then these can carry up to five bicycles while a semi-vertical bike rack holds bicycles at an angle, saving space. The latter, says the RAC, is ideal for urban environments, garages, or commercial bike storage, as it "allows users to easily load and unload bikes without lifting them fully overhead".
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