Got Pulled Over

I got pulled over today for my hitch mounted bike rack obstructing the view of my license plate. The cop told me to move my license plate on to the bike rack, umm so when I have bikes on it and it is folded down then you won’t see the license plate at all! Anyone have any solutions to this? According to the cop I just can’t use the rack.

 

The logic that people have with bike racks baffles me.

You have something blocking the plate, this is illegal. Why is this confusing?

Most cops leave people with bikes on the racks alone, it's the people who leave it on with no bikes that raise eyebrows.

 

And you live in what State? I just want to make sure I'm not driving through... What a D*%$… did he have nothing to do.

 

Yep, any hitch device (especially one that obscures the plate) should be removed when not in use.

 

I'd be willing to bet you can continue to use the rack, not move the license plate, and you'll never be pulled over again for that same reason. And if you are pulled over again, the cop will say "don't do that" and send you on your way. Again.

No offense to our men in blue. They're just doin their job protecting the populace. I'm appreciative and grateful for their bravery and service. And it does take bravery in this day and age. Don't forget that.

 

He only pulled you over to get a better look at the awesome Tacoma.

 

Don’t break the law next time.

 

A lot of people have bike racks where I live, no big deal. You live in a small town or bigger place?

 

Does that mean I can’t use my travel trailer? Its a bit wider than the bike rack and definitely blocks the view! Also, moving the license plate to the rack without lights will also get you pulled over.

Damn, its not going to be another thing to worry about as we’ve packed up bikes and kayaks on the truck (not using the trailer this trip) and are headed for Washington and Oregon tomorrow.

 

You trailer has a plate doesn't it?

 

Well yeah, but it’s behind the folding shelf rack and spare tire too.

 

Sounds like you are driving around with an empty bike rack, simply don’t do that, take the thing off. If you block your license plate temporarily (ie Carting bikes on rack one trip) cops will usually let it slip, if you are blocking you plate 24/7 (ie empty bike rack) he should give you a ticket as you’ve perminatly blocked your plate.
If you want to leave the rack on, then relocate the plate and license plate light to a visable location.

 

I’d have to agree, should’ve offered him a test drive in exchange for a warning if he cite you. No but seriously, thieves are creative nowadays so if he’s looking for a sane description stolen, how would he do his job?

 

The main road that leads to my neighborhood is a hilly & curvy 2-lane with a 55mph speed limit. There are overhanging trees and minimal pavement beyond the road's edge. It's a tight road. Traffic on it is pretty steady and from 5:00pm-6:30pm it is stop & go, bumper to bumper in the Westbound lane.

I never ceases to amaze me at the bicyclists who ride this road....and some at the absolute worst times. At a minimum, they hold up traffic......but they also create a huge safety risk as cars swerve into the oncoming lane to pass the bikers.

The times of day I drive that road on work days find me in the dark with little traffic....so I can actually get up to 55mph....and watch out for deer like crazy. Guess who seems to also like riding the road at those times ? Riding in the dark with almost no lighting. Occasionally one will have some type of high-viz gear on that reflects headlights, but often not.

These folks must have a death wish.


The mountain bike folks are a group that I understand well. We have a few really nice local trails that are dedicated to them. I bought the family some Trek bikes and we've had fun on some of them. I bought a Thule bike rack that works great in the receiver hitch and doesn't really obscure the license plate. The rear camera view is compromised, of course.

 

Around here if you loose your plate you are suppose to make a one (that can be clearly seen) out of paper and post it in your rear window until you get a replacement. My guess the same concept should work for your bike rack.

 

There is the singular upside to the quandary, though................the gal in the last spot appears to have some nice legs and a sweet booty.

Of course...that may just be the padding here biker shorts.

 

Same here in my neck of the woods. We have one of the nicest bike paths in the country along the river. It goes on forever. I understand that it is flat but the road is also flat twenty yards beside it and they ride on the road like there in the Tour de France. I yell at them every time to get on the bike path. One of them died last year from a car. No charges were filed because it was on a turn and it was determined an accident. Darwinism at work.

 

Chris....don't get me started on this. They are the 1st ones to bitch and moan about drivers obeying the rules of the road to protect them and share the road with us....blah, blah, blah.

Yet the inexplicable stupid shit I see bikers do blows my mind. It's very difficult to respect them as a collective when so many of them behave so inappropriately.

 

Around here legally they have to ride single file. Doesnt stop most of them

 

OP, just look into some fork mounts and ditch the receiver mount.