Most bike racks when fitted to the tow bar obscure the rear number plate and under the Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Act 1999 this is an offence.

Bike racks should only be attached to a vehicle when the rack is being used for the purpose of transporting bikes.

This is overcome by having a bike rack number plate made specifically for the bike rack. This plate will be slightly smaller than the vehicle plates.

A bike rack number plate must display the same number as the vehicle's registration number and can only be used for that vehicle. The type of material e.g. plastic / aluminium must be the same as the vehicle number plates. The number plate must be affixed to a bicycle rack that is attached to the relevant registered vehicle.

To purchase a bike rack number plate you can attend  any Canberra Connect Shopfront or place your order via telephone by calling 13 22 81.

The current fees are: 

• plastic plate $61.00 and 
• aluminium plate $34.10

Note: Fees are subject to change without notice.