Bike Carrier Regulations - Northern Territory

Bike Carrier Regulations - Northern Territory

Northern Territory has fairly simple rules to follow but is strict on its requirements.

You must do all of the following:

• attach the bicycle rack according to the manufacturer's instructions
• make sure welding on the bicycle rack fits with Australian standards
• secure the tow bar or roof rack and its load
• secure the bicycle to the rack
• make sure the bicycle rack is free of sharp edges and protrusions.

Rules for fitting a bike rack

You must make sure the bicycle rack and its load does not do any of the following:

• project excessively behind the rear of the vehicle
• exceed rear overhang limits (60% of the vehicle's wheelbase)
• protrude more than 150mm beyond the extreme width of either side of the vehicle
• block any vehicle lights
  • You may need additional lighting such as a removable light board.
• block the driver's vision of the rear of the vehicle
• block the number plate 
  • You may need to relocate the number plate when using a load-carrying device or get an additional number plate from an MVR office. If you relocate your number plate or fit another number plate you should consider a number plate light.

If the bike rack blocks the view of the number plate you can re-locate the number plate, or place an additional number plate onto the bicycle rack. You will have to pay a fee for the extra number plate, and it must be identical to the number plate on the vehicle. 

• You should also remove the bike rack from your vehicle when not using it to carry bikes.
• You should make sure you can see the rear of the vehicle.

Requirements for rear-mounted load-carrying devices

There are additional requirements to the above for rear-mounted load-carrying devices.
Make sure the load-carrying device and its load does not:

• project excessively behind the rear of the vehicle
• exceed rear overhang limits - 60 per cent of the vehicle's wheelbase
• protrude more than 150mm from the width of either side of the vehicle.