Bike Carrier Regulations - Tasmania

Tasmania has very similar rules to Victoria. Here is the necessary information:

• bicycle carriers must be securely attached to the vehicle, this may require routine checking  
• bicycles must be securely attached to the bicycle carrier  
• the loaded bicycle must not have accessory items fitted that may become detached when travelling  
• the carrier must not carry more than the number of bicycles it is designed to hold  
• you must not exceed the manufacturer’s maximum weight specified for any roof rack, bicycle carrier or towbar assembly  
• any attachments, bicycles, and any other load, including passengers, on or in the vehicle must not cause the vehicle to exceed its gross vehicle mass (GVM). 

On top of that:

• Any load, including bicycle carrier and attachments, must not project more than 150mm from the outermost part of either side of the vehicle or total width of 2.5m.
• Should not project more than 1.2m beyond the rear of the vehicle. If you are unable to do so then a warning signal must be used on the outermost part of the loaded bicycle. The warning signal must be:
  • during the day, a brightly coloured red, yellow or red & yellow flag, with each side at least 300mm long, and  
  • if driving at night, a red light that can be seen for at least 200m.

Any part of the bicycle carrier, including any bicycles which may be loaded onto it, must be fitted in a way so as to not be a dangerous protrusion to a person or property. The following general rules apply:  

• any bicycle carrier, fittings, hooks or attachments must not have any sharp edges, corners or protrusions, nor should it extend unduly beyond the side profile of the vehicle
• all exposed sections of the bicycle carrier must be radiused and deburred  
• rear and side protruding components should be designed to minimise the risk of injury to any person who may come into contact with the carrier. 

Any dangerous or sharp protrusions must be removed or covered.

The rear number plate on the vehicle must be clearly visible from a distance of 20m within any point 45 degrees to the left, right or above the number plate as shown in the diagrams below

If a vehicle is fitted with a rear-mounted bicycle carrier and the number plate is not clearly visible in accordance with the above requirements, depending on the type of bicycle rack and obstruction you may do one of the following:  

• remove the bicycle rack, or  
• reposition the bicycle so as the plate is not obscured, or  
• fit a bike rack number plate that replicates the vehicle's registration plate details. 

Regardless of the style of number plate affixed, when using a bicycle carrier at night, the number plate must have sufficient lighting to ensure it remains visible in accordance with the above requirements. Hand painted or replica number plates are not permitted.

The bicycle carrier and/or bicycles must not obstruct or affect the performance or visibility of any of the vehicles rear lights. If any of the lights are obscured, you will need to reposition the obstruction or fit portable rear lights. When driving at night, or in hazardous weather conditions causing reduced visibility, the vehicle’s lights must be on and clearly visible. 

It is a requirement that a vehicle’s tail lights are visible for a distance of 200m behind the vehicle when in use, while indicator lights must be visible from 30 metres. When required, portable rear lights must be fitted in pairs if any of the lights are obscured and not visible over the required distance.