Bike Racks on car in Spain

[vansmudge]

I have been told that it is illegal to carry bikes on a rack overhanging the rear of a car in Spain. Is this true?

Regards, Barry

 

[ValA.]

I imagine that it's like most of Europe - you'll need a 'Long Vehicle' plaque (striped) to indicate that you've something overhanging your bumper - and your number plate must still be visible.

We were fined a huge amount in Italy for not having one, and also taken to a motorist shop to buy one before we were allowed to proceed any further!

 

[Lutz]

If the load is overhanging, Spain and Italy require special warning panel with red and white diagonal stripes. (Spanish and Italian requirements regarding the design of the panels differ slightly.) Bicycle carriers on the back of the car are illegal in Portugal.

 

[VIP640]

Do you still need the plaque even with the van on the back?

 

[Lutz]

So long as the caravan is hitched up the bicycles are technically not overhanging, so presumably not.