If you use a towbar or rear-mounted bike rack in New Zealand, there is one small detail that is easy to overlook: can your vehicle’s number plate still be clearly seen?
If the rack or the bikes obscure your registration plate, you need to display the registration number correctly. This can apply while the rack is loaded with bikes and while it is empty.
Here is what NZ drivers need to know about supplementary plates, where to order one, and what to check before heading out for a ride.
Quick answer
If a bike rack or another temporary attachment obscures your vehicle’s number plate, NZTA says you can either:
- fit an official supplementary plate to the rack or attachment, or
- temporarily move your vehicle’s existing rear plate onto the attachment while it is in use.
A handwritten, printed or cardboard copy is not a legal replacement for an official number plate.
Do I need a supplementary plate for my bike rack?
You need to take action whenever your bike rack, bikes or another attachment prevents the numbers and letters on your vehicle’s registration plate from being clearly visible.
This commonly affects:
- towbar-mounted platform bike racks
- hanging towball bike racks
- vertical bike racks
- rear-mounted racks attached to a boot or hatch
- bikes that hang across the vehicle’s number plate
Nelson City Council recently reminded local riders that the requirement can apply to bike racks whether they are loaded or unloaded. If the empty rack still covers the plate, the plate still needs to be clearly displayed.
What is a supplementary number plate?
A supplementary plate is an official additional plate displaying the same registration characters as your vehicle.
It is designed for temporary attachments or loads that obscure the vehicle’s normal plate, including bike racks.
The supplementary plate does not permanently replace your vehicle’s original plate. It is used while the original plate is obscured and must only be attached to the vehicle with the matching registration number.
Where can I order a supplementary plate in NZ?
Official supplementary plates can be ordered online through LicenSys.
You will need to be the registered person for the vehicle and provide suitable identification. NZTA advises allowing approximately 7–10 days for delivery.
Can I make my own number plate for a bike rack?
No. A handwritten sign, cardboard plate, printed copy or homemade plate does not meet the legal requirements for an official number plate.
NZTA states that only number plates issued by NZTA or its authorised agents are legal.
Even when the homemade plate displays the correct registration number, it should not be treated as a substitute for an official supplementary plate.
Can I move my vehicle’s existing plate onto the bike rack?
NZTA provides this as an alternative for a temporary attachment.
You can remove the vehicle’s rear plate and securely attach it to the bike rack while the rack is being used. The plate must then be returned to its normal position on the vehicle when the rack is removed or no longer obscures the original plate position.
While this is allowed, an official supplementary plate is usually the easier option for people who use their bike rack regularly. It avoids having to remove and reinstall the vehicle’s original number plate each time.
Where should the supplementary plate be fitted?
The plate should be:
- securely attached
- mounted upright
- clearly visible from behind
- positioned so the full registration number can be read
- attached only to the vehicle with the matching registration number
Many platform-style towbar bike racks include a dedicated number plate holder. The supplementary plate itself normally needs to be ordered separately.
Do I need a supplementary plate when the bike rack is empty?
Yes, if the empty bike rack still obscures your vehicle’s number plate.
The important factor is not whether bikes are loaded. It is whether the registration plate remains clearly visible while the vehicle is being used or parked on the road.
What about brake lights and indicators?
Your number plate is not the only thing to check when fitting a rear-mounted bike rack.
Depending on the vehicle, rack and bikes being carried, the setup may also obscure:
- tail lights
- brake lights
- indicators
- reverse lights
- rear reflectors
Many platform-style towbar racks include integrated rear lights and a number plate mounting position. Simpler hanging racks may require a separate light board, depending on how the rack and bikes sit behind the vehicle.
Always check the completed setup from directly behind the vehicle before driving.
Do roof-mounted bike racks need a supplementary plate?
Normally, no. A roof-mounted bike rack does not usually obscure the vehicle’s front or rear number plate.
That makes a roof-mounted carrier a useful option for vehicles without a towbar, or for drivers who want to keep the rear plate and vehicle lights unobstructed.
Shop all bike racks and carriers
Choosing a bike rack with lights and a plate holder
If you are choosing a towbar bike rack, look carefully at the lighting and number plate setup included with the rack.
Platform racks such as the Thule EasyFold, Epos, VeloSpace and OutPace include integrated rear lights and a position for displaying a number plate. You will still need to order a supplementary plate matching your vehicle if the original registration plate is obscured.
Roof-mounted racks generally leave your rear lights and number plate clear, but require a suitable roof rack system and involve lifting the bike onto the vehicle.
Need help choosing a bike rack?
We stock towbar, roof-mounted and e-bike compatible bike racks from Thule and RockyMounts. Send us your vehicle, towball type, bike weights and the number of bikes you need to carry, and we’ll help narrow down the options.
Supplementary plate FAQs
How long does a supplementary plate take to arrive?
NZTA advises allowing approximately 7–10 days for delivery. Order one before a planned trip rather than leaving it until the night before.
Can I use one supplementary plate on two vehicles?
No. A supplementary plate must only be used on the vehicle displaying the same registration characters.
Does the bike rack come with a supplementary plate?
No. A bike rack may include a number plate holder, but it will not arrive with an official registration plate matching your vehicle. This must be ordered separately.
Do I need one if only a small part of the plate is covered?
Your vehicle’s full registration number needs to remain clearly visible. If the rack, a wheel, handlebar or another part of the load prevents the plate from being read properly, fit an official supplementary plate or reposition the vehicle’s original plate as permitted by NZTA.
Does a trailer use a supplementary plate?
No. A trailer or caravan is separately registered and requires its own primary registration plate. Supplementary plates are intended for temporary attachments or loads obscuring the plate of the registered vehicle.
Before you drive
Once your bike rack is fitted and loaded, walk behind the vehicle and check:
- the number plate is securely mounted and clearly visible
- the plate matches the vehicle
- brake lights, indicators and tail lights can be seen
- bikes are secured according to the rack manufacturer’s instructions
- wheels, handlebars and pedals cannot move into the road or vehicle
- the rack is locked or tightened correctly onto the towball, hitch or roof racks
A supplementary plate is a relatively small part of the bike-rack setup, but it is worth sorting before the next ride.
Order an official supplementary plate through LicenSys
Explore our bike rack guide | Shop bike racks and carriers
This article provides general information only. Number plate and vehicle requirements can change. For current requirements, refer directly to NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi.