Bike carriers and obscuring plates/lights - how can they sell them?

Herzlos

This has confused me a bit, because they seem to be blatantly illegal but still being sold in high street shops, like this one:

https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bike-racks/towbar-mounted-bike-racks/exodus-3-bike-towbar-mounted-bike-rack-539087.html

Without any bikes on it'll obscure the plate on most vehicles, and with bikes on it's likely going to obscure the lights/indicators too. So are they actually allowed to be used like that or is there an assumption that people will be using a light bar to compensate?

Martin_the_Unjust

Herzlos said:

...........is there an assumption that people will be using a light bar to compensate?

Yes HTH

neilmcl

Nearly all towbar fitted bike racks will require at least a number plate holder if not a light bar too.

facade

The carrier isn't illegal, driving around with your lights and registration plate obscured is.

I would dearly love to see one of these "3 cycle" carriers with 3 adult cycles on it. I have a much more expensive "3 cycle" Thule rack, and no way on Earth will 3 'bikes go on at the same time, unless you take the pedals and handlebars off them first.

AdrianC

Herzlos said:

So are they actually allowed to be used like that or is there an assumption that people will be using a light bar to compensate?

How is the user's inability to follow basic common sense the manufacturer or retailer's fault? I bet the instructions state a light bar is required if the lights are obscured...

Oh, look... First one I looked at...
https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bike-racks/rear-mounted-bike-racks/halfords-rear-low-mount-2-bike-bike-rack-539079.html
In bold... "Please note - if this cycle carrier obscures your existing vehicle lights or number plate, you will need a lighting board."

...and in the instructions, just below the bold capitals saying "YOU ALONE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR INCORRECT USE OR FAILURE TO FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS."