A Common Question,

Is it illegal for your bike rack to cover your license plate?

Hi there, Alison here from Roof Racks Calgary. I’ve recently heard of a few instances of people having some issues regarding their hitch-mounted bike rack covering up their licence plate and being ticketed. I wanted to get to the bottom of this and spread the word, in hopes of this not happening to any fellow outdoor enthusiasts.

So I called Calgary Police and asked for the rules – lets get into it.

Is it legal to drive with a bike rack covering your licence plate in Alberta?

The bottom line is yes—if your licence plate is covered or not clearly visible, you can be ticketed. Alberta traffic laws require licence plates to be visible and legible at all times, and a hitch-mounted bike rack can technically put you offside if it blocks the plate.

That said, the officer I spoke with explained that enforcement is usually based on context. If you actually have a bike on your rack and are clearly headed to or from a ride, you probably won’t be ticketed. It may be a bit of a hassle to remove your rack between rides, but doing so when you’re not carrying bikes can reduce the risk entirely.

How likely are you to get ticketed for a bike rack blocking your plate?

According to Calgary Police, it’s pretty unlikely that you’ll be ticketed just for having a bike rack covering your licence plate. They’ve got bigger fish to fry, and you’re generally not high on the radar.

Where things can change is if your plate is covered and you’re drawing attention for other reasons—rolling stop signs, speeding, or distracted driving. In that case, the blocked plate may become part of the stop.

In short, good driving habits go a long way.

Can you relocate your licence plate to your bike rack?

I also confirmed that it is legal to move your licence plate to the bike rack itself, as long as it remains clearly visible. Some racks even offer licence plate mounting brackets or accessory kits to make this easier.

However, this option wasn’t highly recommended by the officer. Moving your plate to the rack increases the risk of licence plate theft, especially when parked at trailheads or busy recreation areas. It’s legal, but not always ideal.

Do bike rack laws differ across Canada?

While this conversation was specific to Calgary, similar rules apply across most Canadian provinces. Licence plates generally must be visible, unobstructed, and properly illuminated at night. Enforcement, however, often comes down to local discretion and common sense.

If you’re travelling between provinces with your bikes, it’s worth being mindful—especially on longer road trips where your rack may stay on the vehicle for days at a time.

Tips to avoid licence plate issues with hitch-mounted bike racks

A few simple habits can help reduce your chances of a ticket:

• Remove the bike rack when you’re not actively transporting bikes
• Make sure your plate isn’t bent, partially visible, or flapping behind the rack
• Consider racks designed to sit higher or farther from the plate
• Use a plate relocation kit only if you’re comfortable with the theft risk
• Keep your lights and reflectors fully visible, especially for early-morning or late-evening drives

Final thoughts on bike racks and licence plate visibility

In summary, covering your licence plate with a bike rack may earn you a ticket, but it’s fairly unlikely if you’re riding with bikes on the rack and practising good driving habits. A little awareness goes a long way, and it shouldn’t stop you from getting out there and getting after it.

We have tons of different bike rack options if your interested, and if you have any questions feel free to contact us any time. We are always happy to strike up a conversation with you and help out.