Now spring has arrived here in Ōtepoti Dunedin, the DCC is reminding motorists to ensure their number plates are visible when they are carrying bikes or other gear on their vehicles.
According to the New Zealand road rules, the numbers and letters on both front and rear plates must be clearly visible at all times.
“Our parking officers are noticing an increasing number of cars with bike racks obscuring rear number plates,” says Cazna Savell, Acting Parking Services Team Leader.
“While it’s great to see so many people enjoying the fine weather and making the most of the city’s fantastic cycleways and recreation spots, motorists need to make appropriate provisions when bike racks or other attachments cover number plates.”
Motorists can either:
- purchase a legal supplementary plate and fix it to the bike rack or other attachment, or
- fix the rear plate from the car to the bike rack or other attachment when it is in use. The plate will need to be returned to the car as usual when the bike rack or other attachment is not in use.
The registered owner of the vehicle can order a supplementary plate via 0800 REMAKE (736 253) or https://consumer.licensys.co.nz. Supplementary plates currently cost $33.72.
The potential fine for having an obscured number plate is $200.