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The nationwide obligation for vehicles with a loaded bike rack to display a 50 x 50 centimeter red and white sign was only introduced in Italy on 1 January 2025. However, this has now been relaxed retroactively to January 21, 2025 by decree. The regulation has therefore been relaxed somewhat. But it has not been completely abolished!

However, the information on the sign has not changed. The sign must show five red and white hatched stripes in a diagonal arrangement, which must also be reflective. The plate must be made of a metal sheet and must always be mounted perpendicular to the vehicle axle.

 

What is the key difference?

The difference is that the sign only has to be attached if the bicycle carrier or rear box has its own lighting and signaling device. An additional license plate must also be attached to the bicycle carrier. It is therefore logical that only bicycle carriers that are attached to a trailer coupling are covered, as this allows the signals to be transmitted. This applies to all passenger cars where this is the case, to off-road vehicles and motorhomes (vehicles in category M1) and to light commercial vehicles (vehicles in category N1).

 

However, the regulation should not be completely forgotten.

In the case of tailgate bicycle carriers, rear door bicycle carriers on a motorhome or rear wall bicycle carriers on caravans and (partially) integrated motorhomes, the plate must still be attached, as they cannot be attached to a coupling carrier, which in turn has its own lighting and signaling device.

It should be noted that the sign must not only be attached if the load protrudes to the rear, but also if the load protrudes to the side. To be more precise, there must be an overhang of more than 30 centimeters for the sign to be necessary again. This also applies to roof loads.

To avoid fines for the upcoming summer vacation, the plate should be correctly attached. Violations or non-compliance can result in a fine of at least 87 euros. Incidentally, it is also important that not only the “formalities” themselves are adhered to, but that the sign is also attached to the piece of luggage itself.

 

 

Source: Pixabay/fiat-fiat-500-auto-oldtimer-4298163/