Bike Rack Mini Number Plates in Australia: Why You Need One and How to Order

Mini number plates for bike racks: small thing, big deal 

Picture this: you’re all set for a day of cycling. Bikes loaded onto the rack, cruising to the trails when – BAM! You’re pulled over by the police because your bike rack is blocking your number plate. 

Sure, it won’t land you in jail. But a hefty fine or losing demerit points for an obscured number plate? Not exactly how you want to start a ride. Here’s how to avoid the drama. 

First things first: standard number plates in Australia

Each state and territory has slightly different rules but, in general, your standard number plate must be: 

• Visible from 20 metres – clean and legible 
• Illuminated – for night-time visibility 
• Official – ordered through your state transport authority 

Bike rack number plates 

When you need them 

If your bike rack (or any bikes on it) blocks the view of your standard number plate, you need to take action to make it legal and avoid those hefty fines. And yes, even an empty bike rack with no bikes loaded can get you fined if it obscures your plate. 

Some states allow you to relocate your existing plates, but most require you to order an additional copy – either a special mini plate or full-sized duplicate. 

How to mount your bike rack number plate

Once you’ve got your legal plate sorted, you’ll need to mount it properly. It must be securely fixed to the rear-most point of your rack or gear and it must remain visible, with and without bikes loaded.  

Yakima offers some bike racks, such as the tow ball mounted FoldClick EVO, with integrated plate holders and lighting – as well as add-on accessories if your setup doesn’t have these features built in. 

If your setup obscures the brake lights or indicators, it’s first and foremost a safety issue, but could also land you a fine – so check out Yakima’s LightMate if you need a solution. 

If you’re confident that lighting isn’t issue and need a secure way to mount your plate, Yakima’s PlateMate is super easy to install with the Velcro straps included. (After all, it’d be a shame to go to all that effort to get your mini number plate sorted, only to have it fly off due to a dodgy DIY attachment!) 

Can I just make my own bike rack number plate?

DIY number plates are illegal in all Australian states and territories. "Faking it” could land you with a fine, loss of demerit points, insurance issues, or worse – compromise your safety.

So put the crayons down and leave the laminator alone. Reckon you can get around it using your mate’s 3D printer or Cricut? Still nope. Be smart, stay safe, and just order the real thing. 

How much do bike rack number plates cost in Australia? 

While it depends on your state or territory's specific requirements, expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $100. (Still cheaper than a fine.) 

How to order a bike rack plate in your state 

We’ve rounded up the key on how to display your plate safely and securely across Australia. Click on your state or territory name in the table below for more detailed information and tips. 

Contents and cheat sheet 

New South Wales (NSW) 

In a nutshell 

If your rear number plate is obscured by your bikes or bike rack, you’ll need an additional mini-sized auxiliary plate that matches your existing plates. 

How to order 

You’ve got options: 

• Online at myPlates.com.au 
• Offline by completing the Number Plates and/or Cancellation of Registration Form and lodging it by mail or in person at a Service NSW Centre 

Good to know 

Plates can be collected from a Service NSW centre or delivered to you (additional fees may apply). 

The plate's styling must match your registered plate exactly, including colour e.g. black on yellow, black on white. 

Learn more 

Order auxiliary (bike rack) plates - Service NSW 

Queensland (QLD) 

In a nutshell 

If your bike rack or bikes obscure your vehicle’s rear number plate in Queensland, you’ll need an additional mini accessory plate.  

How to order 

You’ve got options: 

• Order online from Personalised Plates Queensland (ppq.com.au) 
• Visit a Transport and motoring service centre in person 

Good to know 

Accessory plates are usually delivered within 2 weeks. 

If ordered at the same time as standard plates, they may arrive in separate packages. 

Learn more 

 Accessory number plates and how to apply - QLD Government 

Victoria (VIC) 

In a nutshell 

If your rear number plate is obscured by bikes or a bike rack in Victoria, you’ll need to either relocate your existing plate or order an additional bike rack number plate. 

How to order 

Order online at vicroads.vic.gov.au 

Good to know 

You can relocate your rear plate onto the rack instead of ordering a duplicate, but it must still meet visibility and lighting rules (and just make sure to put it back on your vehicle when you’re done). 

Learn more 

 Bicycle racks and carriers - Transport Victoria 

South Australia (SA) 

In a nutshell 

If your vehicle’s rear number plate is blocked by bikes or a rack in SA, although it’s recommended to purchase a special bike rack number plate – you do have the option to relocate your existing plate. 

How to order 

You’ve got options: 

• Order online from ezyplates.sa.gov.au 
• Complete the MR35 Application Form and submit it in person at a Service SA or via post 

Good to know 

Important: If you order an additional plate, make sure it's a bicycle rack number plate! While you can move your existing standard number plate, you cannot display both the vehicle’s standard rear plate and an additional standard plate on the bike rack at the same time.  

SA's bike rack plates are smaller and styled differently to their standard plates, so it’s going to be obvious if you’re non-compliant here. 

Plates can usually be collected 10 working days after ordering or delivered for an additional fee. 

Learn more 

Order a bike rack plate (includes info on “other ways to order”) – SA Government  

Bike rack number plates (direct link to online ordering, but doesn’t  mention other purchasing options) – EzyPlates SA Government 

Western Australia 

In a nutshell 

If your rear number plate is obscured by a bike rack or bikes, WA requires you to display an auxiliary plate at the rear of the vehicle. 

How to order 

Order online by logging into a DoTDirect account (if you don’t have one, this can be created via transport.wa.gov.au) 

Good to know 

WA’s auxiliary plates are mini-sized (the size of a standard motorcycle number plate). 

Plates must be collected in person or by an authorised person on your behalf. You’ll nominate your preferred service centre for collection and be notified via email when it's ready, which may be up to four weeks from ordering. 

Learn more 

Auxiliary Plates FAQs (PDF) - WA Department of Transport 

Tasmania (TAS) 

In a nutshell 

If your rear number plate is obscured by bikes or a bike rack, you'll need to purchase and display an additional accessory plate. 

How to order 

In person at a Service Tasmania Centre  – you can prepare beforehand by downloading the MR171 Form (available at transport.tas.gov.au) but need to head to a service centre to complete the application 

Good to know 

While they previously referred to as bicycle rack number plates, the Tasmanian Government now uses the more generic term accessory plates. 

Plates may take 4 to 6 weeks to make, so plan ahead! 

Learn more 

Apply for duplicate (and bike rack) number plates -  Service Tasmania 

Australian Capital Territory (ACT) 

In a nutshell 

In the ACT, you'll need a new bike rack number plate to match your existing plates. 

How to order 

Head to one of the Access Canberra locations or phone the Access Canberra Contact Centre on 13 22 81. 

Good to know 

While ACT issues both plastic and metal plates, the bike rack numberplate must be made of the same material as the standard vehicle plate. 

Learn more  

Ordering number plates – ACT Government 

Fitting and displaying numberplates - ACT Government

Northern Territory (NT) 

In a nutshell 

In NT, you can either relocate your existing number plate or purchase an additional standard number plate from the Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR).  

How to order 

If you require an additional plate, you’ll need to order via an MVR office 

Good to know 

The NT government also specifies that you should remove the bike rack from your vehicle when not using it to carry bikes. 

Learn more 

Vehicle accessories  (Bicycle racks, roof racks and load-carrying devices)– nt.gov.au  

Final tip for keeping your bike rack and number plates legal 

Important:  

While we do our best to keep this page as up to date and accurate as possible, this information is a guide for where to start. 

Please double check with your state or territory’s government transport authority for the latest localised requirements and clarification of any questions.  

We’ve found they do like to change things up from time to time! But getting the latest information and getting your setup right before you head out will ensure you can have more good times cycling with peace of mind as you travel with your bikes. 

Related Products 

LightMate 

Accessory number plate holder with lights. (Requires 7-pin flat socket.) 

PlateMate  

Makes it super easy to display your accessory plate with included Velcro straps.