Drivers Must Install Third License Plate on Bike Racks

Polish traffic law requires a third license‑plate on a bike rack or any load that obscures the vehicle’s rear registration plate. The plate must display the same number as the original and is issued by the local vehicle‑registration office for a fee of about 52.50 zł (≈ 12 USD). Failure to mount the additional plate can result in a fine of 500 zł and eight penalty points, while using an illegal copy or transferring the plate to the rack may incur fines between 1 500 zł and 5 000 zł and possible seizure of the vehicle’s registration documents. Authorities also check that bike‑rack lighting complies with regulations. The rule applies to hitch‑mounted racks, roof racks and rear‑gate carriers whenever the rear plate is not fully visible.

The guidance appears in several recent Polish automotive reports, which detail the legal basis (Article 73 § 1b of the Road Traffic Act) and warn drivers of the financial and legal consequences of non‑compliance.