How To Display a License Plate With a Bike Rack Attached

Updated 05/28/2024 | Published 02/18/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Thule T2 Pro XTR Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount

(171)

$899.95

License Plate Relocation Kit for Westin Ultimate and E-Series Bull Bars

(43)

$32.20

Curt Dual Hitch Extender for 2" Trailer Hitches - 8" Extension

(122)

$102.45

Question:

My Thule t2 st pro bike rack blocks my license plate I was just stopped for this and given a warning for it. What solutions are there - is there a way to display it on the rack?

asked by: Dave

Expert Reply:

I am sorry to hear about the issue you are having while using your bike rack. I do have some options for you to display your license plate with the bike rack attached but Thule does not offer any products for this purpose. The vast majority of law enforcement officers will not pull you over for such a minor infraction but there are always going to be a few that do so in that case I have two options.

The first option for you would be to mount a license plate bracket like the License Plate Relocation Kit part # 32-0055 to your bike rack. You can then remove the the license plate from your vehicle and place it on this mount each time you have the bike rack installed. If you have the Thule T2 Pro XTR 2 Bike Platform Rack like part # TH83JV then you can mount it to the rearmost crosstube, preferably on the side with the rear wheel holder. This however will require drilling into the bike rack.

The second option you have is to use a dual hitch adapter like the Curt Dual 2" Receiver Tube Adapter part # D-192. You would then want to place your bike rack on the top receiver tube and then your license plate with the Trailer Hitch License Plate Relocation Bracket part # 5443 on the bottom receiver tube. This option however will reduce the weight capacity of your trailer hitch by 50%.

Please note that the license plate light would not be shown on the license plate in either of these options so you will want to refrain from driving at night.

expert reply by: Conner L

5/19/2024

This reply is beyond useless License plate Relocation Kit part #32-0055 is for the FRONT plate with a Bull Bar. NOT for the REAR plate with a bike rack The Thule plate holder is nothing better than using zip ties for your rear plate to the rack and would require you to relocate the plate every single time you raised or lowered the rack. And the dual hitch adapter? if the plate is not visible standard then it wont be available with this either.

Jon G.

5/28/2024

@Do You really need to chill out on all of the heated comments. This answer is another creative way to be able to display a license plate on a bike rack. Sure, the License Plate Relocation Kit # 32-0055 is meant for a bull bar, but with some modification it will work just fine on the bike rack. I'm pretty sure you're referring to the Thule License Plate Holder for Bike Racks # TH35JV that I referenced in my previous conversation with you. Yes, you will need to move the license plate from it's original spot and onto this bracket. And yes, you will need to relocate the bracket if you change the orientation of your bike rack. Nobody (currently) makes a license plate bracket that just pops off and snaps onto a bike rack like what you're wanting.......so until then you'll need to get creative like the rest of everyone and use a bracket like the Thule to get you as close to your dreams as you can get.