Is My Hitch Cargo Carrier of Legal Length?
Updated 12/09/2020 | Published 12/07/2020
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
I have a Subaru Outback. I just bought an Apex Cargo Carrier and 2 bike combo rack. The rack sticKs out 57” 4.75’ from my car. A friend mentioned that it may be too long to be legal in some states. Sure enough, in CA, legal code length is max 4 feet protruding away from car.. Why would a rack be sold by Apex that is illegal in some states? Do you find there are issues with racks being illegal? Could I have misunderstood the code? Have you heard of people being ticketed for racks that are too long? Do you know of any other Cargo / Bike racks that are legal in all states? Thanks!
asked by: Paula
Expert Reply:
Many states have different regulations regarding towing and use of cargo carriers, ranging from visible tail lights to license plates. These regulations often change so I can't say with certainty that a cargo carrier is following ALL the rules for ALL the States. A bike rack and cargo carrier combo like the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE2 Bike Rack w/ Cargo Carrier for 2 Bikes # HR1450Z-85 sits at almost 50", but I haven't heard any issues about it being too long.
I'm not a lawyer, but you might want to check if that 4ft rule is for cargo carriers or for overhang? Four feet overhang is a common rule especially when it applies to lumber or cargo sticking out of a truck bed. Check if they use the word "support" since a cargo carrier can be considered support while overhang is considered "unsupported length." Again, this isn't legal advice, and I recommend checking with your local DMV for the latest regulations.
Most people have problems with their cargo, cargo carrier, or bike rack covering their tail light or license plate. That is a ticketable offense is some areas. For that reason, we have the License Plate and LED Tail Light Mounting Kit # e98943-44LED.
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Video: Best 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Trailer Hitch Options
- Search Results: light kit
- Q&A: Mounting Base Dimension and Installed Height of Stromberg Carlson Cargo Carrier Bike Adapter CC-125
- Video: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness Installation - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
- Shop: Reese 60x24 Hitch Cargo Carrier for 2" Hitches - 500 lbs Capacity - Glossy Black
- Shop: Bike Rack Adapter for Stromberg Carlson Hitch Mounted Cargo Carrier
- Shop: Hidden Hitch by Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
- Shop: Curt Bike Rack for 5 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Tilting
- Shop: etrailer License Plate and LED Tail Light Mounting Kit for Hitch Mounted Cargo Carrier
- Shop: 24x60 etrailer Cargo Carrier for 2" Hitches - Steel - Tilting - Folding - 500 lbs
- Video: Set up: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2014 Lexus RX 450h
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 4-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Article: Routing the Power Wire for a Trailer Wiring Harness
- Search Results: hitch cargo carrier
- Video: 24x60 Reese Cargo Carrier for 2" Hitches Fit Verified on a 2011 Toyota Sienna
- Shop: Roof Rack
- Video: Curt Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring - Trailer Hitch Wiring - C56322 Review
- Video: Fit Test: Bike Rack Adapter for Stromberg Carlson Hitch Mounted Cargo Carrier on a 2008 Honda CR-V
- Video: Test Fitting the Thule ReVert 6 Bike Rack - 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- Search Results: roof cross bars
- Search Results: cross bars
- Q&A: Does Hitch Mounted Cargo Carrier Blocking License Plate Cause Issues
- Search Results: license plate lights trailer lights
- Q&A: How To Measure Clearance Distance For A Cargo Carrier Behind Vehicle
- Search Results: hitch cargo basket
- Search Results: custom fit vehicle wiring
- Article: Hitch Mounted Cargo Carrier Information