Chief’s Corner
By Chief Steven J. Wojnar Dudley Police Department With the pandemic restrictions relaxed, and summer in full swing, people are seeking outdoor recreation or traveling for vacation. Bicycle and storage racks are a common sight on the rear of many cars at this time of the year. I was asked to explain any restrictions for the use of these racks attached to the rear of a vehicle. Luggage or bicycle racks are an easy way to increase a vehicle’s storage or trunk space while traveling. One main concern, that many people may not be aware of, is the possible obstruction of the vehicle’s rear license plate. If a bicycle rack or other device is placed in such a way as to block the clear view of the number plate, this is a violation. Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90 Section 6 outlines the display of number plates. It states in part, “number plates shall be kept clean with the numbers legible and shall not be obscured in any manner by the installation of any device obscuring said numbers, and during the period when the vehicle or trailer is required to display lights the rear register number shall be illuminated so as to be plainly visible at a distance of sixty feet.” This law requires all number plates to be visible. It particularly prohibits the installation of any device which can obscure the numbers. A bicycle rack or other type of carrier must be positioned in such a way to not interfere with the display of the license plate. It is also important to remember this law applies to both the front and rear plates. A violation of this section can result in a $35 civil infraction. This law ensures vehicles traveling on the roads can be properly identified. It is important to keep the plate clearly visible. This is a critical consideration before purchasing or installing any device on your vehicle. If the |
use of a storage rack on the vehicle blocks the number plate, you may need to seek an alternative, such as a roof device or something which allows for the number plate to be temporarily relocated onto the rack itself. Take the time to research your options prior to purchase. This will still allow you to transport larger items and keep you in compliance with the law.
For those still seeking vaccination or COVID related information, it can be found at www.dudleyma.gov or by calling 508-949-8036. During these challenging times, we, at the Dudley Police Department, greatly appreciate the support we receive from our community. Thanks again for your questions and comments. Please send them to me at the Dudley Police Department 71 West Main St. Dudley, Ma. 01571 or email at swojnar@dudleypolice.com. Opinions expressed in this weekly column are those of Chief Wojnar only and unless clearly noted, do not reflect the ideas or opinions of any other organization or citizen. |
|