Front mounted bicycle rack

[Charliec]

I have installed a front mounted hitch to haul two bicycles on the front of my F150. My question is, has anyone had any problem with law enforcement for hauling bikes in this manner?
Thanks

[geotex1]

Depends on the state and officer's mood... It is completely illegal in every state to have anything obstructing your lights, and it doesn't matter headlights or tail lights here. So it is a violation and one which they can not only cite you, but order you to remedy on the spot. In states like mine with the coming and going license plate requirement (like TX too), you cannot obstruct either plate in any way (actually applies to frames and covers too). I moonlight as a firearms instructor, including instruction of officers and sharing ranges with them, and this has come up often in conversation because i cannot stand the rear hitch mounted carriers where bikes completely obscure all of the brake lights. One particular local PD LT told me they hand out over 500 citations every summer for this! Just so happens their jurisdiction is the main thoroughfare to the shore...

[rattleNsmoke]

Ball busters!

[5er_tom]

Here in good old NC we don't have front license plates. I used a front rack all last summer in 30+ states. No issues with the police. We did have some problems with toll roads as the bikes hung out so far they would interfere with the toll gate swing arm. More than once I needed to back up to allow the gate to lift.


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[Evereddie]

If using a bike rack on the back what about using temp brakes lights mounted on the bicycles? Have a quick setup that plugs into the trailer harness.

We are about to do that this summer. We are in NC but will be traveling to SC, VA, and maybe Ga.

[Rockwoodjoe]

I installed a front hitch and carry two bikes and have had no issues. I can keep an eye on them and it moves a little more weight off the rear axle. I have not driven at night though.




2015 Rockwood 2703ws
2013 Ford f-150 STX 5.0 3.55

[CLewis]

We have our bikes mounted on the front also. Been to Pa., NJ, NY and Florida drove day and night. No problems so far.

[Boss Hoss]

In Michigan we only have a rear plate.
I put a front frame hitch on my F150 and attach a 4 ft carrier basket to it.
In the basket I put my DW's inflatable 14 ft Sea Eagle boat.
When deflated it fits into a large duffel bag.
Works well and doesn't obstruct my head lights or vision.