Does installing a roof rack require registration with the vehicle management office?
2 Answers
Registration is required. If the vehicle does not originally come with a roof rack, installing one is illegal. If caught by traffic police, penalties such as point deductions may be imposed based on the circumstances. Below is relevant information: 1. About roof racks: A roof rack, also known as a roof base rack, consists of two crossbars fixed to the car roof, commonly referred to as roof crossbars or roof racks. The need for roof racks originated in Western developed countries—for example, cycling to the countryside on weekends is a delightful activity, but cycling there can be exhausting, while driving there doesn't provide the same health benefits. In such cases, a bicycle rack becomes useful. 2. Is installing a car roof rack illegal? It depends on the situation. For passenger cars, the height of cargo loaded on the roof rack must not exceed 0.5 meters from the roof or 4 meters from the ground. Exceeding either limit may result in penalties from traffic police. Therefore, before purchasing a roof rack, you should measure the position yourself to ensure compliance with regulations.
This issue is actually quite common, and I've participated in many car enthusiast discussions about it. Generally speaking, whether roof racks require registration with the vehicle management office depends on specific circumstances, such as whether the height of the rack exceeds the vehicle's original standards. In mainland China, according to motor vehicle regulations, if the installation increases the vehicle's overall dimensions (especially total height) by more than 50 centimeters or alters the original exterior design, it must be registered. Otherwise, you might face fines from traffic police during roadside checks. It's advisable to take accurate measurements before installation and consult local vehicle management office requirements - some regions may even require installation certification documents. Roof racks are practical accessories, especially for saving space during road trips, but non-compliant installations may affect annual inspections or insurance claims. Don't overlook safety either - ensure secure installation and avoid overloading to prevent accidents during travel. Ultimately, the registration requirement exists to protect everyone's driving safety.
