Is a Roof Rack Illegal?
2 Answers
Installing a roof rack on a car is not illegal, but it depends on the situation. Here are the details: 1. For passenger vehicles, the height of cargo loaded on the roof rack must not exceed 0.5 meters from the roof or 4 meters from the ground. 2. If either of these limits is exceeded, the vehicle may be stopped by traffic police. Therefore, before purchasing a roof rack, you should measure the space to ensure compliance. Here are some considerations regarding whether to install a roof rack: (1) If you frequently need the functionality, such as for outdoor trips, road trips, or traveling home for holidays, installing a roof rack can significantly increase your vehicle's carrying capacity. (2) If your vehicle is primarily used for daily commuting within the city and you don’t find a roof rack particularly appealing, you may not need to install one. Additionally, roof racks require crossbars, which not only add weight and increase fuel consumption but also create some wind noise while driving.
Regarding the legality of roof racks, based on my years of driving experience, they are generally not illegal in most places as long as they are properly installed and comply with regulations. I installed them several times when I was younger—the key is to follow traffic laws, such as ensuring the total height of the load doesn’t exceed 4 meters and the width doesn’t extend too far beyond the vehicle’s edges, otherwise, you might get stopped by traffic police. Also, make sure the rack is securely fastened to avoid accidents caused by loosening while driving—that’s not just a fine but also dangerous. Before installation, I recommend checking local DMV regulations, buying certified racks, and either installing them yourself or having a professional do it to avoid noise or increased wind resistance. In short, properly installing a rack to boost cargo capacity is great, but don’t cut corners.
