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What are the regulations for installing car roof racks?

3 Answers
FelicityRose
07/29/25 10:11pm
Different vehicles have different regulations for roof rack installations. For items placed on a roof rack, the height from the ground to the top of the rack must not exceed 4 meters, and the height from the roof to the top of the items must not exceed 0.5 meters. Otherwise, it will be considered over-height and may result in a warning or fine. Below are the installation regulations for different types of vehicles: 1. Heavy-duty and medium-duty trucks, semi-trailers: The height from the ground must not exceed 4 meters, and for container-carrying vehicles, it must not exceed 4.2 meters. 2. Motorcycles: The height from the ground must not exceed 1.5 meters, and the length must not extend beyond the body by more than 0.2 meters. The width of items carried on two-wheel motorcycles must not exceed the handlebars by more than 0.15 meters on either side; for three-wheel motorcycles, the width must not exceed the body. 3. Passenger cars: For items carried on the roof rack of a passenger car, the height from the roof must not exceed 0.5 meters, and the height from the ground must not exceed 4 meters.
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JocelynAnn
08/15/25 10:26pm
I've been driving for many years and often install roof racks for road trips. There are indeed regulations to pay attention to. In terms of height, the roof rack should not exceed 50cm above the car roof after installation, as going too high risks hitting height limit bars. Don't overload it either – most family cars have a weight limit around 75kg; exceeding this affects stability and increases rollover risk. Have professionals tighten the screws during installation, otherwise it'll rattle at high speeds. Also ensure it doesn't block taillights or sunroofs to avoid fines. Once I overloaded and nearly caused an accident – now I strictly check every luggage's weight. Additionally, modifications may require filing with the DMV to avoid annual inspection issues. Remember safety first: regularly check for loose screws.
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McBentley
10/17/25 8:09am
I've installed roof racks several times myself and found that following regulations is crucial for DIY. The load limit is usually about one-third of the vehicle's weight capacity—don't get too greedy with heavy items. The installation position must align with the center of the roof, and tighten using the torque wrench specified in the manual, or the rack will wobble during sudden braking. Use rust-resistant materials; I've tried applying anti-rust paint myself, and it worked. Regulations require the installed height to be within 50 cm, or you'll be stopped on the road. Don't block the antenna or rearview mirror, as it can weaken signals and affect driving. Here are some practical tips: measure the roof length first to choose a matching product; add cushioning pads after securing to reduce noise; for long trips, check local laws—some areas have additional requirements for protruding parts.
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