Max Height Allowed on Roof Rack?

[Long Wheel Base]

so basically what the law is saying is that the higher your vehicle the higher you can stack it.

Sounds like it. Sounds stupid to me.

[JBZeno]

Manner in which goods to be carried Reg 246. No person shall operate on a public road a motor vehicle carrying any goods-

1. in such a manner as to come into contact with the surface of the public road on which the vehicle is being operated but a chain, known as a “static chain”, may be carried in contact with the surface of such road;
2. in such a manner as to obscure the driver’s view of traffic to the front or on either side, or his or her view in the rear-view mirror or mirrors of traffic to the rear;
3. which are not-
   1. safely contained within the body of such vehicle; or
   2. securely fastened to such vehicle, and which are not properly protected from being dislodged or spilled from such vehicle;
4. on the roof thereof, in the case where such vehicle is a motorcar, if the height of such goods measured from the highest point of such roof exceeds one-half of the height of the motor car, measured from ground level: Provided that the provisions of this paragraph shall not be applicable in respect of pedal cycles being transported on the roof of a motor vehicle; or
5. in any container, which has provision for fastening by means of “twist locks”, unless such container is securely fastened by at least four “twist locks” and the provision of this paragraph are also applicable to empty containers carried on a motor vehicle, but two “twist locks” may be used to fasten a container which, measured parallel to the length of the vehicle, is at least one comma five metre in length and less than three metres in length.

 

Edit: I'm sure someone read half the regulation and saw $$$

Thanks Bertusras

[Edge_Design]

so basically what the law is saying is that the higher your vehicle the higher you can stack it.

 

I have to guess this is a safety regulation to prevent you from changing the center of gravity too severely on your vehicle. If that is correct then the wording makes complete sense as it has nothing to do with the total height but merely where you put the added weight. People who go 4x4ing with heavy roof racks will tell you the danger of that weight if you get into trouble.

[CAAD4]

You first. Post pics...

[The Ouzo]

I have to guess this is a safety regulation to prevent you from changing the center of gravity too severely on your vehicle. If that is correct then the wording makes complete sense as it has nothing to do with the total height but merely where you put the added weight. People who go 4x4ing with heavy roof racks will tell you the danger of that weight if you get into trouble.

yes, but having it as 50% of vehicle height is a little short sighted, as the taller the vehicle the higher you can stack it according to the law. So take a Suzuki Jimny which is rather tall for its proportions and weight, 50% higher and its going to be a real problem.

[Sbloomer]

The main issue is about changing the Centre of Gravity

 

A 10-15kg bike will not change the COG of the Jimny by any meaningful amount, which is why the 1/2 height law does not apply to pedal cycles.

 

 

 

yes, but having it as 50% of vehicle height is a little short sighted, as the taller the vehicle the higher you can stack it according to the law. So take a Suzuki Jimny which is rather tall for its proportions and weight, 50% higher and its going to be a real problem.

[RobertWhitehead]

 Roof racks takes some getting used to imo. I will most definitely total my bike if I had a roof rack 

[The Ouzo]

Roof racks takes some getting used to imo. I will most definitely total my bike if I had a roof rack

I open my sunroof to remind me

[Stockman]

MMMMMM, sometimes you just forget the bike is on the roof. Garage walls are much tougher than bikes!