Going on vacation by car is still the majority option for Spaniards. According to the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT), between the months of July and August, 95 million long-distance journeys are expected on the roads of our country. Beach and mountain destinations concentrate the preferences of citizens who break their routine for a few days, carrying all the necessary luggage to enjoy some time off.
In previous articles we have already talked about how to organize the trunk of the car to carry the load safely. However, when it comes to transporting bulkier items, such as bicycles, surfboards, motorcycles or even boats, it is important to plan the trip in advance to ensure a safe and comfortable trip.
With the use of roof racks, bicycle racks, trailers or special roof racks, it is possible to carry these additional objects without compromising the interior space of the car. In this way we will ensure the possibility of enjoying our favorite activities during the holidays respecting the basic rules to guarantee road safety.
Article 14 of the General Traffic Regulations establishes how the load must be secured and article 15 refers to the dimensions of the load that can be transported on the roof rack of a car or a van, as well as how much it can protrude and the way to signposted.
Broadly speaking, these two articles indicate that the load must be placed so that it cannot fall, move, compromise the stability of the vehicle, cause discomfort or dust. Nor can it cover the luminous devices of the car, license plates or any other mandatory signage. Likewise, the load can protrude in the rear up to 10% of the length of the car, and 15% in the event that it is indivisible.
To transport bulky objects on the roof of the car, that is, on the roof of the vehicle, a series of considerations must be taken into account. The load must be well secured, checking that there is no risk of the load or the restraint system (for example, the bicycle rack) falling and must not protrude from the sides of the vehicle or from the front.
The objects that we transport on the roof rack can only protrude from the rear area: 10% or 15% if the load is indivisible. If the load protrudes from the rear of the vehicle, the V20 sign (square with red and white lines) must be clearly visible.
The drawback of carrying the load on the roof when driving is that it can influence aerodynamics, produce body rolls and increase consumption.
This device is extremely useful as it allows us to transport cargo safely and securely. We can find trunks of this type on the market for less than 100 euros, so it is an economical solution to gain space in the car to transport cargo.
We must make sure that the anchors are correctly placed to prevent the chest from coming loose during the trip. In addition, it is important to verify that it is properly closed to prevent the objects transported from falling while we circulate.
The use of bicycle racks in the back of the vehicle offers numerous advantages, such as its easy installation and disassembly as well as its low consumption. However, it is important to take into account certain regulations.
First of all, the V20 signal must be used, placing two signals if the load reaches the same width as the vehicle. These signs must not obstruct the registration plate or the lighting and signaling devices of the vehicle. The infraction for not complying with this regulation carries a fine of 80 euros.
When using towbar bike racks, it is necessary to make sure that they have their own lights and license plate. In addition, the sign V20 must also be placed. If the bikes obstruct the visibility of the number plate and rear lights, the car must be equipped with a third number plate and additional signal elements.
The trailer attached to the car allows us to transport objects of great volume. With the B license, the car, it is allowed to carry a light trailer (up to 750 kg of MMA), so we can load a motorcycle or a pleasure boat to enjoy them on vacation. Other authorizations are required to transport heavier objects.
To tow a trailer requires some driving skill. The crosswind affects the stability of the vehicle and it is also necessary to increase the braking distance. Likewise, it must be taken into account that when coupling a trailer to the car we must increase the tire pressure to the level recommended by the manufacturer and adapt to the speed limit established for these cases: 90 km/h on motorways and dual carriageways and 80 km/h h on conventional roads.
