Yes, a license plate is mandatory on a towbar box as soon as the box completely or partially obscures your car's license plate from view. In the Netherlands, this applies based on the Road Traffic Act and the associated vehicle requirements. In the sections below, we explain exactly what the rules are, how to attach the plate, and what the consequences are if you fail to do so.

What are the rules for lighting on a towbar box?

A towbar box that covers the car's taillights or license plate lighting must be fitted with replacement lighting. In practice, this means you must mount a lighting bar or lighting kit that replaces the taillights, brake lights, turn signals, and the license plate lighting. Without this lighting, you are not permitted to drive on public roads.

The lighting requirements stem from European and national vehicle regulations. As soon as an accessory blocks the vehicle's original lighting, that functionality must be replaced one-to-one by an approved lighting kit. This applies regardless of the size of the towbar box. A compact box that covers only part of the taillight is subject to the same rules as a large box that covers everything.

Many manufacturers supply towbar boxes together with a lighting bar that connects directly to the car's towbar socket. Always check whether the supplied lighting is approved for use on public roads and complies with ECE regulations. In doubt? Ask the manufacturer or an accredited driving school.

How do you attach a license plate to a towbar box?

You attach a license plate to a towbar box by moving the vehicle's original license plate to the rear of the box, or by having a copy of the license plate made and mounting it to the box. The license plate must be clearly visible, legible, and illuminated, and must not be bent or covered.

In practice, this works as follows:

1. Remove the original license plate from the car or have an official copy made at the RDW or an authorized license plate maker.
2. Attach the license plate to the designated holder on the rear of the towbar box.
3. Ensure that the license plate lighting on the light bar actually illuminates the license plate and not just the trunk itself.
4. Check that the plate hangs straight, is fully legible, and does not vibrate at higher speeds.

Please note that you cannot simply hang the original license plate on the trunk while it remains visibly attached to the car. Having two license plates on the vehicle or an accessory at the same time is not permitted. Always move the plate completely, or use an officially manufactured duplicate.

Does the license plate requirement also apply to a roof box or bicycle carrier?

The license plate requirement does not apply to a roof box, because a roof box does not cover the car's license plate. However, a bicycle carrier mounted on the tow bar is subject to the same rules as a tow bar box: as soon as the bicycle carrier blocks the license plate or the taillights, a license plate holder and replacement lighting are mandatory.

A roof box is placed on the roof of the car and does not affect the visibility of the license plate or tail lights. Therefore, no additional lighting or license plate requirements apply, although the roof box must, of course, be securely fastened and not exceed the vehicle's maximum roof load.

With a towbar-mounted bike carrier, it depends on the model and the load. An empty bike carrier without bikes often leaves the license plate visible, but as soon as bikes are placed on it, the license plate is almost always completely covered. Most bike carriers therefore come standard with a license plate holder. Always check this before hitting the road, even if you have been using the carrier for a while.

What happens if you drive on a towbar box without a license plate?

Driving without a license plate on a towbar box that covers the license plate is a violation of the Road Traffic Act. The police can issue you a fine, and in some cases, the vehicle may be impounded until the situation is rectified. Additionally, it can have consequences for your insurance in the event of an accident.

The amount of the fine falls under the category of vehicle requirements and can run into several hundred euros, depending on the severity of the violation. In addition to the financial consequence, there is also a safety risk: other road users and enforcement agencies cannot identify your vehicle, which causes problems when driving away after a collision or during automatic license plate recognition on highways and at toll gates.

From an insurance perspective, a vehicle that does not meet statutory vehicle requirements can cause problems in the event of a claim. In that case, the insurer may argue that the vehicle was not in an approved condition at the time of the incident. In short: the risks of driving without a license plate on a towbar box are greater than they appear at first glance.

Which towbar box meets the license plate requirements as standard?

A high-quality towbar box meets license plate requirements as standard when it comes supplied with an integrated license plate holder and a complete lighting bar that connects to the car's towbar socket. Always check at the time of purchase whether these parts are included and whether the lighting bears an ECE mark.

Bee our towbar boxes The necessary lighting and license plate holder are included as standard, ensuring you immediately comply with legal requirements. This not only saves searching and purchasing additional parts but also provides assurance that everything is coordinated. Cheaper models from unknown brands sometimes offer the lighting bar as an optional accessory, meaning you, as the buyer, have to figure out for yourself whether the combination complies with regulations.

Pay attention to the following points when purchasing a towbar box:

• Is a lighting bar with ECE approval included?
• Does the trunk have a fixed license plate holder at the rear?
• Does the license plate lighting actually illuminate the license plate?
• Does the lighting bar plug fit the towbar plug on your car (7-pin or 13-pin)?

Do you have questions about which towbar box best suits your situation? Feel free to contact us. contact us and we will help you further. You can also view the full range at vdlhapro.com for a complete overview of our travel accessories.