New research from Auto Trader shows a big knowledge gap among UK motorists when it comes to the Highway Code laws and regulations regarding roof racks and travelling with large items on a car’s roof.

Auto Trader’s findings are an important reminder for any drivers looking to move house, buy new furniture or even go on a road-trip holiday this half term, to revise the rules of the road before travelling anywhere.

Half (51%) of UK drivers admitted right away that they didn’t know the Highway Code rules associated with roof racks and securing items to a car roof; of the drivers who claimed they did know the rules, 72% then failed to identify the regulations correctly. The survey revealed that only one in five UK drivers know the Highway Code’s protrusion and weight limits for securing items to a car roof.

Tom Roberts, van and leisure expert at Auto Trader commented on the findings: “Whether it’s bulky or awkwardly shaped items, or just having to travel with a lot of luggage, using your car’s roof is an excellent way to maximise your vehicle’s transporting capability. However, it’s crucial to brush up on the rules and regulations before transporting anything on your car roof so that it’s done legally and safely.

“Find out whether roof rails are included or whether they are an optional extra when buying or leasing a new car– rails tend to come as standard on most SUVs, for example. Using roof racks and bars is a brilliant way to compensate for a smaller boot space. There are roof accessories that are compatible with most new makes and models of cars but check your motor’s specifications first.”

The new car experts at Auto Trader have shared more advice and tips to motorists who are looking to travel with items on the roof of their car:

Know your car’s dynamic and static load limits: Drivers can find the dynamic roof load limit of their car in the vehicle’s manual – and it can usually be looked up online too. The dynamic roof load limit refers to the maximum weight your car’s roof can carry while it’s being driven. The best approach is to ensure that your car’s dynamic roof load limit is more than the combined weight of your roof rack and roof items.

Racks, rails and bars: Whilst racks and bars sit cross-ways on the roof of your car (e.g. driver side to passenger side), rails run the length of your car (e.g. bonnet to boot). Rails provide a mounting point for racks and bars, but don’t actually function as a carrier of goods on their own. Racks and bars are essential for transporting oversized items by car, as they protect the paintwork of your roof, and increase the load’s aerodynamics by raising the items off the roof surface, which helps with both the handling and fuel consumption.

The right fit: It’s better to ask for professional help if you are unsure about securing your roof rack, rails and items to your car. A badly fitted system or item can damage the car, and potentially pose a safety risk. Read the instructions very carefully and thoroughly, and if possible secure the help of another person, as a second pair of hands will make the fitting much easier.

Don’t forget your car is wider, heavier and taller: Once you’re behind the steering wheel, it can be easy to forget about the extra weight and size of the vehicle you’re driving – drive slower, allow more braking time and be constantly mindful of the load on top of your car and how it affects the car’s handling and dimensions.

Know the Highway Code: There are several Highway Code regulations and sections that drivers should familiarise themselves with if they plan to drive anywhere with something attached to the top of their vehicle:

Attaching securely and safely: Most importantly, under sections 2 and 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 (Code CD10 to CD30), there is strong guidance about making sure anything to the roof will not cause damage to the car, injure other road users in the event of an accident, or come loose and fall onto the road while the car is in motion. Failure to securely and safely fasten items can result in charges under driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition, regulated by the Road Traffic Act 1988, Section 40A.
£2,500, three penalty points or even a driving ban.
Protrusion limits According to Regulation 82 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, items should not protrude more than 50 cm from the side or rear of the car. The item must not protrude more than 15 cm from the front of the car. Overhanging loads longer than 1 meter but shorter than 2 meters must be made clearly visible with markers.
Fines of up to £2,500, penalty points, and in severe cases a driving ban or charges of dangerous driving.
Weight limits: The Vehicle Weight Limits and Overloading (Regulation 100) rules state that the maximum weight limit for any item attached to the roof is 100kg. This includes all combined weights of luggage and other items for SUVs or similar vehicles. Penalties for overloading can result in fines starting from £100 and up to £300, with potential points on an individual’s driving license.
Vans and commercial vehicles may have different weight limits and load capacities, but the rules concerning secure attachment and overhanging loads still apply. Protrusion limits for larger vehicles may differ slightly, and additional safety measures such as lighting or reflectors may be required for longer loads.