Towing hook holders: novelties and updated rules for cyclists

Cyclists can finally breathe a sigh of relief thanks to the new decree signed by the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Matteo Salvini. This decree, published in the Official Gazette, establishes the new rules for the use and characteristics of the removable structures such as Portabici, Troids and Boards installed on the vehicles of the M1 category. From a tow hook

the removable structures, fixed posteriorly and mounted on the tow hook, must now comply with specific regulations to ensure road safety and compliance with the laws in force. Good news for all motorists and cyclists: it will no longer be necessary to update the vehicle registration certificate. Or other similar structures is allowed without changing the registration certificate, provided that some fundamental requirements are respected:

weight limits: respect the weight limits of the vehicle and the tow hook. Safety devices: the structures must be equipped with lighting, visual signaling devices and a housing for the plaque, in accordance with the UNECE regulation n. 26 identical to the rear ones of the vehicle, with the exception of the central arrest light. These devices can be grouped in approved units, according to UNECE n. 48 Like the holders and the racks, they can extend up to 30 centimeters beyond the width of the vehicle, but always beyond the position of the rear lights. However, loading the load must comply with the rules of the highway code. It is also possible to use the original vehicle of the vehicle or a repeater plate, as required by art. 100 of the Highway Code. The user must verify that the structure is correctly installed and that the devices are fully functional. And published in the Official Gazette on January 21, 2025, it is already operational. The new provisions offer greater clarity and safety for users of tow hook holders, simplifying the use of these structures and ensuring compliance with European and Italian regulations.