Make your bike journeys safer with the lighting rules to follow to ride legally

The question arises, especially since the change to winter time and the shorter days: how can we stay safe while cycling and, above all, allow motorists to see us? Lights are obviously a good idea, but be careful: not everything is allowed, far from it.

Cycling: lighting obligations for cyclists

The French Highway Code imposes strict standards on lighting for bicyclesaimed at guaranteeing the safety of all on public roads. Here are the main requirements:

• Reflectors (reflectors) : They must be present on the bike, at the front, at the rear, on the sides and on the pedals. These reflective devices are mandatory day and night and play a crucial role in increasing the visibility of the cyclist.
• Front and rear lights : In compliance with article R313-4 of the Highway Codelights should be used at night and in reduced visibility, such as fog or rain. The front lights must project white or yellow light, while the rear lights must be red.

All of these devices are essential for the cyclist to be visible to other road users, particularly in low light conditions.

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Legality of flashing and strobe lights

The question of using flashing lights often causes confusion. Before 2016, the use of flashing or strobe lights was strictly prohibited. However, a decree promulgated in 2016 modified this ban, providing some important nuances:

• Front indicator lights : Their use remains strictly prohibited, except for certain specific lights such as distress signals or direction lights.
• Rear indicator lights : They are now authorized, in accordance with article R313-25 of the Highway Code. This article specifies that variable intensity is permitted for certain lights, including rear parking lights and hazard signals.

Thus, cyclists can use flashing lights on the back of their bike to increase their visibility without contravening the regulations.

Failure to comply with lighting requirements can expose cyclists to fines:

• Absence of reflectors or regulatory lights : The absence or misuse of lighting devices may result in a fixed fine of 11 euroswhich can go up to 38 euros.
• Improper use of flashing lights : The use of flashing lights at the front or failure to comply with other lighting obligations exposes the cyclist to a fine of third classwith a fine of up to 68 euroseven 450 euros in more serious cases.
  

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