Today question is : Can you ride a bike at night without lights ?
When it comes to cycling, we don’t usually think much about safety apart from wearing a helmet or, at times, those knee and elbow pads. And this concern only comes to us when we are planning to ride on trails or mountains.
Since bicycles fall between a vehicle and a pedestrian, you think that you do not need any safety gear altogether.
Now, if you are buying a used bike or you have brought your old bike back, then you will be thinking that can you ride a bike at night without lights? It is because the earlier models didn’t have reflectors or lights installed on them as much as any other safety gear.
However, it is certainly not very safe to ride without these accessories, but is it illegal too?
Let’s find out!
Active & Passive Lighting
Finding out whether it is illegal to ride a bike with no lights is important because you don’t want to end up in any legal mess. And the simple answer to this question is yes, it is mandatory to have reflectors and light on your bike for it to be legal to ride.
The new models come equipped with reflectors, and you need to buy lights and can also add reflectors if you want. The older models might not have these features, but you need to get them installed before you take it out for a ride. If you are still thinking about reflectors required on bicycles, then let’s get into some details on this matter.
There are two different categories of lighting on bicycles.
Active lighting
You must use active lighting in some manner. Therefore, you must switch the lights on, as they are powered by electrical current. In most cases, bicycles don’t come equipped with this lighting off the shelf. Therefore, you need to buy and install your own.
These lights need to be visible from at least 600 feet on the front. You can also go for lighting on the back of your bike, but it must be red in color, just like any vehicle on the road. This light needs to be steady because you can also use flashing lights in some states.
For instance, the state of Washington prohibits the use of flashing lights on any vehicle apart from tow trucks, school buses, and various other emergency vehicles.
Passive lighting
Passive light, on the other hand, is the lighting itself. It involves reflectors, and your bike needs to have these by law. These reflectors should make you visible from a distance of 600 feet from the back. You can use these reflectors anywhere on the bike.
The reflectors on the front need to be white. Reflectors are mandatory if you’re riding in low-light conditions. Therefore, they are required in almost any condition, either in dusk, rain, or fog. The primary purpose of a reflector is to reflect the light which falls on it. Using only the reflectors is not advisable; therefore, you need to go for the lights too.
When are you required to have lights on your bike?
It’s a bad idea to go out without any lights on your bike. It is required by law, and it is mandatory not only in the US but across other countries worldwide as well.
According to the law in the state of Oregon, lighting is required during the conditions with limited visibility. And it includes any time from dawn till dusk and any other time due to insufficient lighting conditions or unfavorable atmospheric conditions. And the distance needs to be 1000 feet ahead.
Are reflectors required on bicycles?
In California, you must have lights and reflectors on your front, side, and back and these must be there in the low light conditions throughout the day. You can also wear lights and reflectors apart from the bike and make yourself visible from a distance.
Penalties for riding a bike without lights
There are certain penalties that you have to deal with if you don’t abide by the law. In broad daylight, it is perfectly legal to ride without the lighting and reflectors. But if you’re riding in low light conditions without lights, then you can receive tickets with fines of up to $200. You might also end up in traffic school instead of paying the ticket.
However, safety should be your priority. Avoiding penalties shouldn’t be the reason behind the installation of lights. You might also get blamed by the insurance company if you are involved in an accident, and you don’t have your lights on. You might lose out on a settlement even if the other person is wrong.
Final Word – Can you ride a bike at night without lights ?
If you’re thinking, can you ride a bike at night without lights and you’re hoping that it’s legal, then think again. You’re required to have lights and reflectors on your bike in low light conditions. You can also add bike turn signals for more safety. And it is the case regardless of the time of the day you are riding.
Penalties are not a matter of concern for you because they are not hefty. But you do need to think about your safety and that of others on the road.
