Lights - the rules
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Road Rule 259: Riding at night "The rider of a bicycle must not ride at night, or in hazardous weather conditions causing reduced visibility, unless the bicycle, or the rider, displays— (a) a flashing or steady white light that is clearly visible for at least 200 metres from the front of the bicycle; and (b) a flashing or steady red light that is clearly visible for at least 200 metres from the rear of the bicycle; and (c) a red reflector that is clearly visible for at least 50 metres from the rear of the bicycle when light is projected onto it by a vehicle’s headlight on low-beam. (National road rules.)
Common Mistakes
While conducting our bike light surveys the Bicycle Victoria volunteers have noticed riders reducing the effectiveness of their lights:
Red and white
Some riders use yellow or green headlights. This is not a good idea. The road rules require you to have a front and rear light when riding at night and in bad light. Your front light must be white, and your back light needs to be red.
Using anything other than a white flasher as a front light is not only illegal, but it confuses other road or path users. You need to look like a bike. Consistency in lights helps all bike riders.
Mounting lights on your bike
Care must be taken when mounting lights on your bike to ensure that they will not be hidden behind bags, clothing and other parts of your bike. They must be at right angles for the lights to be visible to other road users.
Its also important that your lights are visible from side on, so if you fit your lights to your seat stay (the tube on your frame that runs from the rear wheel mounts to your seat post) make sure it is not obstructed by your wheel or a pannier bag.
Many experienced cyclists fit two or more lights on different positions on their bike to ensure that at least one will be visible at any one time. In addition the extra lights will outline the shape of you as a cyclist, increasing your visibility.
To ensure that your lights are not being obstructed, and are at the correct angle, ask somebody to observe you when you are riding.
When fitting your lights to your bike think:
- will your t-shirt or back pack hang down and obstruct the light.
- will your panniers obstruct your lights.
- will other road users be able to see them
Lights on your helmet/backpack
Attaching lights to your backpack and helmet is a great idea for extra visibilty although they should only be considered as secondary lights. The road rules require that you must have lights attached to the front and rear of your bike if you ride at night, or in hazardous weather conditions causing reduced visibility.
Single LED lights
Some riders only use single LED lights. These are ok to use as a secondary light but unless they're visible from 200 metres then they don't meet the requirements of the law. The ones we have tested don't reach 200 metres.
Flat batteries
Many riders have lights attached to their bikes which are useless as the batteries need to be replaced. Bicycle Victoria encourage riders to change their batteries at the end of daylight savings and on the shortest day of the year.