What is the law ?

Question

My son was brought home the other day by the cops for not having lights on his bike , i mean in the morning nowhere near dark ,is this right.

Thanks for all the advice as to wether a bike , i mean a pushbike , should have lights , but i wanted to know what the actual law was .

Answer 1

That does sound unusual. Just to be safe, buy a bike light. It costs around $30.

Answer 2

Yes this is right, 'and nowhere near dark' is not an exemption; there is no defined point for day or night (for the obvious reason there is a continuos variation through 365 days a year).
The highway code states:

'at night use lit, front and rear lights and have an efficient red rear reflector'
PCUR regs 6 & 10 & RVLR no 18

In the UK the law requires use of lights after dark (and in fog, if they are fitted to the bike) or in a light-negligible time. And the law is very specific: the lights must conform to BS 6102 Part 3: 1986. Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations, 1989

I have to say though, sometimes I wonder if the police don't have better things to do.

hope that has all helped.

Answer 3

Depending on where you live, you are required to have a bike light at night or between dusk and dawn, just for safety, I don't know if there is a specific fine or anything, but it is better to just buy the light and not give the cops anything to stop him for, also, make sure he is wearing his helmet. My teenage boys have gotten in so much trouble for not wearing helmets. They have then, but feel they are "uncool" so don't like to wear them.. I had to lay down the law and tell them that if they get another ticket for not wearing a helmet or no lights/reflectors etc on their bikes and skateboards, then they lose the bikes and skateboards. It is just a saftey thing. But, if it was daylight when you son got stopped, the cop was probably just hassling him for some reason, you might want to question both your son and the cop about the real reason he was stopped.

Answer 4

I think it depends on where you live -
Here none of the bikes have lights and the kids ride all the time, but the town I live in is small only 9 x 12 blocks

Answer 5

In the dark ALL push bikes MUST have a light showing - even if it's light enough to see by.

Answer 6

check the highway code

think you will find it is law when riding the bike in the dark
but in the day time it isn't. if it was the morning and not in the dark then i dont see why he got busted?

Answer 7

the rule normaly is if street lights are coming on then u should run with lights that work on your bike

Answer 8

I pretty sure there is supposed to be at least brake lights for safety reasons and possibly some form of headlights.

Answer 9

ok so maybe a little over zelous i can see your angle,,,,,,,but hey i wouldnt compromise my sons safety by not fitting lights to his bike.

Answer 10

The people lawyer knows how to do law
They study for it and become good