Biking when it is dark? You need bike lights, it’s the law!

Published on December 04, 2024

Biking to and from school or other destinations is a great way to stay active and enjoy fresh air during the winter months. But as daylight grows shorter, your child might be biking when it’s beginning to become dark outside. Riding with bike lights not only make you feel safe and secure, it is the law!

Make sure you talk with your student about bike lights and wearing visible clothing while walking, biking, or rolling. You can purchase bike lights at your local bike shop. In addition to mandated lights and reflectors, you can also wear a reflective vest to remain visible.

At night, the following must be attached to the bicycle or bicyclist:

• A white headlight visible from the front (Cal. Vehicle Code 21201).
• A red reflector or a red light with a built-in reflector (can be solid or flashing) visible from the rear (Cal. Vehicle Code 21201). It is highly recommended to use a red light, in addition to a reflector, to remain visible to other road users!
• A white or yellow reflector on each pedal or on the bicyclist’s shoes or ankles that is visible from the front and the rear (Cal. Vehicle Code 21201).
• A white or yellow reflector on the front half of the bicycle, and a red or white reflector on each side of the back half of the bicycle. These reflectors are not required if the bike has reflective front and back tires (Cal. Vehicle Code 21201).