Is Using Flashing or Strobing Lights on a Bicycle is Legal?

Bicycle Flashlights: Legal Guidelines for Safety in Orange County

With bike accidents already on the rise, cyclist safety has become paramount. There are several ways through which bike riders can practice safety, like wearing a helmet or staying in their designated lanes while cycling.

Bicycles are generally not considered sturdy road vehicles. And cyclists face a higher risk of accidents compared to other road users. So, you need to prioritize your safety and visibility. One way to ensure visibility is using flashing or strobe lights on your bicycles.

However, before installing these attention-grabbing bicycle lights, it is crucial to understand the legal implications of using bike lighting equipment in your area. This blog will explore the legality of using bicycle lights and whether using flashing lights is prohibited in Orange County, California.

Using a Flashing Light Legal in Orange County

Under the California Vehicle Code (CVC) Division 12 "Equipment Requirements," Article 7, Section 25250, "Flashing lights are prohibited on vehicles except as otherwise permitted."

The law prohibits all vehicles, except those exempted, from using flashing lights. The vehicles and conditions that allow the use of flashing lights are as follows:

1. For use on authorized emergency vehicles.
2. To warn other motorists of accidents or hazards on a roadway.
3. For use on a school bus.
4. Public utility vehicles and vehicles of duly authorized representatives.
5. Vehicles engaged in constructing, removing, maintaining, or inspecting any oil or gas pipeline.
6. Tow trucks that are used to tow disabled vehicles can mount flashing amber lights.

So unless you have a motor vehicle from one of the above, it is not legal to mount a flashing light. That means no flashing lights on bicycles.

What Are Flashing Lights and Why They’re Prohibited?

Flashing or strobe lights are high-intensity lights that rapidly alternate between bright and dark periods. While commonly used in emergency vehicles and construction zones, their use on bicycles is often prohibited by law.

This is because flashing lights can be distracting and disruptive to other road users, potentially causing confusion and increasing the risk of accidents. The sudden changes in light intensity can also be discomforting for individuals with photosensitive conditions or epilepsy. Additionally, flashing lights may not provide sufficient visibility, making it difficult for motorists to accurately judge the bicycle's distance, speed, and direction.

Many jurisdictions have enacted regulations to promote safety and ensure consistent traffic flow. By adhering to these regulations and using steady lights instead, cyclists contribute to a safer and more predictable environment for all road users.

What Can You Use Instead of Flashing Lights?

We have determined that using flashing or strobe lights is not permitted. However, the California Vehicle Code contains some sections about what a bike may use instead. Division 11, Article 4, Section 21201 permits a bicycle to use the following lighting equipment only when it is dark:

A Lamp Emitting White Light

A bicycle should have a lamp on its front that emits white light. It should illuminate the highway, sidewalk, or bikeway in front of the cyclist and be visible from 300 feet in front and side of the bicycle.

A Red Reflector

A red reflector or a solid flashing red light with a built-in reflector on the rear shall be visible from 500 feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful upper beams of headlamps on a motor vehicle.

A Yellow Reflector

The yellow reflector on a bicycle enhances visibility by reflecting light, making the bicycle more easily seen by other road users. It is recommended to have a yellow reflector on each pedal, shoe, or ankle that is visible from both the front and rear of the bicycle from a distance of at least 200 feet.

Why Are Flashing Lights Not Permitted on Bicycles?

If flashing lights are illegal on bicycles, why are they legal on an authorized emergency vehicle? There could be several reasons for it, and some of them could be:

They're Distracting

Unlike a steady light, a flashing light emits light intermittently, which may cause distractions on the road. And we all know that distractions are a leading cause of accidents.

They Are Used as Vehicle Identifiers

Flashing lights are permitted only to a handful of vehicles, making it easy for someone on the road to identify who is driving the vehicle. For example, the CVC mentions that flashing blue lights is illegal on a bicycle or a motorbike unless you're a peace officer.

They Are Used as Warning Lights

According to CVC Section 25251, turn signals may flash as warning lights to alert other motorists about accidents or hazards on a roadway.

So, Which Lights to Use on Your Bicycles?

Steady lights emit a constant beam of light, making visibility in the dark more prominent. Hence, it is ideal for bike riders to use steady lighting.

Here are some reasons why you should mount steady bike lights to your bicycle.

Increased Visibility: Steady lights are more accessible for the human eye to track and follow. This is why mounting a steady bike light will help you be more visible when conditions are dark on the road.

Reduced Distraction: Being flashed at can be very distracting for your fellow motorists, so having a steady light prevents any distractions.

Improved Depth Perception: Steady lights can help to improve depth perception for drivers. This can help to prevent accidents by giving drivers a better sense of how far away a cyclist is.

Cycling Without Lights or Reflectors in Orange County

We now know Orange County prohibits mounting flashing lights on bicycles. However, what happens if you do not use lights or reflectors?

According to the California Vehicle Code Section 12, Article 1, a vehicle must have lighting devices that meet the requirements for that particular vehicle. Bicycles must be equipped with white or amber lights that can illuminate the front and sides of the cyclist, ensuring visibility from a distance of at least 300 feet.

Additionally, CVC Section 12, Article 15 states that reflectors should emit a beam of light that is visible from a distance of 75 feet.

This means no exceptions exist for not using lights or reflectors on your bicycle. So, make sure to use bicycle lighting when riding in darkness. This is important if you want no legal implications to follow.

What to Do in Case of a Bicycle Accident?

When faced with injuries or tragic accidents while cycling, it is of utmost importance to seek legal support to comprehend your rights and effectively navigate the situation fully.

Bike Legal is here to exclusively provide legal services to cyclists who have been involved in bicycle accidents. Our team of skilled attorneys represents and advocates for bicycle accident victims. We will secure the rightful compensation you deserve and safeguard your best interests.

Our team is here to support you during this challenging time. We offer a complimentary consultation to all our clients, ensuring you can discuss your case with us. Reach out to us at 877-245-3534 today to schedule a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions: Bicycle Flash Lights Legal

Are Flashing Bike Lights Legal in Orange County?

The California Vehicle Code 25250 prohibits mounting flashing lights on any vehicle unless exempted otherwise. Bicycles do not come under the exempted list of vehicles.

What Is the CA Bicycle Light Law?

The CA bicycle law requires all bicycles to use lights in the dark. So you must have your lights working during dusk and nighttime when there are low light conditions.

Which Lights Are Allowed on Bicycles?

Bicycles can have white or yellow front lights and red rear lights. You cannot use red lights on the front; only use them as rear bike lights.

Why Are Flashing Lights Prohibited?

Flashing bike lights can distract and annoy other road users. Moreover, authorized personnel use flashing lights to make themselves easily identifiable. Therefore, bicycles and other motor vehicles cannot use flashing lights.