Light and reflector rules for cyclists in France: what is mandatory?
There are laws on the type, position, and colours of lights and reflectors
A fixed, white or yellow light is mandatory for the front of a bike; while a red, flashing light is only permitted at the back
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Strict rules exist in France for cycling safety precautions, with those who break them risking a fine. Here is how to stay safe.
Article R313-4 of the Code de la route (Highway Code) states: “At night or during the day, when visibility is insufficient, all bicycles must be fitted with a fixed light emitting a non-glaring yellow or white light towards the front.”
This means that a strong, fixed, white or yellow light must be installed at the front of the bike, and must be switched on at night, in limited visibility, and also in fog, when necessary.
The light at the front “must emit or reflect light beams of the same colour and intensity, except those used for direction indicators”.
Flashing lights at the front of a bike are strictly forbidden. They are only allowed at the back. Back lights should ideally be red.
Bikes must also be fitted with reflectors at the rear, front, and sides of the bike, as well as on the pedals. They must be white at the front, red at the rear, and orange on the pedals and sides of the bike.
These are compulsory both day and night, as they help to make bicycles visible in all weathers.
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Extra measures to improve visibility are recommended, such as a high-visibility jacket or clothes with reflective material. However these are not compulsory.
Breaking a cycling safety rule risks a ‘third class fine’ of €68, which can rise to €450 if applicable.
Read also: Cyclists in south of France to face fines if they do not use cycle lane
Read also: Call for urgent action after steep rise in cyclist deaths in France
The latest report by road safety body l’Observatoire national interministériel de la sécurité routière (ONISR) showed that 221 cyclists were killed on the roads in France in 2023, representing 8% of all road deaths. Figures also suggest that cyclist accidents are increasing.
Public debate on cyclist safety was reignited recently after the death of a cyclist on October 15, after the rider was run over by a driver after a heated argument.
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