I'd like to meet the cop that writes a ticket for a bicycle being too bright, and visit the court system that upholds the ticket. That being said, lights are not a bullet proof vest. One person here said they got hit during the day, so they got brighter lights. Faulty logic. On a bike, you'll never win against a car, so you have to be much, much more aware when you are in traffic. You can't just turn on the lights and be surprised when you get run over.