Light Laws
11-09-09 | 01:01 PM
#101
RacingBear
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 9,053
Likes: 68
From: NorCal
11-09-09 | 04:57 PM
#102
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 433
Likes: 1
From: Outside..somewhere
Bikes: Fuji, Specialized, Cannondale, Columbia
A new Dutch bike which has the light installed in the top tube. A solar recharger is also enclosed . Not a lot of light but enough to make the Dutch cops happy.
https://www.vanmoof.com/
https://www.vanmoof.com/
11-13-09 | 12:55 AM
#103
Senior Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 9,352
Likes: 4
From: Tampa/St. Pete, Florida
Bikes: Specialized Hardrock Mountain (Stolen); Giant Seek 2 (Stolen); Diamondback Ascent mid 1980 - 1997
This Jogalite stuff seems to work well. But, I consider a rear reflector to be a "backup" to my planet bike superflash. Yes, it's quite bright and visible. In these "dark times" I also like reflective leg bands.
Massachusetts law is similar to other states' laws: A white headlight, visible for 500 feet, is required. There is no maximum power specified. Does anyone know of any state law that specifies that your headlamp cannot be over a certain power? Oddly enough, a red tail light is not required, but sensible cyclists use one anyway. A red reflector meets MA's requirement. I think most of these state laws were written decades ago, and need to be updated, as lighting technology has changed quite a bit.
Today's cycling lights are great, a vast improvement from what we had 30 years ago.
Massachusetts law is similar to other states' laws: A white headlight, visible for 500 feet, is required. There is no maximum power specified. Does anyone know of any state law that specifies that your headlamp cannot be over a certain power? Oddly enough, a red tail light is not required, but sensible cyclists use one anyway. A red reflector meets MA's requirement. I think most of these state laws were written decades ago, and need to be updated, as lighting technology has changed quite a bit.
Today's cycling lights are great, a vast improvement from what we had 30 years ago.
"That is a good question."
And
"That is an excellent question."
Both said that they would ask their law enforcement liaison. And in the case of the person who responded with "that is an excellent question," also responded with "that is an excellent question." But posted it to the Florida Bicycle Law web site.
This is one of the sections of the law that was quoted:
<quote>
FS 316.233 – Spot Lamps and Auxiliary Lamps
(1) Any motor vehicle may be equipped … and every lighted spot lamp shall be aimed and used that no part of the high intensity portion of the beam will strike the windshield … or occupant of another vehicle in use.
</quote>
And this:
<quote>
FS 316.215 – Scope and Effect of Regulation
(1) It is a violation of this chapter for any person to drive or move … any vehicle … which is in such an unsafe condition as to endanger any person ….
</quote>
In the first it takes about motor vehicles. In the second talks about any vehicle. But nowhere does it specify how bright is too bright.
11-13-09 | 01:35 AM
#104
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 13,696
Likes: 1
From: in bed with your mom
Bikes: who cares?
I've asked two people that I would have thought that would know the answer to this question. And so far the only response that I have received is:
"That is a good question."
And
"That is an excellent question."
Both said that they would ask their law enforcement liaison. And in the case of the person who responded with "that is an excellent question," also responded with "that is an excellent question." But posted it to the Florida Bicycle Law web site.
This is one of the sections of the law that was quoted:
<quote>
FS 316.233 – Spot Lamps and Auxiliary Lamps
(1) Any motor vehicle may be equipped … and every lighted spot lamp shall be aimed and used that no part of the high intensity portion of the beam will strike the windshield … or occupant of another vehicle in use.
</quote>
And this:
<quote>
FS 316.215 – Scope and Effect of Regulation
(1) It is a violation of this chapter for any person to drive or move … any vehicle … which is in such an unsafe condition as to endanger any person ….
</quote>
In the first it takes about motor vehicles. In the second talks about any vehicle. But nowhere does it specify how bright is too bright.
"That is a good question."
And
"That is an excellent question."
Both said that they would ask their law enforcement liaison. And in the case of the person who responded with "that is an excellent question," also responded with "that is an excellent question." But posted it to the Florida Bicycle Law web site.
This is one of the sections of the law that was quoted:
<quote>
FS 316.233 – Spot Lamps and Auxiliary Lamps
(1) Any motor vehicle may be equipped … and every lighted spot lamp shall be aimed and used that no part of the high intensity portion of the beam will strike the windshield … or occupant of another vehicle in use.
</quote>
And this:
<quote>
FS 316.215 – Scope and Effect of Regulation
(1) It is a violation of this chapter for any person to drive or move … any vehicle … which is in such an unsafe condition as to endanger any person ….
</quote>
In the first it takes about motor vehicles. In the second talks about any vehicle. But nowhere does it specify how bright is too bright.
