I am putting together a new mtb here in Germany and am trying to figure out what the rules are for lights and reflectors and such.

I know about the reflector requirements - front-white/back-red, spokes yellow 2ea wheel/180degrees apart, and yellow reflectors on the pedals.

But I am not sure about the lighting requirements. I know you are required to have lights front and back and that there are some specific requirements for how bright they must be and if battery, how long they must provide so much light; however, I can't seem to find anything that tells me specifics (in English).

I've also heard they don't like blinking tail lights either.

So can anyone help point me to where I can find the specifics?

Planning a 150km ride next month and would hate to get popped on the trail for a light issue.


Thanks,
Mike

They have to meet the StVO Regulations, and on most heavier bikes, they are required to have a dynamo to power them. I think if it is under 11kg you are allowed to have battery powered lights.

The Police have a list on their website if you search for it.

I believe AModernDrunkard nailed it. Bike weight over 11kg = dynamo lights. In addition, you can have battery powered lights. Below 11kg, you can use battery powered lights only. I don't have a source for this but if your German is better than mine, you can search for the StVO regulations and verify yourself.

--J

In Berlin the Polizei are often kind to folks on upmarket MTB's or road bikes without even the basic list of reflectors. Rather than a weight limit, it depends if you are riding a 'sportrad' or a 'cityrad'. We generally carry some tiny cateye lights just incase though.... YMMV!

I've never had a trouble with the distinction of battery powered or dynamo powered lights so long as you have lights. I am sure it differs from place to place. I also have no reflectors except for my pedals, because usually my lights are in the position of the reflectors. I have never been stopped by the police though. I think so long as you aren't being stupid and have some lights you should be ok.