Bicycle Lights & Helmet Laws

It is always smart to wear a bicycle helmet at any age, and light yourself up like a Christmas tree when riding at night. Laws governing bicycle safety equipment vary by state. Check your state and county's Department of Transportation web site for more information about local bicycle safety laws.

  1. Helmets

    • Many states require children below a certain age to wear a helmet. Some counties have more stringent helmet laws than state requirements. For more information about helmet laws by county, visit the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute at www.helmets.org/mandator.

    Trailers

    • California, Massachusetts and New York require that children under five riding in trailers wear helmets.

    Head Lights

    • When riding at night, all states require use of a white headlamp that can be seen from a distance of three hundred to five hundred feet (depending on state).

    Reflectors

    • Every state requires some form of rear beacon for night riding that a driver can see with regular low-beam headlights illuminated. In most cases a red rear reflector is sufficient, although some states require a flashing or solid light. Many states also require side, wheel, pedal and even front reflectors. These are only minimum requirements. More lights and reflectors are always safer at night.

    Special Cases

    • Colorado, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, Ohio and Rhode Island have unique night riding laws, so check those states' statutes if you plan on riding there at night.