here are the new rules of the Highway Code

A decree dated November 27, 2024 clarifies and better regulates the use of bicycle lighting. End of flashing lights and legalization of lighting equipment: we take stock of the new rules of the Highway Code.

In short:

• Decree No. 2024-1074 of November 27, 2024 modifies the Highway Code concerning bicycle lighting.
• The front and rear lights should now be steady and not flashing.
• The regulations now better regulate lighting attached directly to the cyclist's equipment.

Decree No. 2024-1074 of November 27, 2024 amending the Highway Code for EDPMs and cycles was published in the Official Journal. A decree which brings more clarity to the use of lighting, lights and bicycle lights.

First modification, it is now clearly prohibited to use flashing lights on a bicycle, even at the rear. Until now, only the front lighting was required to be fixed, the rear light could flash. This is no longer the case. A measure which will certainly be well received in the city, because these flashing lights tend to strongly dazzle the cyclist following them.

On the other hand, this rear lighting mode is widely used on the road and offers better visibility than a fixed light. This also makes it possible to maximize the autonomy of lighting. But the legislator certainly does not care much about it. Up front, the regulations are not changing. The headlight must be a fixed light whose color ranges from white to yellow.

Better supervised equipment lighting

The Highway Code now better regulates additional lights such as those attached to helmets, bags or jackets. Brake lights are therefore officially authorized, even when worn on the cyclist. We find them, for example, on helmets like the Abus HYP-E equipped with technology from the French company Overade.

The same goes for the indicators used to indicate changes of direction. These can also be carried on the cyclist. Please note, however, they cannot complement a device already attached to the bike. Bikes with integrated indicators are still rare; we recently came across the Ellipse E2 ST.

Contrary to these rules exposes cyclists to a fixed fine of €11. One thing is certain, it is better not to neglect your own visibility while Cycling. It's better to be too visible than not enough.

Source : Frandroid