Do I have to have a reflector or is a red light okay?
- Thread starter heavens
- Start date
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You must have a red rear reflector if it's dark, in addition to your light.
"legal" is difficult, because it's my understanding that many(most) lights don't actually have the appropriate standards certification.
In practice though, just add a rear reflector and you'll be fine?
"legal" is difficult, because it's my understanding that many(most) lights don't actually have the appropriate standards certification.
In practice though, just add a rear reflector and you'll be fine?
Backonmybike
Active Member
- Location
- Ireland
You need a rear reflector because you won't notice if your rear light battery dies during a ride. It is more important than your front reflector, at least you will know if you have a faulty front light.
OP
OP
heavens
Guest
Shopping time! Just thought I'd check first and see if I could save a couple of quid.
raleighnut
Legendary Member
- Location
- One of the 'Elite'
Always run at least 2 rear lights IMOShopping time! Just thought I'd check first and see if I could save a couple of quid.
John the Canuck
..a long way from somewhere called Home..
- Location
- Strathaven, Lanarkshire
+1
i think the 'main' legal one has to be a steady ON light
so the second can be in flashing mode
Easytigers
Guru
There's a guy I see most mornings who always dresses like a ninja and doesn't even have a light, never mind a reflector. I saw him go down the slip road onto the dual carriageway the other day in the first light of the day 
Drago
Legendary Member
- Location
- Suburban Poshshire
the legal light, even if its your only.light can lawfully be set to flashing. That said one solid one flashing is pretty good stuff.
There is another thread on lights at the moment (http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/approved-legal-lights.167445/post-3336196)
The problem is that if you have a flashing light the light does NOT have to have a BS6102/3 certification to be legal, but to be used in permanent mode the light MUST have a BS6102 certification... the light can therefore be both legal and illegal depending on the mode!
Your planning is also important with lighting
The charging cycle is what guarantees your light not failing during a commute charge regularly with a programme and you will not forget
Personally I have two lights, one in permanent mode and one in flashing which means one will long outlast the other
When you purchase try and buy lights that have a life of twice what you need!
That way you know that if you have an issue, stop off for a chat or detour then you will have a safety margin
In my case I have a 1 hour commute,my front lights have a 5 hour life and my rear 4 hours
The charging cycle is what guarantees your light not failing during a commute charge regularly with a programme and you will not forget
Personally I have two lights, one in permanent mode and one in flashing which means one will long outlast the other
When you purchase try and buy lights that have a life of twice what you need!
That way you know that if you have an issue, stop off for a chat or detour then you will have a safety margin
In my case I have a 1 hour commute,my front lights have a 5 hour life and my rear 4 hours
I was under the impression if capable of emitting a constant light and not bs certified it was not legal even if used flashing.
John the Canuck
..a long way from somewhere called Home..
- Location
- Strathaven, Lanarkshire
jeeeeez.....safer to stay at home..!!
one can but hope that a patrol car will say '' good - 2 lights''
rather than can i see your BS certification...........
