Lights During Rain
Question
Scott asked: Are lights required (for a bicycle) during daylight when it is raining?
Answer
The section in the Bicycle Regulations does not mention the requirement to use lights except sunset to sunrise.
s. 316.2065 – Bicycle Regulations
(7) Every bicycle in use between sunset and sunrise shall be equipped with a lamp on the front exhibiting a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front and a lamp and reflector on the rear each exhibiting a red light visible from a distance of 600 feet to the rear. A bicycle or its rider may be equipped with lights or reflectors in addition to those required by this section. A law enforcement officer may issue a bicycle safety brochure and a verbal warning to a bicycle rider who violates this subsection or may issue a citation and assess a fine for a pedestrian violation as provided in s. 318.18. The court shall dismiss the charge against a bicycle rider for a first violation of this subsection upon proof of purchase and installation of the proper lighting equipment.
s. 316.2397 – Certain Lights Prohibited; Exceptions
(7) Flashing lights are prohibited on vehicles except:
(c) For the lamps authorized under subsections …. s. 316.2065 …. which may flash.
However, another statute requires the use of lights for all vehicles at other times, and seems to apply to bicycles.
s. 316.217 – When Lighted Lamps are Required
(1) Every vehicle operated upon a highway within this state shall display lighted lamps and illuminating devices as herein respectively required for different classes of vehicles, subject to exceptions with respect to parked vehicles, under the following conditions;
(a) At any time from sunset to sunrise including the twilight hours. Twilight hours shall mean the time between sunset and full night or between full night and sunrise.
(b) During any rain, smoke, or fog.
I would be more concerned with the safety implications than the legality. I use the same lights when visibility is poor as I do at night, mainly because I’d generally prefer not to be killed by a motorist.