Bicycle Lights
Question
Lisa asked: Can you wear a helmet or hat with a light on it instead of a light on your bicycle?
Answer
The statute says the bicycle must be so equipped. The bicycle and rider can have additional lighting.
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.
This is one of those examples where I believe that the “spirit” of the regulation is likely to be considered by law enforcement. Riding a bicycle at night with no lights is certainly going to get one a citation (eventually?) but riding a bicycle at night with a suitably bright helmet light may result in no response from the same officers. Of course, the tail light is not to be ignored.
I’ve read discussions which state that the cyclist is on the bike, the helmet is on the cyclist and the light is on the helmet, so by extension, the light’s on the bike.
Not that I’m going to test this supposition, but I’d also expect that a judge would dismiss a citation for a helmet mounted light.
I just wanted to add..It also depends on the State laws. In Florida it says that the bike most be equipped with lights at night but other lights are encouraged. I use a helmet mounted light and have never been stopped but if I were involved in an accident would they use that against me? As long as you have lights I would say.