Mandatory bicycle equipment

Verified 12 June 2024 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

Who must wear a helmet by bike? In what situations should a cyclist wear a retroreflective vest ? What are the lights mandatory? How far away the sound from the doorbell should it be heard? Here are the main rules to know about mandatory bicycle accessories.

Infographie - Mandatory bicycle equipment
Illustration X - Mandatory bicycle equipment - plus de détails dans le texte suivant l’infographie
Illustration X
Crédits: Direction de l’information légale et administrative

Ouvrir l’image dans une nouvelle fenêtre

Helmet. A child under the age of 12 must wear a bicycle helmet. Failure to comply with this obligation is punishable by a fine of up to €750.

High visibility vest. To ride at night, or during the day when visibility is insufficient, every driver and passenger on a bicycle must wear a high-visibility vest outside the built-up area. Failure to comply with this obligation is punishable by a fine of up to €150.

Doorbell in good condition. Failure to comply with this obligation is punishable by a fine of up to €38.

Functional lighting. Failure to comply with these obligations is punishable by a fine of up to €38.

Mandatory bicycle equipment

Download
Mandatory bicycle equipment - plus de détails dans le texte suivant l’infographie
Crédits: Service Public (DILA)Infographie - Mandatory bicycle equipment

Helmet. A child under the age of 12 must wear a bicycle helmet. Failure to comply with this obligation is punishable by a fine of up to €750.

High visibility vest. To ride at night, or during the day when visibility is insufficient, every driver and passenger on a bicycle must wear a high-visibility vest outside the built-up area. Failure to comply with this obligation is punishable by a fine of up to €150.

Doorbell in good condition. Failure to comply with this obligation is punishable by a fine of up to €38.

Functional lighting. Failure to comply with these obligations is punishable by a fine of up to €38.

From 12 years

The wearing of a helmet is not mandatory for cycling, but it is highly recommended.

Before

A child of under 12 years must wear a bicycle helmet, whether driver or passenger.

The adult transporting the child or accompanying the child must ensure this.

The helmet must be approved (CE marking).

The helmet must be attaché.

You may be fined up to €750. In general, it is a flat-rate fine of €135.

One animated computer graphics allows you to check your bike equipment :

Check your bike equipment

To circulate at night, or during the day when visibility is poor, every driver and passenger on a bicycle shall carry a retroreflective vest (high visibility vest).

The vest must be approved (CE marking).

You may be fined up to €150. In general, it is a flat-rate fine of €35.

One animated computer graphics allows you to check your bike equipment :

Check your bike equipment

All bicycles shall be equipped with the following lights and signs:

  • One or more retro-reflectors back red (and trailer if necessary)
  • Orange retro-reflectors visible from the side, or tires with approved retro-reflective devices
  • White retro-reflector visible from the front
  • Orange reflex reflectors on the pedals

At night, or during the day when visibility is insufficient, all bicycles must be equipped with 2 lights the following (and the trailer, if necessary):

  • Transmitting position lamp forward a non-dazzling yellow or white light
  • Position lamp back which must be clearly visible from the rear when the bicycle is in use.

You may be fined up to €38. In general, it is a flat-rate fine of €11.

One animated computer graphics allows you to check your bike equipment :

Check your bike equipment

All bicycles must be equipped with 2 brakes in good working order, one front and the other in the back.

You may be fined up to €38. In general, it is a flat-rate fine of €11.

All bicycles must be equipped with a warning device (doorbell).

The sound of his stamp or bell must be heard at least 50 meters away.

The use of any other audible signal is prohibited.

You may be fined up to €38. In general, it is a flat-rate fine of €11.

One animated computer graphics allows you to check your bike equipment :

Check your bike equipment

Any bicycle may be equipped with a hazard retraction device, at the back and left.

The danger retractor is optional.

One animated computer graphics allows you to check your bike equipment :

Check your bike equipment

A bicycle, new or used, sold by a professional must have an identifier (unique number).

The identifier is inscribed on the bicycle frame visibly, e.g. engraving or adhesive label.

FYI  

The bicycle identifier, stored in the Fnuci: titleContent, is associated with your contact details (last name, first name, phone number, email). This makes it easier to find yourself in case of bicycle theft.

One animated computer graphics allows you to check your bike equipment :

Check your bike equipment