Can I legally use front facing blue light in the UK?
I have a white front-facing light and a red light at the back. However, I was wondering if I could add the blue light at the front as well from a legal standpoint. Whether it is flashing or constant doesn't matter to me, I was just wondering if it was okay to have another type of colour at the front to get noticed, and this is the only other colour I have available.
lighting uk
asked 11 hours ago
LukaliLukali
1212
New contributor
Lukali is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
I have a white front-facing light and a red light at the back. However, I was wondering if I could add the blue light at the front as well from a legal standpoint. Whether it is flashing or constant doesn't matter to me, I was just wondering if it was okay to have another type of colour at the front to get noticed, and this is the only other colour I have available.
lighting uk
asked 11 hours ago
LukaliLukali
1212
New contributor
Lukali is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
I believe Yellow/Amber is permitted as a marker light in any direction.
– Criggie♦
7 hours ago
add a comment |
I have a white front-facing light and a red light at the back. However, I was wondering if I could add the blue light at the front as well from a legal standpoint. Whether it is flashing or constant doesn't matter to me, I was just wondering if it was okay to have another type of colour at the front to get noticed, and this is the only other colour I have available.
lighting uk
asked 11 hours ago
LukaliLukali
1212
New contributor
Lukali is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
I have a white front-facing light and a red light at the back. However, I was wondering if I could add the blue light at the front as well from a legal standpoint. Whether it is flashing or constant doesn't matter to me, I was just wondering if it was okay to have another type of colour at the front to get noticed, and this is the only other colour I have available.
lighting uk
lighting uk
asked 11 hours ago
LukaliLukali
1212
New contributor
Lukali is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
asked 11 hours ago
LukaliLukali
1212
New contributor
Lukali is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
asked 11 hours ago
LukaliLukali
1212
New contributor
Lukali is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
asked 11 hours ago
LukaliLukali
1212
asked 11 hours ago
LukaliLukali
1212
1212
New contributor
Lukali is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Lukali is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Lukali is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
I believe Yellow/Amber is permitted as a marker light in any direction.
– Criggie♦
7 hours ago
add a comment |
I believe Yellow/Amber is permitted as a marker light in any direction.
– Criggie♦
7 hours ago
I believe Yellow/Amber is permitted as a marker light in any direction.
– Criggie♦
7 hours ago
I believe Yellow/Amber is permitted as a marker light in any direction.
– Criggie♦
7 hours ago
add a comment |
1 Answer
1
active
oldest
votes
Regulation 16 of the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations (1989) states:
Restrictions on fitting blue warning beacons, special warning lamps and similar devices
No vehicle, other than an emergency vehicle, shall be fitted with–
(a) a blue warning beacon or special warning lamp, or
(b) a device which resembles a blue warning beacon or a special warning lamp, whether the same is in working order or not.
The Regulations have been updated multiple times since 1989, but Regulation 16 has not changed.
It's not clear whether your blue LED lamp would be a "warning beacon, special warning lamp or similar device" but please just don't. Blue lights on emergency vehicles are useful mostly because blue uniquely means "emergency vehicle." People who see a blue light will be distracted trying to figure out if it is an emergency vehicle.
Stick to white lights on the front and red ones on the back. Note that the human eye is not very sensitive to blue (only about 20% as sensitive as to red and green), so blue is a poor choice anyway. See also Should unconventional colors be avoided for lighting?
answered 11 hours ago
David RicherbyDavid Richerby
13.6k33668
And before anyone thinks you won't confuse a bike with a fire engine, note that bicycle paramedics have blue flashing lights on their bikes. +1. (BTW I'm not sure whether bike count as vehicles for that particular regulation - I am sure that it doesn't matter when considering whether it's a good idea)
– Chris H
9 hours ago
Most of the Commonwealth countries share a similar set of rules. Certainly this matches with NZ and AU restrictions.
– Criggie♦
7 hours ago
1
@ChrisH Bicycles count as vehicles in the general context of the Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations, if that's what you're asking. For example, Regulation 11(1) begins "No vehicle shall..." but 11(1)(c) excepts pedal cycles.
– David Richerby
7 hours ago
The same regulation defines warning beacon as "A lamp that is capable of emitting a flashing or rotating beam of light throughout 360° in the horizontal plane" and special warning lamp as "A lamp, fitted to the front or rear of a vehicle, capable of emitting a blue flashing light and not any other kind of light".
– wooooooooosh
1 hour ago
add a comment |
Your Answer
StackExchange.ready(function() {
var channelOptions = {
tags: "".split(" "),
id: "126"
};
initTagRenderer("".split(" "), "".split(" "), channelOptions);
StackExchange.using("externalEditor", function() {
// Have to fire editor after snippets, if snippets enabled
if (StackExchange.settings.snippets.snippetsEnabled) {
StackExchange.using("snippets", function() {
createEditor();
});
}
else {
createEditor();
}
});
function createEditor() {
StackExchange.prepareEditor({
heartbeatType: 'answer',
autoActivateHeartbeat: false,
convertImagesToLinks: false,
noModals: true,
showLowRepImageUploadWarning: true,
reputationToPostImages: null,
bindNavPrevention: true,
postfix: "",
imageUploader: {
brandingHtml: "Powered by u003ca class="icon-imgur-white" href="https://imgur.com/"u003eu003c/au003e",
contentPolicyHtml: "User contributions licensed under u003ca href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/"u003ecc by-sa 3.0 with attribution requiredu003c/au003e u003ca href="https://stackoverflow.com/legal/content-policy"u003e(content policy)u003c/au003e",
allowUrls: true
},
noCode: true, onDemand: true,
discardSelector: ".discard-answer"
,immediatelyShowMarkdownHelp:true
});
}
});
Lukali is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
StackExchange.ready(
function () {
StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2fbicycles.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f60235%2fcan-i-legally-use-front-facing-blue-light-in-the-uk%23new-answer', 'question_page');
}
);
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
1 Answer
1
active
oldest
votes
1 Answer
1
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
Regulation 16 of the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations (1989) states:
Restrictions on fitting blue warning beacons, special warning lamps and similar devices
No vehicle, other than an emergency vehicle, shall be fitted with–
(a) a blue warning beacon or special warning lamp, or
(b) a device which resembles a blue warning beacon or a special warning lamp, whether the same is in working order or not.
The Regulations have been updated multiple times since 1989, but Regulation 16 has not changed.
It's not clear whether your blue LED lamp would be a "warning beacon, special warning lamp or similar device" but please just don't. Blue lights on emergency vehicles are useful mostly because blue uniquely means "emergency vehicle." People who see a blue light will be distracted trying to figure out if it is an emergency vehicle.
Stick to white lights on the front and red ones on the back. Note that the human eye is not very sensitive to blue (only about 20% as sensitive as to red and green), so blue is a poor choice anyway. See also Should unconventional colors be avoided for lighting?
answered 11 hours ago
David RicherbyDavid Richerby
13.6k33668
And before anyone thinks you won't confuse a bike with a fire engine, note that bicycle paramedics have blue flashing lights on their bikes. +1. (BTW I'm not sure whether bike count as vehicles for that particular regulation - I am sure that it doesn't matter when considering whether it's a good idea)
– Chris H
9 hours ago
Most of the Commonwealth countries share a similar set of rules. Certainly this matches with NZ and AU restrictions.
– Criggie♦
7 hours ago
1
@ChrisH Bicycles count as vehicles in the general context of the Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations, if that's what you're asking. For example, Regulation 11(1) begins "No vehicle shall..." but 11(1)(c) excepts pedal cycles.
– David Richerby
7 hours ago
The same regulation defines warning beacon as "A lamp that is capable of emitting a flashing or rotating beam of light throughout 360° in the horizontal plane" and special warning lamp as "A lamp, fitted to the front or rear of a vehicle, capable of emitting a blue flashing light and not any other kind of light".
– wooooooooosh
1 hour ago
add a comment |
Regulation 16 of the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations (1989) states:
Restrictions on fitting blue warning beacons, special warning lamps and similar devices
No vehicle, other than an emergency vehicle, shall be fitted with–
(a) a blue warning beacon or special warning lamp, or
(b) a device which resembles a blue warning beacon or a special warning lamp, whether the same is in working order or not.
The Regulations have been updated multiple times since 1989, but Regulation 16 has not changed.
It's not clear whether your blue LED lamp would be a "warning beacon, special warning lamp or similar device" but please just don't. Blue lights on emergency vehicles are useful mostly because blue uniquely means "emergency vehicle." People who see a blue light will be distracted trying to figure out if it is an emergency vehicle.
Stick to white lights on the front and red ones on the back. Note that the human eye is not very sensitive to blue (only about 20% as sensitive as to red and green), so blue is a poor choice anyway. See also Should unconventional colors be avoided for lighting?
answered 11 hours ago
David RicherbyDavid Richerby
13.6k33668
And before anyone thinks you won't confuse a bike with a fire engine, note that bicycle paramedics have blue flashing lights on their bikes. +1. (BTW I'm not sure whether bike count as vehicles for that particular regulation - I am sure that it doesn't matter when considering whether it's a good idea)
– Chris H
9 hours ago
Most of the Commonwealth countries share a similar set of rules. Certainly this matches with NZ and AU restrictions.
– Criggie♦
7 hours ago
1
@ChrisH Bicycles count as vehicles in the general context of the Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations, if that's what you're asking. For example, Regulation 11(1) begins "No vehicle shall..." but 11(1)(c) excepts pedal cycles.
– David Richerby
7 hours ago
The same regulation defines warning beacon as "A lamp that is capable of emitting a flashing or rotating beam of light throughout 360° in the horizontal plane" and special warning lamp as "A lamp, fitted to the front or rear of a vehicle, capable of emitting a blue flashing light and not any other kind of light".
– wooooooooosh
1 hour ago
add a comment |
Regulation 16 of the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations (1989) states:
Restrictions on fitting blue warning beacons, special warning lamps and similar devices
No vehicle, other than an emergency vehicle, shall be fitted with–
(a) a blue warning beacon or special warning lamp, or
(b) a device which resembles a blue warning beacon or a special warning lamp, whether the same is in working order or not.
The Regulations have been updated multiple times since 1989, but Regulation 16 has not changed.
It's not clear whether your blue LED lamp would be a "warning beacon, special warning lamp or similar device" but please just don't. Blue lights on emergency vehicles are useful mostly because blue uniquely means "emergency vehicle." People who see a blue light will be distracted trying to figure out if it is an emergency vehicle.
Stick to white lights on the front and red ones on the back. Note that the human eye is not very sensitive to blue (only about 20% as sensitive as to red and green), so blue is a poor choice anyway. See also Should unconventional colors be avoided for lighting?
answered 11 hours ago
David RicherbyDavid Richerby
13.6k33668
Regulation 16 of the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations (1989) states:
Restrictions on fitting blue warning beacons, special warning lamps and similar devices
No vehicle, other than an emergency vehicle, shall be fitted with–
(a) a blue warning beacon or special warning lamp, or
(b) a device which resembles a blue warning beacon or a special warning lamp, whether the same is in working order or not.
The Regulations have been updated multiple times since 1989, but Regulation 16 has not changed.
It's not clear whether your blue LED lamp would be a "warning beacon, special warning lamp or similar device" but please just don't. Blue lights on emergency vehicles are useful mostly because blue uniquely means "emergency vehicle." People who see a blue light will be distracted trying to figure out if it is an emergency vehicle.
Stick to white lights on the front and red ones on the back. Note that the human eye is not very sensitive to blue (only about 20% as sensitive as to red and green), so blue is a poor choice anyway. See also Should unconventional colors be avoided for lighting?
answered 11 hours ago
David RicherbyDavid Richerby
13.6k33668
answered 11 hours ago
David RicherbyDavid Richerby
13.6k33668
answered 11 hours ago
David RicherbyDavid Richerby
13.6k33668
answered 11 hours ago
David RicherbyDavid Richerby
13.6k33668
13.6k33668
And before anyone thinks you won't confuse a bike with a fire engine, note that bicycle paramedics have blue flashing lights on their bikes. +1. (BTW I'm not sure whether bike count as vehicles for that particular regulation - I am sure that it doesn't matter when considering whether it's a good idea)
– Chris H
9 hours ago
Most of the Commonwealth countries share a similar set of rules. Certainly this matches with NZ and AU restrictions.
– Criggie♦
7 hours ago
1
@ChrisH Bicycles count as vehicles in the general context of the Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations, if that's what you're asking. For example, Regulation 11(1) begins "No vehicle shall..." but 11(1)(c) excepts pedal cycles.
– David Richerby
7 hours ago
The same regulation defines warning beacon as "A lamp that is capable of emitting a flashing or rotating beam of light throughout 360° in the horizontal plane" and special warning lamp as "A lamp, fitted to the front or rear of a vehicle, capable of emitting a blue flashing light and not any other kind of light".
– wooooooooosh
1 hour ago
add a comment |
And before anyone thinks you won't confuse a bike with a fire engine, note that bicycle paramedics have blue flashing lights on their bikes. +1. (BTW I'm not sure whether bike count as vehicles for that particular regulation - I am sure that it doesn't matter when considering whether it's a good idea)
– Chris H
9 hours ago
Most of the Commonwealth countries share a similar set of rules. Certainly this matches with NZ and AU restrictions.
– Criggie♦
7 hours ago
1
@ChrisH Bicycles count as vehicles in the general context of the Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations, if that's what you're asking. For example, Regulation 11(1) begins "No vehicle shall..." but 11(1)(c) excepts pedal cycles.
– David Richerby
7 hours ago
The same regulation defines warning beacon as "A lamp that is capable of emitting a flashing or rotating beam of light throughout 360° in the horizontal plane" and special warning lamp as "A lamp, fitted to the front or rear of a vehicle, capable of emitting a blue flashing light and not any other kind of light".
– wooooooooosh
1 hour ago
And before anyone thinks you won't confuse a bike with a fire engine, note that bicycle paramedics have blue flashing lights on their bikes. +1. (BTW I'm not sure whether bike count as vehicles for that particular regulation - I am sure that it doesn't matter when considering whether it's a good idea)
– Chris H
9 hours ago
And before anyone thinks you won't confuse a bike with a fire engine, note that bicycle paramedics have blue flashing lights on their bikes. +1. (BTW I'm not sure whether bike count as vehicles for that particular regulation - I am sure that it doesn't matter when considering whether it's a good idea)
– Chris H
9 hours ago
Most of the Commonwealth countries share a similar set of rules. Certainly this matches with NZ and AU restrictions.
– Criggie♦
7 hours ago
Most of the Commonwealth countries share a similar set of rules. Certainly this matches with NZ and AU restrictions.
– Criggie♦
7 hours ago
1
1
@ChrisH Bicycles count as vehicles in the general context of the Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations, if that's what you're asking. For example, Regulation 11(1) begins "No vehicle shall..." but 11(1)(c) excepts pedal cycles.
– David Richerby
7 hours ago
@ChrisH Bicycles count as vehicles in the general context of the Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations, if that's what you're asking. For example, Regulation 11(1) begins "No vehicle shall..." but 11(1)(c) excepts pedal cycles.
– David Richerby
7 hours ago
The same regulation defines warning beacon as "A lamp that is capable of emitting a flashing or rotating beam of light throughout 360° in the horizontal plane" and special warning lamp as "A lamp, fitted to the front or rear of a vehicle, capable of emitting a blue flashing light and not any other kind of light".
– wooooooooosh
1 hour ago
The same regulation defines warning beacon as "A lamp that is capable of emitting a flashing or rotating beam of light throughout 360° in the horizontal plane" and special warning lamp as "A lamp, fitted to the front or rear of a vehicle, capable of emitting a blue flashing light and not any other kind of light".
– wooooooooosh
1 hour ago
add a comment |
Lukali is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
Lukali is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
Lukali is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
Lukali is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
Thanks for contributing an answer to Bicycles Stack Exchange!
- Please be sure to answer the question. Provide details and share your research!
But avoid …
- Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers.
- Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience.
To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers.
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
StackExchange.ready(
function () {
StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2fbicycles.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f60235%2fcan-i-legally-use-front-facing-blue-light-in-the-uk%23new-answer', 'question_page');
}
);
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
I believe Yellow/Amber is permitted as a marker light in any direction.
– Criggie♦
7 hours ago