Bicycle Lights in Singapore: A Comprehensive Guide to the Law in 2023

If you're a cyclist in Singapore or planning to cycle on your trip to Singapore, you know that visibility is key when it comes to staying safe on the roads or even on the pavements. Bike lights are not only a good way to increase your visibility, especially when riding at night or in low light conditions, it actually is mandated by the local laws. But with so many different types of lights available, it can be tough to know which ones are legal or best to use in Singapore.

That's why we've put together this comprehensive guide to the laws surrounding bicycle lights in Singapore. Whether you're a seasoned cycling pro or just starting out, we hope that this articles helps ensure that you're in compliance with the law and more importantly, staying safe on the roads.

Do I Need Lights on My Bicycle in Singapore?

Image credit: @rrhs_ride

According to the Road Traffic Act of Singapore, all bicycles must be equipped with at least one white light at the front of the bike and one red light at the rear. These lights must be used whenever the bike is being ridden between sunset and sunrise, as well as during any other times when visibility is poor (such as during heavy rain or fog).

In addition to the required white and red front and back lights, you may also choose to use additional lights on your bike to increase your visibility. Some popular options include helmet lights, which are mounted on the back of your helmet to increase your visibility from behind so that drivers and other motorists can see you clearly.

What Kind of Lights Can I Use on My Bicycle in Singapore?

The Road Traffic Act specifies that all bike lights must be "efficient" and "in good working order." This means that your lights should be bright enough to be easily seen by other road users, and should not be damaged or malfunctioning in any way.

As for the specific type of lights you can use, our laws are somewhat flexible. The required white light at the front of your bike can be flashlight or a constant light. Similarly, the required red light at the rear can also be flashing or constant.

Accordingly, both battery powered lights and battery free lights are acceptable for use!

Are There Any Lights That I Cannot Use on My Bicycle in Singapore?

Someone didn’t get the memo
Image credit: Curly Traveller

There are a few types of lights that are specifically prohibited by the Road Traffic Act of Singapore. These include:

• Red or white lights pointing at the sides of the bike: While red lights are allowed at the rear of the bike and white lights are allowed at the front, red or white lights on the sides of the bike are not allowed. This is to prevent confusion with the required front and rear lights.

• Blue or green lights or any other multi coloured lights: Lights that are blue or green in colour are not allowed on bicycles in Singapore! This is to prevent confusion with the lights used by emergency vehicles and to prevent confusion to other drivers.

While this is not strictly illegal, try not to use lights that are too bright - yes there is such a thing, this is so as to prevent oncoming traffic from being blinded which could be dangerous.

Choosing the best bike light for your local commute

Image credit: Capo Velo

When selecting lights for your bicycle in Singapore, there are a few key things to consider.

First, think about the conditions in which you'll be using your lights. If you frequently ride in areas with poor visibility, you'll want to choose lights that are particularly bright and easy to see. On the other hand, Singapore is mostly well lit so lights that are less powerful are typically more suitable. The whole point of having lights in Singapore is more to be seen rather than to see.

Next, consider the battery life of the lights. If you frequently take long rides or commute to work, you'll want to choose lights that are battery free such as the Reelight Nova constant light for commuters, the AMS flashing light for foldies or even the Reelight CIO flashing light for road bikes of power mid-ride.

If you prefer battery powered lights, the highly water reisistant UGO is perfect and compact if you're on a budget, and the LUX 700 will light up the path even if you're in the middle of the wilderness.

Finally, think about the durability of the lights. Some lights can be bought for cheap, but they usually won't last a tropical thunderstorm that we often have here in Singapore. Biking can be rough on equipment, so you'll want to choose lights that are built to withstand the rigors of the road. Our advise is not to cheap out on a quality set of lights, and by something that will last to reduce our wastage on this earth. Please look for lights with sturdy construction and a good track record of reliability such as our red dot winning Danish Reelight.

Conclusion

Using lights on your bicycle in Singapore is not only a legal requirement, but it's also an important safety measure. Remember folks, safety is always number one priority! By choosing suitable, compliant lights and using them appropriately, you can help ensure that you're visible to other road users and make the roads safer not just for you but for everyone.