Mandatory bicycle accessories

Verified 16 August 2022 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

To ride a bicycle, several accessories are mandatory: helmet for children under 12 years, high visibility vest, lighting and signaling devices, warning signal.

Infographie - Mandatory bicycle equipment
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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

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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 strongly 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 attached.

Failure to comply with this obligation is punishable by a fine of up to €750. In general, it is a flat-rate fine of €135.

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 built-up areas.

The vest must be approved (CE marking).

Failure to comply with this obligation is punishable by a fine of up to €150. In general, it is a flat-rate fine of €35.

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

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

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

  • Position lamp emitting towards the front a non-dazzling yellow or white light
  • Rear position lamp which shall be clearly visible from the rear when the bicycle is in use.

Failure to comply with these obligations is punishable by a fine of 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 its stamp or bell shall be heard at least 50 meters away.

The use of any other audible signal is prohibited.

Failure to comply with this obligation is punishable by a fine of up to €38. In general, it is a flat-rate fine of €11.

Any bicycle can be equipped with a safety retraction device, at the rear and on the left.

The hazard retractor is optional.