Mandatory bicycle equipment

Verified 10 June 2026 - Public Service / (Prime Minister)

For cycling, some accessories are mandatory and others are simply recommended. We tell you what you need to know.

Helmets must be worn before the age of 12 to cycle. It is recommended from 12 years.

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Before age 12

A child of under 12 must wear a bicycle helmet, whether driver or passenger. The adult carrying or accompanying the child must ensure this. The helmet must be attached. The helmet must wear the CE marking.

Failure to do so is punishable by a fine of up to €750. In general, this is a lump sum fine of €135.

From age 12

Wearing a helmet is not mandatory for cycling, but it is highly recommended.

At night, or during the day when visibility is insufficient, it is mandatory to wear a high visibility vest (yellow retro-reflective vest) for cycling outside built-up areas. The obligation applies to the driver and the passenger. The vest must wear the CE marking.

Failure to do so is punishable by a fine of up to €150. In general, this is a lump sum fine of €35.

In addition to the mandatory equipment, additional lighting devices are allowed.

Mandatory equipment

The following equipment is mandatory for cycling:

  • Front position lamp (non-dazzling yellow or white light) at night or during the day when visibility is insufficient
  • Rear position lamp (red) not flashing, at night or during the day when visibility is insufficient. It must be clearly visible from the rear when the bicycle is used. The trailer, if any, must be equipped with the same device.
  • Retro-reflector before (white)
  • One or more rear retro reflectors (red). The trailer, if any, must be equipped with the same device.
  • Of retro-reflectors on wheels visible from the side (orange). However, they are optional if the bicycle has tires fitted with retroreflective devices approved.
  • Of retro-reflectors on pedals (orange).

Failure to comply with these rules is punishable by a fine of up to €38. In general, this is a lump sum fine of €11.

Additional equipment allowed

The following optional lighting devices may complement those already required:

  • 2d front position lamp (non-dazzling yellow or white light)
  • 2d rear position lamp not flashing (red). The driver may carry this light on him.
  • Stop light non-flashing (non-dazzling red light). The driver may carry this light on him.
  • Direction indicator lamps flashing lights (non-dazzling orange light forward and backward). The driver may carry these lights.
  • Passive lateral fluorescent or retro-reflective devices. For example retroreflective strips, strips or adhesives. 

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

Failure to do so is punishable by a fine of up to €38. In general, this is a lump sum fine of €11.

A bicycle must be equipped with a warning device (doorbell). The sound of his timbre or his bell must be heard at least 50 meters away. The use of any other audible signal is prohibited.

Failure to comply with this rule is punishable by a fine of up to €38. In general, this is a lump sum fine of €11.

A bicycle may comprise back and left a danger retractor device. He is optional.

A bike, new or used, sold by a professional, must be marked with a unique identifier. The identifier is inscribed on the frame of the bike except exceptions. It must be easy to read when the bicycle is parked.

The marking of children's bicycles (wheels with diameter less than or equal to 40.64 cm) is optional. You can go to a authorized operator if you want to mark the bike.

FYI  

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

Identify the mandatory and recommended equipment of a bicycle

Summary of mandatory bicycle equipment and penalties for absence

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

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

High visibility vest. To travel at night, or during the day when visibility is insufficient, every driver and passenger of 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.

Bell 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.

Infographic on mandatory bicycle equipment

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

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

High visibility vest. To travel at night, or during the day when visibility is insufficient, every driver and passenger of 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.

Bell 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.

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