Before getting a motorcycle, one must be well aware of all parts of a motorcycle, what their function is and how to use them.
One such part is the reflector of the motorcycle. It is the most ignored and devalued part that is ignored by many bikers.
To highlight its importance, the traffic heads have given strict rules. This is to make the usage common again.
So for any biker out there, let me walk you through the complete guide of motorcycle reflector laws.
What Is a Motorcycle Reflector?
Motorcycle Reflectors are tiles made of mounded transparent plastic that act as a prism to reflect light in dark. These objects help you get noticed in the dark. They are used as a safety device to alert other drivers on the road of the presence of your vehicle.
Placement of the Reflectors
These reflectors are 4 in total. They are placed as:
- One in front of the motorcycle
- One at the rear of the motorcycle
- Two reflectors placed on each side of the wheels, at the back or the front
Types of Motorcycle Reflectors
There are three main types of reflectors for motorcycles.
● White Reflectors
These are the reflector that is used as a standard for the front of the vehicle. They are mostly paired with white headlights to function more efficiently.
● Red Reflectors
Red reflectors are used as a standard color for the rear of the motorcycles.
● Orange Reflectors
Orange ones are also known as the Amber reflectors. They are taken as a warning sign and therefore are used as turn signals or marker lights.
The importance of these reflectors is that they let the other drivers know where the rider is going in the dark.
Laws Related Motorcycle Reflectors
Motorcycle Reflectors are termed as an essential part of any bike by many traffic legislations around the world.
The main purpose of these legislations is to prevent any tragic accidents at night.
A motorcycle is already an unstable vehicle if given to inexperienced people and the night adds to the dangers of accidents that come with it. So as a precautionary measure these rules were passed.
These rules fall in the categories of permitted equipment, performance, and the condition of the reflectors.
Permitted Equipment’s
All motorcycles should have at least one rear reflector which can reflect a light that could be seen at a distance of 100m.
All the reflectors should be of adequate size that allows them to reflect a light that helps the visibility of that bike to others without disturbing the vision of other drivers.
A pair of reflectors that are placed on the rear of the motorcycle should be placed symmetrically at a practicable distance from each other.
All the color coding should be followed while adjusting the reflectors on your bike to standardize all the traffic rules.
Performance
These reflectors should work optimally and must reflect white light as well as red light perfectly.
A reflector placed at the back of the motorcycle should reflect white light that is shining on it as red light. Last but not the least, a reflector must reflect sufficient light reflection so that its intended function should be fulfilled.
Condition of Reflectors
It is essential for all the reflectors to be good working conditions and should not be covered.
These are the above-given legislations. Any breach in them is punishable by fine or in case of accidents according to the scenario.
FAQ’s
Is red reflective tape legal on motorcycles?
Adding reflective tapes is not illegal but there are restrictions on the changing of the colors of reflective tapes.
Do bike reflectors work during the day?
Motorcycle reflectors work as long as there is light shining over them. They work best until and unless they are fading or scratching.
Are reflectors required on a motorcycle?
All the motorcycles must have at least one rear reflector aligned longitudinally in the center to reflect properly to the back.
