Bicycle Light & Reflector Laws in Minnesota
Last reviewed by BikeSize EditorialThis guide is for general information only and is not legal advice. Laws change - verify current rules with your state DOT or a licensed attorney before relying on this for any legal matter. Read full disclaimer.
The rule
Minnesota requires lamp on the front emitting a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front, required during the hours of darkness as defined in minn. stat. § 169.011. For the rear, red reflector of a type approved by the minnesota commissioner of public safety, visible from all distances from 100 to 600 feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful lower-beam headlamps. a red rear lamp visible from 500 feet may be used in addition to the reflector. The rule applies whenever it is dark. See Minn. Stat. § 169.222 subd. 6 (Bicycle equipment).
Statute
What this means in practice
The cheapest way to stay legal in Minnesota is a USB-rechargeable front white light and a rear red light or reflector that meets the spec above. A $30 light set covers it.
Be seen, stay legal
Compare bike lights that meet the 500-foot rule
Most state codes require a white front light visible from 500 feet plus a rear reflector or red light. See lights that hit the spec and last a full commute.
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