Sec. 14-288. Lights, reflectors and brakes on bicycles. Whistle emitting devices prohibited. - Connecticut Statutes

      Sec. 14-288. Lights, reflectors and brakes on bicycles. Whistle emitting devices prohibited. (a) Each bicycle operated upon the public highway, during the times or under the conditions as provided in subsection (a) of section 14-96a, shall display a lighted lamp upon the forward part of such bicycle. Such lamp shall, when lighted, emit a white light which in clear weather shall be visible at a distance of not less than five hundred feet in the direction in which such bicycle is proceeding. Each bicycle shall also, at all times, be equipped with a reflector or reflecting tail light lens, which reflector or lens shall be attached to the rear of such bicycle in such manner as to reflect rays of light thrown upon the same, and such reflector or reflecting tail shall be visible at a distance of not less than six hundred feet from the rear when illuminated by the head lamps of a motor vehicle. Such bicycle shall also be equipped with reflective material so placed and of sufficient size and reflectivity to be visible from both sides of such bicycle at a distance of not less than six hundred feet when illuminated by the head lamps of a motor vehicle. Each bicycle shall also, at all times, be equipped with a braking device sufficient to enable the operator thereof to stop within twenty-five feet on dry, level and clean pavement when moving at a speed of ten miles per hour. No person shall equip a bicycle with a siren or device which emits a whistle or use a siren or device which emits a whistle while operating a bicycle.

      (b) Operation of a bicycle in conflict with any provision of this section shall be an infraction.

      (1949 Rev., S. 2507; 1955, S. 1381d; 1959, P.A. 62, S. 9; P.A. 75-577, S. 111, 126; P.A. 77-375, S. 5.)

      History: 1959 act removed requirement that reflector be of a type approved by the commissioner; P.A. 75-577 replaced provision for $5 maximum fine in Subsec. (b) with statement that violation of provisions is an infraction; P.A. 77-375 replaced general requirements that bicycle have rear reflector and brakes with specifications for required equipment, required that headlight be visible from 500 rather than 400 feet and replaced reference to operation half-hour after sunset and before sunrise with reference to operation during times or under conditions specified in Sec. 14-96a(a).

      See chapter 881b re infractions of the law.

      Subsec. (a):

      Cited. 189 C. 611.