Garmin Varia Light Flash Pattern Ban Extended in EU
One of the standout features of the rear-facing Garmin Varia RTL515 is its dynamic flash patterns that adjust as cars approach—a feature valued by many cyclists for its enhanced visibility and safety. However, this functionality is frowned upon in parts of Europe.
In Germany, bike lights with flashing patterns are already prohibited, and France recently passed similar legislation. Now, if your Varia flashes at any frequency in France, it’s considered illegal. While it’s unclear if selling Varia lights with intermittent flash capabilities will be outright banned, there’s a growing risk that these restrictions could be extended across the EU.
The Consequences
Cyclists caught flashing in France face a fine of approximately €11.
What’s the Solution?
Cyclists are left with a few potential options:
- Modify Usage: Switch to pulse mode, which is currently compliant in France.
- Problem: Simply owning a device capable of flashing might still be illegal.
- Firmware Update: Garmin could issue a software fix to disable flashing modes and offer pulse modes.
- Problem: This would inconvenience users globally, not just in France, making such an update unlikely.
- Sales Restrictions: Garmin could cease selling the RTL515 in France and offer the RTL516, a non-flashing German model, instead.
- Problem: Many French riders already own the RTL515, so this wouldn’t address the devices already in use.
The Takeaway
Bonkers.
Safety should be the priority, yet this regulation seems more likely to reduce the visibility of cyclists and will cause fatalities.
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I am German and that is a stupid German law. Flashlight added/attached to the bike is forbidden – if I add/attach the flashlight on my backpack and ride my bike, it is allowed.
A few years ago I bought my RTL515 from a french online store because it was not available in Germany due to the completely stupid “no blinking rear lights” law.
I use it on *every* ride and was never stopped by the German police for it. They don’t seem to care, or probably think “better a blinking light than no light” 😉
Looks like I have to find another country to get a replacement if the battery of my aging RTL515 finally quits…
As a user pointed out in Germany it’s that flashing lights on vehicles are reserved for police and fire fighter cars. So don’t mount the RTL515 on the bike but clip it to your jersey or backpack and you are good.
And since the government thinks german people are too stupid do tell the difference between a mamil on a road bike with one flashing red light and big fire truck with mutliple flashing blue lights, no RTL515 mounted on a bike in Germany.
What’s the reasoning in France? The RTL515 being allowed in the UK? 😉