Beleuchtungspflicht

Beleuchtungspflicht is the legal obligation to ensure appropriate lighting in order to improve visibility and safety in situations with limited visibility, most notably in road traffic. In German-speaking contexts the term is commonly used to describe the duty to use lights on vehicles during specific times or weather conditions. The obligation is established in traffic law, primarily through the Straßenverkehrs-Ordnung (StVO) and the vehicle-related provisions in the Straßenverkehr-Zulassungs-Ordnung (StVZO). The general rule is that lights must be used from dusk to dawn and whenever visibility is reduced by weather such as fog, rain, or snow. Vehicles must have functioning headlights and taillights, and may require additional lighting such as daytime running lights or fog lights depending on the category and conditions. Enforcement is carried out by the police, and violations can result in fines or other penalties.

For bicycles, Beleuchtungspflicht is governed by separate provisions. In Germany, bicycles must be equipped with a front white light, a rear red light, and reflectors, and must use lighting when visibility is poor or it is dark. The exact equipment requirements are set in the applicable road traffic regulations, and violations can lead to fines.

The concept exists in varying forms across jurisdictions and is part of broader road safety measures aimed at making road users more visible to others. It is related to other safety requirements, such as reflective gear for pedestrians and adequate lighting in public and work environments.