Bicycle lighting in Berlin — what's required, what do we recommend?

What does the StVZO require?

Under §67 StVZO (German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations), every bicycle — even during the day — must be equipped with functioning lights and the prescribed reflectors. When it is dark, dusk or visibility is poor, the lights must be switched on. Since the 2017 reform, battery and rechargeable lights are permitted — previously only dynamo lights were allowed. Important: all lights must carry the K-approval mark of the Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (Federal Motor Transport Authority). Cheap lights without that mark are not legally permitted in Germany — even if they are bright.

Dynamo or battery — which is better?

Dynamo (recommended for everyday bikes): Modern hub dynamos run with virtually no resistance, are low-maintenance and always with you. You can never set off without light because the battery is flat. Standlight keeps the rear light on for 2–5 minutes at traffic lights. One-off investment, then years of peace of mind. Battery/rechargeable (recommended for sport and secondary bikes): Lighter, removable to reduce theft risk, often brighter. Downside: you need to remember to charge, and in cold weather run-time drops. For commuters who ride every day the dynamo is more convenient — for road or sport bikes that only head out occasionally in the evening, a battery light is more practical.

Fines in Berlin

Riding in the dark without functioning lights costs €20. Missing or defective reflectors also cost €20. If other road users are obstructed or endangered it can be more. Berlin police check regularly — especially on main roads and junctions such as Mehringdamm, Kotti, Hermannplatz and in the Bergmannkiez. Important: a fine is one thing, an accident without lights is another. In a collision at night without lighting you can be found significantly at fault — even if the driver made the right-of-way error.

What does lighting cost at BikeShop Friesen?

Battery set (front + rear, StVZO-approved) from approx. €30. Fitting and advice free with purchase. Retrofitting a complete dynamo system (hub dynamo + front + rear + cabling) from approx. €130 depending on wheel and effort. Replacing a defective bulb or cable usually €10–25 incl. parts. We are happy to check first whether your existing setup can be saved — often a broken wire or a corroded contact is the only culprit.

Light not working — the most common causes

With dynamo systems, a cable is usually broken (often at the fork or rear light), a contact has corroded, or the bulb has blown. With modern LED headlights the LED itself rarely fails — almost always the wiring is to blame. With battery lights: flat battery (most common reason), corroded contacts in the battery compartment, faulty switch. Bring the bike in — we test the system and wiring with a multimeter and tell you exactly what needs doing.

Recommendations for the darker months

Even though the StVZO only requires the bare minimum: in Berlin, more light pays off. An additional bright rechargeable front light (e.g. 70+ lux) makes you more visible and helps you spot potholes earlier. Reflective strips on your jacket, backpack or mudguard significantly improve side visibility. For cargo bikes and family bikes: retrofit additional reflectors on the box and trailer.

Frequently asked questions