Reflective tape instead of rear reflector

Question

I currently have not enough room on my seat post for a saddle bag, rear reflector and a rear light.

My question is if replacing the rear reflector with reflective tape on the saddle bag would be enough to satisfy the law here? The law states: "a red reflector that is clearly visible for at least 50 m from the rear of the bicycle when a vehicle's headlights on low beam shine on it".

Note: My current rear light is a Lezyne Micro Drive Rear which doesn't act as a reflector.

Answer 1

OK, so:

• I called Queensland Transport, who put me through to main roads
• I then called main roads back (since the first call got disconnected). They told me to call my local main roads office, as their central number doesn't answer questions about compliance.
• I called the local main roads office. The inspector there told me this was an issue of legislation under the traffic act, and hence I had to call the Police instead.
• I called the police central number; they told me I needed to call the local Police Traffic Branch.

Finally, I spoke to a very nice lad at the traffic branch, and asked him about this question.

He said that the only time you need the reflector is at night, and as such, if you instead have a front and rear taillight, and they're both turned on, then you're compliant. You will not be "pulled over" for not having a reflector on during the daytime when you are perfectly visible.

His thoughts on the tape were that it sounded good - anything that makes you more visible is a bonus - but it wouldn't be any "more compliant" than the light itself.

Answer 2

Reading the link and interpetting it in the strictest sense I would say no. My reasoning is that the law states "a reflector" that is clearly visible. It does not say a reflective material that is clearly visible. My other thought is that since reflective tape is cheaper and easier to install, if bike manufacturers could get away with reflective tape they would have used it.

Answer 3

It may be possible to use some red reflective spray paint on the rear of your Topeak Aero Wedge Pack. If you don't wish to spray the Wedge Pack itself, you could spray some cloth and then sew it to your Wedge Pack at the corners using some heavy duty denim thread. Just a few stiches at each corner should secure the material. Here's a link to an example of the refective red paint. ( http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dupli-Color-Nite-Lites-Reflective-Paint-RED-7-OZ-CAN-SPRAY-PAINT-NEW-/130774347169 ) This area would likely be larger than the normal sized plastic reflector. Nitize also makes a plastic red light that has heavy duty wire like twist ties to secure it on unusual surfaces. I've seen them at Walmart in the bike department. The lamp can be a steady light or a flashing light. You may be able to attach something like this to the seat rails. Just throwing out some ideas for you to check into.