[jyl]

Originally Posted by ossiblue

California Vehicle Code
Division 12
Chapter 2
Article 7
Sections 25250--Flashing lights are prohibited on vehicles except as otherwise permitted.
25251--(Lists the exemptions for the above section. Strobes are not listed as exempt on non-emergency vehicles so they are prohibited.). Bicycles must follow the vehicle code.

http://ca.regstoday.com/law/veh/ca.regstoday.com/laws/veh/calaw-veh_DIVISION12_CHAPTER2.aspx

Why does any of that apply to bicycles?. It applies to "vehicles" and

CVC sec 670

A "vehicle" is a device by which any person or property may be propelled, moved, or drawn upon a highway, excepting a device moved exclusively by human power or used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks.

It looks to me like only CVC 21200-21212 apply to bicycles.

CVC sec 231

A bicycle is a device upon which any person may ride, propelled exclusively by human power through a belt, chain, or gears, and having one or more wheels. Persons riding bicycles are subject to the provisions of this code specified in Sections 21200 and 21200.5.

CVC 21200 through 21212 are titled Operation of Bicycles. There is nothing about blinking/flashing lights on bikes except that they cannot be flashing blue lights.

I think the OP should contact the CHP and bring the officer's error to the attention of his superiors.

I also am unimpressed by the claim that bike flashing lights might cause epileptic seizures. I've never seen any data showing that this actually happens often enough to care about. Anything "might" happen.