Obligation to wear high-visibility vests in Europe
In most European countries, high-visibility vests have been mandatory for several years. This means that both the use of high-visibility vests in the event of a breakdown and entering the carriageway (compulsory wearing) and the carrying of the high-visibility vest is mandatory. But what has to be observed where in detail and which partly juicy fines there are, is extremely different.
Not all commercially available vests comply with the legal requirements. Only approved high-visibility vests may bear the EN 471 inspection mark. The mark is located on a patch on the inside of the clothing.
European standard
For example, the European standard requires that the high-visibility vest has sufficient Reflector surface has, so that its wearer can be easily seen even in poor visibility conditions.
A high-visibility vest is mandatory in these countries
In 2004, Italy and Spain were the first European countries to introduce mandatory high-visibility vests. Later, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Finland, France, Hungary, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Serbia, Slovakia and Slovenia followed suit. In Norway and Portugal, the obligation only applies to vehicles registered in these countries.
Recommendation: always take two vests
Like all traffic regulations, details of the high-visibility vest requirement can change quickly. This applies, for example, to the contradictory regulation that no high-visibility vest is required to be carried in Spain, but it must be worn in the event of a Accident must be put on. Auto-reise-welt.de therefore recommends taking at least two vests with you when traveling to the countries mentioned - one for the driver, one for the front passenger. The safety vests cost only a few euros each in the motor vehicle accessories trade.
Source: www.auto-reise-welt.de
Further new regulations
France: New regulation since July 1, 2018 - Speed limit 80 on rural roads
While the Accident figures in Switzerland, they have been on the rise again in France for three years. Especially on country roads. The decision taken by French Prime Minister Edouarde Philippe at the beginning of the year to reduce the speed limit for safety reasons is now in force. Speed limit The decision to reduce the speed limit on rural roads to 80 km/h as of July 1 has met with much criticism from motorists and associations. They suspect rip-offs. This is particularly the case because Philippe has simultaneously introduced a package of 18 measures, including stricter penalties. An accompanying study and analysis in 2020 will show the extent to which speed 80 can reduce the number of traffic victims.
This means that the speed limit in Switzerland and France is now 80 km/h overland. In Austria and Germany, 100 km/h is permitted.
Source: ACS
More tips and recommendations
High visibility vest in Europe - the overview from TCS
Obligation to wear a high-visibility vest abroad - the table from ADAC
ACS Blog "Relaxed on vacation by car"
ACS Blog "Acting confidently in the event of breakdowns"
