Since July 1, 2014, high-visibility vests have been mandatory in Germany. There must be at least one high-visibility vest in each vehicle.
Why is there a safety vest requirement?
The purpose of wearing a high-visibility vest is to improve the visibility of the person outside the vehicle, which is intended to prevent accidents. The new standard EN ISO 20471 has been in force since autumn 2013 and replaces the previous standard EN 471:2003+A1:2007. The new standard includes some changes. For example, there is no longer a distinction between commercial and non-commercial use. Instead, the risk assessment is crucial (and thus the visibility of the person in a hazardous situation).
What does a high-visibility vest have to look like?
The design requirements in accordance with the new standard have essentially been adopted from EN 471. EN ISO 20471 specifies:
- The reflective material width must be at least 50 mm – The reflective material must enclose the torso (all-round visibility)
- The distance to the bottom hem must be at least 50 mm – The distance between two reflective strips must be at least 50 mm
- Colours: yellow, orange or red-orange
High-visibility vests certified according to the current EN ISO 20471 standard are easily recognizable by the new pictogram.
So what should you do with the high-visibility vests certified according to the "old" standard?
For retailers: Manufacturers will usually deliver high-visibility vests certified according to the new standard, but high-visibility vests certified according to EN 471 and already delivered will continue to be on the market and may be used until the expiry of the deadline noted in the type examination.
For the user: Even if the clothing is "only" certified according to EN 471, it can still be used indefinitely.
