Thursday, July 18, 2019

Everything you need to know about mandatory vests and triangles

From Wednesday, any car not equipped with fluorescent vest and the pre-signaling triangle is liable to a fine of at least 90 euros. The remainder of the main provisions of this new security measure.

How many vest and triangle should one have onboard? A reflective vest and a pre-signaling triangle must have been in each vehicle since July 1st. However the Minister of Ecology, in charge of road safety, Jean-Louis Borloo had granted a deadline until Wednesday so that motorists can equip themselves "in the best conditions". From 1 October, law enforcement officials will verbalize any driver who does not have the two objects onboard his car.

Should the vest be visible under all circumstances? The retro-reflective vest must be worn by the driver before he leaves his vehicle. But it is not mandatory to drape the vest in the front passenger seat. The jacket should only be easy to access, storing it in the glove box or under a seat is enough.

Where should the triangle be placed? The triangle must be onboard the vehicle, be stored in the cockpit and not in the trunk of the car, and be placed on the road, as soon as the driver leaves his vehicle, at a distance of at least 30 meters from the vehicle. the automobile or obstacle to reporting. Hazard warning lights remain mandatory when the car equipped with them.

Where can we buy them? The kit is in supermarkets, in the centers' autos, in the markets as in the Paris metro. Prices can vary from single to triple, from 6.50 € in hypermarket to 20 € in the corridors of public transport of the capital.

To comply with European legislation, the vest must be marked "CE" and the triangle marked "E27R".

In case of infringement, what is the risk? The offending motorist incurs a fine of 135 euros. The amount of the contravention can be reduced to 90 euros if it is paid on the spot or within three days after the verbalization.

What is the legislation for two wheels? Bikers and scooter drivers are exempted from wearing a vest under any circumstances. The jacket is recommended but not mandatory for cyclists traveling in town.

On the other hand, wearing the vest is imposed on cyclists, pilots, and passengers, who ride out of town in poor visibility conditions (rain, fog) or during the night. In the case of forgetfulness, the pedal will have to pay a fine of 35 euros.