Reflective vest for cars: obligation and penalties

The reflective lifejackets are mandatory to wear when you leave the car stopped outside the towns and in conditions of poor visibility.

Reflective vest for cars: obligation and penalties

The reflective vest, also called a life-saving giblet, has been compulsory by law since 2004. The Decree of December 30, 2003 of the Ministry of Infrastructures and Transport establishes that those who leave a car in a stationary condition in poor visibility conditions (low lighting, fog, snow or heavy rains) is required to wear the jacket. It is advisable to keep the jacket placed in the vehicle, possibly not in the luggage compartment, so that it is within reach for wearing it before getting out of the car.

Reflective jacket, which one to choose?

The Highway Code foresees in article 162 the use of the reflective vest or alternatively high visibility retro reflective braces.

How should the jacket be?

The Decree of 2003 established that vests and braces must comply with the approval with the CE mark and the initials UNI EN 471. It does not matter the color, which can be yellow, orange or red, as long as it is fluorescent and has strips that reflect light.

Obligation of the reflective vest

Always the art 162 paragraphs 1 of the Highway Code impose the obligation of the reflective vest to the drivers of all vehicles, excluding cycles, two-wheel mopeds and motorcycles. In the standard quadricycles are not excluded, so for example driving quads and mini-cars must have the jacket. This also applies to foreigners, even if the decree focuses on vehicles registered in Italy, leaving drivers of foreign vehicles the possibility of having a jacket that has not been homologated.

Life jackets: sanctions

It is advisable to keep the reflective safety vest in the door in order to wear it even before getting out of the car. Who transgresses the rule, can run into administrative penalties ranging from 41.00 Euros to 169.00 Euros, which for the driver are also to reduce 2 points from the license. In any case, it is not mandatory to have the jacket in the car and show it during the checks, while it is for the triangle.