Since July, the obligation is also valid in Germany. However, what does that mean? Is it easy to buy every safety vest? Where in the car must she lie? What penalties threaten if you do not have them?

 

Since 1 July 2014, every driver must have a safety vest. If you have to run around on the highway or country lane after an accident or a breakdown – and of course, you should always go behind the guardrail and wait for the breakdown service – this increases the likelihood that you will not be overrun by the nearest truck or car. In this sense: sensible regulation. The German Car and Travel Club (ARCD) answer on its website the most important questions about the obligation to wear a warning vest.

 

For whom does the warning vest requirement apply?

For all cars, trucks and buses registered in Germany. Exceptions are motorcycles. So far, the regulation already existed for drivers of commercially used vehicles.

What is required?

 

In each of these vehicles, a safety vest must be carried, regardless of the number of occupants. “Although there is no obligation to carry in Germany, the ARCD recommends that you have a safety vest in your car for all sorts of occupants (see number of seats) and put them on in case of emergency before getting off,” says the automobile club. So you increase your own safety and also be prepared for all regulations abroad.

 

“The safety vest must comply with EN 471 and EN ISO 20471: 2013. You can see if this is the case on the sign on the laundry screen. Which allows reflective yellow, orange, and red orange safety vests with two surrounding, five centimeters wide reflective stripes,” says the ARCD.

 

Where to place safety vests in the car?

The vest should definitely be stored in the car ready to hand – in the vehicle interior, z. B. in the glove box or in the side compartments. At the bottom of the trunk, the vest brings in an emergency little. “Since it bleaches by sunlight, you should keep it in a dark place,” recommends the automobile club.

 

Which punishment threatens?

If you do not carry a safety vest in Germany and you are checked, a warning fee of 15 Euros is due.

 

What do you have to consider when traveling abroad?

Abroad, a variety of regulations, such as carry or carry duty, Safety vests only for the driver or for all passengers. Partly threatens a hefty fine. “If you carry a high visibility vest with you for every possible occupant and you pull them on in an emergency before getting off the bike, you’re definitely on the safe side,” says the ARCD.