Reflective vests – in Poland, drivers of passenger cars do not have to have them, but they should. They cost only PLN 7-10 and can save a life. In most European countries, reflective vests are mandatory equipment for cars and trucks (in some also motorcycles).
Reflective vests – you must have them in these countries
From July 1, the obligation to wear a reflective vest was introduced in Germany. Its lack means a mandate of 15 Euros. The obligation applies only to drivers of cars registered in Germany, but for the sake of their own safety, it is worthwhile to respect it also with us.
In countries where reflective vests are compulsory, they must be worn whenever the driver and passengers have to leave the vehicle, for example as a result of a breakdown or accident, on a motorway or other road – except of course parking lots.
Reflective vests are already valid in Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic (applies to foreigners), Croatia, Finland (you can have reflective stripes), France, Spain, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary and in Italy.
The regulations are not uniform – in one country you only need one reflective vest in the car, in others all passengers must have it. In some countries, this obligation also applies to motorcyclists and cyclists, if they are traveling on roads after dusk.
Reflective vests – better to have than not to have
So what to do with a vest when planning a trip abroad? We advise you not to look for loopholes and apply the maximum variant – take as many retro-reflective vests as possible for the number of passengers traveling.
The reflective vest costs from PLN 7 to 10. You can buy it at any gas station, in supermarkets, on the internet. Let’s just remember to meet the norm – reflective vests are allowed in 3 colors: yellow, orange or red-orange. It must also have 2 reflective tapes at the front and back.
When buying vests, do not forget about children, in the event of a car breakdown or an accident, they will be particularly vulnerable. Reflective vests with reflective materials must be carried in the cabin of the car, and not – as most drivers do – in the trunk. The idea is to be able to put on a vest before leaving the car.
By the way, we would like to remind you: in the event of a breakdown or accident, a warning triangle should be put in front of the car, passengers should get out of the car not on the road, only on the right side, on the roadside. It is not allowed to stay on the road without having to go down to the side or the railing as soon as possible.