Many drivers think it’s compulsory to have a warning vest handy in the car. There are also assumptions floating around about how many safety vests are compulsory in cars. DRIVERS.Com clarifies what really applies.
Some say the warning vest must be in the driver’s compartment, others say at least two vests are mandatory in every car, and everyone almost agrees that you must wear a warning vest in the event of a breakdown or accident: but none of this is true.
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Is there a compulsory warning vest for car drivers?
Yes, since july 2014 it has been compulsory to wear a warning vest in germany. Specifically, the german warnwestenpflicht regulates that it in every registered passenger car, truck, tractor-trailer combination and bus a warning vest must be carried. This also applies to agricultural vehicles, such as tractors. Motorcyclists are exempt from the obligation to wear a warning vest in Germany. However, if you ride a motorcycle or scooter, we recommend that you wear a warning vest over your protective clothing so that you are more visible in traffic.
the vest must be ready to hand in the car?
no, there are no precise requirements for the obligation to carry a warning vest in germany. It is not a legal requirement that the vest must be kept handy for the driver. You only need to carry it in your car. In the event of a breakdown or accident, however, it is advisable to keep the warning vest handy, as in the case of fines.De reports. You must show the warning vest at a checkpoint. it is not only a question of carrying a warning vest in the car at all, but also that the vest is suitable for.
Not every warning vest meets the requirements
This is what a warning vest must do:
- She must yellow, orange or red-orange its
- It must consist of fluorescent, be luminous material
- It must circulate reflector strips at least five centimeters wide to guarantee 360-degree visibility, as well as
In germany, the warning vest must comply with the local standard DIN EN 471:2003+A1:2007 or the european norm EN ISO 20 471:2013 correspond to.
No or unsuitable warning vest: this fine threatens you
If you violate the obligation to wear a warning vest, you will be fined a fine of 15 euro.
Is it compulsory to wear one in the event of a breakdown or accident??
no, in addition to the obligation to carry warning vests, there is a no obligation to wear them in germany. Neither the driver nor the passengers have to wear the warning vests when leaving the car. However, it is still recommended that you wear a warning vest when you get out of the car in the event of a breakdown or accident. This makes it easier for other road users to recognize you, and personal accidents at the scene of an accident or breakdown are avoided.
These warning vest rules apply to our neighbors
Not all countries have the same rules regarding the obligation to wear a warning vest. In some countries you don’t have to wear a vest, in others you have to wear it and you will have to pay a fine if you don’t. We provide an overview.
In the netherlands they are not obligated, to have warning vests. However, it is recommended that you wear a vest when you leave your car after an accident or breakdown outside built-up areas.
The neighboring country france prescribes both a carry along- as well obligation to wear them of warning vests before, even motorcyclists. You must have at least one vest with you. However, if passengers leave the vehicle in the event of an accident or breakdown outside built-up areas, they must all wear a warning vest. If you violate the obligation to wear a safety vest in france, you could face a hefty fine from 90 euros.
A obligation to wear them also exist in italy. There, as the driver, when you get out of the car, you must wear a warning vest. A violation will cost you 38 to 138 euros. Paradox: there is no obligation to carry one. By the way: motorcyclists are exempt from the regulation.
Again and again you hear that in austria you have to carry two warning vests with you. This is not correct! In austria they must wear at least a warning vest deposit in the car. If you leave the car in the event of a breakdown or an accident, both you as the driver and the all other passengers, get out of the car Wear a warning vest. If you do not comply with this regulation, you will be fined from 14 euro.By the way: as in italy, the obligation to wear a warning vest does not apply to motorcyclists.
Your destination country is not included? In the detailed list from ADAC you will find the warning vest regulation of 15 european countries.