Reflective vest when riding on the Continent

Bru · Trackday Trickster Joined: 01 Feb 2007 Karma :

Hi. I am going to France and Italy soon, and have caught bits of web talk about wearing hi-viz vests when riding there. How serious is the requirement?

EuropeanNC30R... · Gay Hairdresser Joined: 20 Jun 2002 Karma :

There's no requirement of wearing one while riding that I've heard of, even in the South of France and Italy it'll be rare to see a local rider wearing full protective gear at all.

In some European countries it's compulsory to ride with your lights on at all times.

I think there is some sort of technical legal requirement of carrying a hi-vis vest with you to wear if you break down in France, though I've never known any bikers bother.

phil2alp · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 22 Oct 2006 Karma :

I rode in France and Italy for a couple of months a couple of years ago. I didn't wear a high vis vest and never got stopped. I didn't notice many, if any, local riders wearing one.

I don't know of any requirement to wear one in France or Italy that's been introduced since then.

Bru · Trackday Trickster Joined: 01 Feb 2007 Karma :

Thanks. It is probably a legal (-ish) requirement which is not strictly enforced. I was paging through a Michelin road atlas later yesterday, and found a symbol for 'reflective vest' in the country driving requirements listings. This was in the same category as having to carry a warning triangle, medical kit, driving with lights on, etc.

But as they say, when in Rome..

map · Mr Calendar Joined: 14 Jun 2004 Karma :

Bru · Trackday Trickster Joined: 01 Feb 2007 Karma :

Excellent link. Thank you.

Itchy · Super Spammer Joined: 07 Apr 2005 Karma :

You are supposed to carry a red triangle (2 in Italy) and a hi vis vest , in practice nobody bothers, though I had a hi vis vest in my first aid kit.

its like GB stickers , nobody uses them cept cars.
____________________
Spain 2008France 2007Big one 2009 We all die. The goal isn't to live forever, the goal is to create something that will. In the end, your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it is worth watching.

phil2alp · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 22 Oct 2006 Karma :

To add to your confusion the hi-viz vest is listed on the BMF touring checklist page. However, their packing tips page talks about a 'main suitcase' Shocked

. For touring, on a bike, again with the Shocked

, so what use are the BMF?

Laughing

fle · Derestricted Danger Joined: 30 Jun 2007 Karma :

The vests are obligatory for cars in Austria but I'm not sure for the bikes. But it became fancy to wear a hi-vizi vests here, coz a dramatic growth of motorcycles and the short life of their riders Sad

I mainly travel around Italy/Slovenia and there you are very lucky if any police stops you Smile

____________________
bite the dust

Itchy · Super Spammer Joined: 07 Apr 2005 Karma :

Austria is harsh , Gaz/Maurice/Bill/Nick/BMW man all say play by the rules as much as you can , they have bloody credit card machines in the back of cop cars, and target tourists.
____________________
Spain 2008France 2007Big one 2009 We all die. The goal isn't to live forever, the goal is to create something that will. In the end, your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it is worth watching.

diviron · Derestricted Danger Joined: 23 Oct 2006 Karma :

The vests are not worn compulsary only required for breakdowns at the side of roads every car has them usualy over the passenger seat either wear it to be seen, especialy as your new on thier roads, or keep it handy on top of your kit along with your light bulbs.

Enjoy your trip
Ron