Hi-Vis Vest Classes: EN ISO 20471

Date: 10.10.2026 20:45

Hi-vis vest classes under EN ISO 20471: minimum material areas for Class 1, 2 and 3, which jobs need which class, rules for traffic marshals and washing tips. Based on Snickers, uvex and regulatory sources.

Contents

1. EN ISO 20471 classes
2. Is a hi-vis vest mandatory?
3. Care and washing
4. Products
FAQ

Short answer

High-visibility (hi-vis) clothing is divided into three classes under EN ISO 20471. The class is determined by the minimum area of fluorescent background material and retroreflective tape: Class 3 0.80 m² background and 0.20 m² tape, Class 2 0.50 and 0.13 m², Class 1 0.14 and 0.10 m². Class 3 offers the highest visibility, and garments can be combined to achieve a higher class. In Türkiye, the PPE Regulation lists "work in areas where workers must be clearly visible" among the jobs that may require reflective clothing.

1. EN ISO 20471 classes

Class	Fluorescent background (min.)	Retroreflective tape (min.)	Note
Class 3	0.80 m²	0.20 m²	Highest visibility
Class 2	0.50 m²	0.13 m²	–
Class 1	0.14 m²	0.10 m²	Also an option of 0.20 m² combined-performance material

Source: Snickers Workwear EN ISO 20471:2013 user booklet. uvex also states that the class is determined by the minimum area of background and reflective material. Check the class on the label of the product you buy.

2. Is a hi-vis vest mandatory?

Occupational health and safety: In Türkiye, Annex 3 (item 8.1) of the PPE Regulation lists "work in areas where workers must be clearly visible" as work for which reflective clothing may be required. Whether it is mandatory is determined by the workplace risk assessment.
Signallers: In Türkiye, the Health and Safety Signs Regulation requires signallers to wear brightly coloured, distinctive items reserved exclusively for signallers, such as a jacket, safety helmet, arm sleeves or armband.
Traffic: We were unable to verify the current traffic legislation provisions for motorcyclists and cyclists in this guide; please refer to the current text of the Highway Traffic Regulation in Türkiye.

3. Care and washing

Wash high-visibility clothing separately or only with other EN ISO 20471 approved garments; avoid pre-soaking, bleach and over-drying (Snickers).
If the label does not state a maximum number of washes, the material has been tested after 5 washes (Snickers). One example manufacturer label (Portwest C470) states "max. 40 °C" and "maximum 50 washes"; always follow the label of your own product.
Dirty or faded clothing is less visible and offers less protection; replace any vest with worn tapes.

4. Products

Multi-pocket hi-vis vest, fluorescent yellow · Multi-pocket hi-vis vest, fluorescent orange · Hi-vis safety vest with double reflective tape · Mesh reflective vest · Elasticated hi-vis vest with buckle

. If the product page does not state the class, ask us before ordering. All products: Vests.

FAQ

What are the hi-vis vest classes?

Under EN ISO 20471 there are Class 1, 2 and 3; the class is determined by the area of fluorescent background and reflective tape. Class 3 offers the highest visibility.

What is a hi-vis vest for?

According to Türkiye's Ministry of Labour and Social Security (ÇSGB), high-visibility clothing is clothing with highly reflective properties and an easily noticeable background; the aim is for the worker to be clearly seen.

Is a Class 2 vest sufficient?

The required class is determined by the workplace risk assessment; for work requiring higher visibility, Class 3 is preferred, or garments are combined to raise the class.

Sources:Snickers EN ISO 20471 booklet (2018) · uvex protective clothing standards · Health and Safety Signs Regulation, Türkiye (Official Gazette 11.09.2013/28762) · PPE Regulation and annexes, Türkiye (mevzuat.gov.tr)

This guide was prepared by Vitrin Online on 10.10.2026. It provides general information and is not legal advice. Always follow the product's user instructions and your workplace risk assessment.