High Visibility Clothing Standard
EN ISO 20471:2013+A1:2016 specifies requirements for high-visibility clothing intended to make the wearer conspicuous to vehicle and mechanized-equipment operators in daylight and under headlights in darkness. The current edition remains valid while a revision is under development.
EN ISO 20471StandardCLASS 1/2/3Garment classIDProduct identityAlways verify the actual product label, manufacturer technical documentation and conformity markings.
EN ISO 20471:2013+A1:2016 specifies requirements for high-visibility clothing intended to make the wearer conspicuous to vehicle and mechanized-equipment operators in daylight and under headlights in darkness. The current edition remains valid while a revision is under development.
Traffic, road work, logistics, vehicle-movement areas and tasks where wearer conspicuity is critical.
Verify EN ISO 20471 marking and garment class; visibility class relates to the areas of fluorescent and retroreflective material.
A class code is not a selection decision by itself. Interpret it together with task-specific risk assessment and manufacturer data.
Lowest minimum area class for fluorescent/retroreflective material.
Class requiring a larger area of visibility materials.
Class requiring the highest minimum area of visibility materials.
EN ISO 20471StandardHigh-visibility clothing reference.CLASS 1/2/3Garment classVisibility class linked to fluorescent and retroreflective material areas.IDProduct identityManufacturer/model and care instructions.
Location varies by manufacturer and design. These are the first places to check; final verification must use the actual product and manufacturer documentation.
The marking should be legible, durable and match the product.
The marking should be legible, durable and match the product.
EN ISO 20471:2013+A1:2016High-visibility warning clothing
EN 17353Enhanced visibility equipment for medium-risk situations is a different standard
Garment class depends on minimum fluorescent and retroreflective material areas.
Class must be verified from product marking and garment design areas.
Determine risk level and verify the EN ISO 20471 class on the product label.
Use for quick pre-checks. It does not replace certification, competent inspection or task-specific risk assessment.
Does garment class match site risk?
Treating every reflective vest as EN ISO 20471 Class 3 for high-risk traffic areas.
Determine risk level and verify the EN ISO 20471 class on the product label.
Does garment class match site risk?
Are retroreflective bands cut, detached or heavily soiled?
Has fluorescent fabric faded or lost conspicuity?
Are wash/care limits within manufacturer instructions?