While we have many rules and regulations for hi viz workwear in the UK and it is undoubtedly a useful addition for any worker operating where conditions are affected by low light and poor visibility. However, from the 1st January this year the rules in France have gone a stage further. They have made it compulsory for riders of motor bikes to wear this type of clothing when out on the road.

They are even amending the “Highway Code” to reflect the new legislation. Anyone with a bike over 125cc will now be required to wear hi-vis apparel in order to make themselves more visible to others on the road. The clothing has to be worn on the upper body and comply with European laws on the amount of reflective strips used.

The new regulations apply to anyone on the bike, whether driver or passenger, that travel within French boarders, and it will apply to any foreigners travelling through France. For those who do not comply there will be a fine of £56.00. As is normally the case with the introduction of new rules French bike owners aren’t happy with the change to the law. They have argued that other vehicles should be able to notice them and that it should be left to personal choice whether to wear the clothing.

Since the introduction in the 1960s UK figures for deaths and accidents have in industry have seen a steady decline, so it has to be accepted that it will have the same effect on the French roads. After all, weather conditions and dark nights affect the ability to see other motorists, the wearing of high visibility clothing is a small change that will surely make a big difference and I’m sure manufacturers will see the opportunity to create something stylish and modern that motorcyclists will want to wear.

This is simply a case of hi viz workwear being modified taking the advantages it gives and applying in a new situation to help to save lives, who would want to argue against that?