Fluo jacket
Fluo jackets obligatory or not?
a retro-reflective jacket must be on board of each car.
As from 01 February 2007 drivers with a break down on motorways and major roads in areas
where they are not allowed to stop or park, must be wearing a retro-reflective safety jacket as
soon as they leave their vehicles.
Only the driver of the broken down vehicle has to take the necessary safety measures.
Therefore, only the driver has to wear a safety jacket. However, it is recommended that all
over passengers move behind the barrier rail for their own safety.
This is why LeasePlan decided to provide, as of the 1st January 2007, a retro-reflective safety jacket with all new delivered LeasePlan car.
As from 1 June 2009 the safety jacket is part of to the obligatory vehicle
equipment as the warning triangle, the first-aid box and the fire extinguisher.
Since this modification is introduced in the technical regulation and not in the rule of
conduct, the obligation applies only to vehicles registered in Belgium.
Of course the law of 1 February 2007 remains valid.
A retro-reflective jackets obligatory or not? What does the European legislation
say?
From a strictly legal point of view, a Belgian can not be obliged to have with him or wear
abroad a retro-reflective safety jacket. This obligation is not part of the traffic regulation
or a general European measure. Therefore this obligation applies only to the citizens of the
country where the rule was introduced.
In practice appears that not all policemen are informed even well of the exact legal scope of
that measure, and all road users concerning one peak shave. Compatriot or not. In this case,
the tourist is often powerless, especially if he does not know the language. Strictly speaking
you can not be blamed, but if you want to succeed, you may need to go through a lengthy,
complicated and expensive legal process.
VAB recommends that you carry with you a retro-reflective safety jacket . This will allow you to avoid many problems if you are stopped by an ignorant or misinformed policeman. As a result you will increase your visibility, day or night, and also your safety.