Three things you need to know about fluorescent vests in your car

As a motorist, are you obliged to put a fluorescent vest in your car? Do you have to do that if you have a car breakdown? And what about your passengers?

To increase the safety of motorists, there is an obligation in many countries to put on a reflective vest, if you get out of your car in the event of a breakdown. What are the rules that apply in Belgium?

It belongs to the mandatory equipment

The reflective safety vest is first and foremost part of the mandatory equipment of your car, as is a warning triangle, a first aid kit, and a fire extinguisher. If you take your car to the car inspection, you can check if there is such a card onboard. The police can also check whether you have a card in your car during a roadside check.

You have to put it on sometimes

You are also obliged to put on the vest when you get out of your car in the event of a car breakdown where you end up in a place that is not allowed to stop or park. This obligation applies not only to motorways but also to car breakdowns on motorways.

One for each passenger

Strictly speaking, it suffices that you put one vest in your car. The law also does not oblige your passengers to put on such a vest when they get off at a car breakdown. Nevertheless, for safety reasons, it is recommended that you provide a vest for each passenger. The use of such a vest increases the visibility of the person wearing it.