Anyone know if you need to carry a Hi Viz Vest whilst riding in France/ I have heard conflicting reports so anyone in the know would be appreciated?
TA Steve
TA Steve
Hi Viz Vest
- Thread starter 47Steve
- Start date
And I think it needs to be accessible without getting off the bike
Why would that be
I think the law is that you must wear the Hi Vis when not on the bike. So the logic goes that you cant get off the bike without Hi Vis which means that it must be accessible
I know, I know
That is the rule for cars, motorhomes etc. I not sure it applies to bikes. They do like their rules in France. Most residents there ignore them though. Like we must carry a first aid kit. No requirement to know how to use it though.
It must be carried. Top-box , pannier, pocket, wherever, its AOK
For not having one, the fine is €11
For failing to use one in the event of a breakdown or accident, the fine is €135
I didn’t bother last week …..Took a chance
More bureaucracy
I can’t remember ever having taken one on the bike. We have them in the car and the motorhome.
Me neither and I live here
If you break down on the bike on the autoroute and call the recovery number the first thing they tell you to do is put your high viz on. Not exactly a large item of kit to stash on your bike is it?
There's feckall room on me KTM
In France, motorcyclists are required to carry a high visibility vest while riding, and they must wear it if they need to exit their vehicle after an emergency stop. Failure to comply can result in fines ranging from €11 to €135, depending on the situation.
These regulations are in place to enhance safety on the roads and ensure that motorcyclists are visible in case of emergencies.
High Visibility Vest Requirement for Motorcyclists in France
In France, motorcyclists must adhere to specific regulations regarding high visibility vests. Here are the key points:Carrying the Vest
- Mandatory Requirement: All motorcyclists are required to carry a high visibility vest while riding.
- Storage: The vest should be stored in an accessible location on the motorcycle.
Wearing the Vest
- Emergency Situations: The vest must be worn if the rider needs to exit the motorcycle after an emergency stop.
- No Constant Requirement: There is no obligation to wear the vest at all times while riding.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
| Failing to carry a vest | €11 |
| Not wearing the vest after an emergency stop | €135 |
These regulations are in place to enhance safety on the roads and ensure that motorcyclists are visible in case of emergencies.
Good to knowMe neither and I live here
I knew it was a load of old bollox
Don’t break down on the autoroute then
I broke 2 weeks ago in France, sat outside a Boulangerie eating a croissant & drinking coffee
Bike parked on a quite street leaking fuel, into the gutter
Assistance called
Can’t remember if the recovery driver had Hiviz or not
Didn’t seem any drama loading the bike onto a tow truck bed
It’s pretty much the only ‘rule’ I comply with. It’s takes up feck all room.
Home, or away on ‘le continent’ - if I am suddenly stuck at the side of the road I want to be seen and not hurt !
That said / leaving tomorrow with the wife and I only have the one vest.
She can fend for herself !
Home, or away on ‘le continent’ - if I am suddenly stuck at the side of the road I want to be seen and not hurt !
That said / leaving tomorrow with the wife and I only have the one vest.
She can fend for herself !
Next time you drive through France just keep an eye out for drivers stopped on the motorways. They’ve usually stopped for a piss and never have I seen one wearing a hi vis.
I usually take a dim view of nanny state health and safety bollocks but broke down on a motorway, especially at night, it just makes sense to me
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