EN ISO 20471: A Guide to Reflective Classes
Summary: EN ISO 20471 is the international standard for high-visibility protective clothing. It divides hi-vis clothing into three classes according to the amount of fluorescent and retroreflective material on it: Class 1 (lowest), Class 2 (medium) and Class 3 (highest visibility). The class is chosen according to the level of risk and the speed of traffic.
What Is EN ISO 20471?
EN ISO 20471 is the standard for high-visibility clothing that makes the wearer visible in conditions of poor visibility. It replaced the old EN 471 standard. The standard defines the amount and placement of fluorescent background material and retroreflective tape.
Its purpose is to make sure that someone exposed to traffic or plant can be seen both by day, through the fluorescent colour, and at night, through tape that reflects headlight beams. Certified clothing carries the CE mark and counts as Category II PPE.
What Is the Difference Between EN ISO 20471 Classes 1, 2 and 3?
The classes are set by the minimum area of fluorescent and reflective material on the garment. The higher the class, the more visible material there is — and so the higher the level of protection. The table below compares the three classes.
| Class | Visibility | Min. fluorescent area | Min. reflective area | Typical product |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Lowest | 0.14 m² | 0.10 m² | Reflective trousers, belt |
| Class 2 | Medium | 0.50 m² | 0.13 m² | Hi-vis vest |
| Class 3 | Highest | 0.80 m² | 0.20 m² | Reflective coverall, jacket + trousers ensemble |
An important rule: a single garment rarely gives Class 3 protection. Usually a long-sleeved jacket and reflective trousers need to be worn together. A vest alone is Class 2 in most cases.
Which Sector Should Use Which Class?
The choice of class depends on the speed of the traffic the wearer is exposed to and the working environment. As vehicle speeds rise and visibility distances fall, a higher class is needed. The list below offers a practical match for common sectors.
- Class 1: Inside warehouses, car parks, low-traffic facility areas.
- Class 2: Urban roadsides, municipal cleansing, parcel and logistics yards.
- Class 3: Motorways, fast traffic, night work, railways, airport aprons.
Factors That Affect the Choice of Class
The sector name alone does not decide the right class. In the risk assessment, the factors below are weighed together to reach the final decision on class.
- The speed of vehicles passing close to the worker.
- Whether the work is done by day or at night.
- How busy the background is (visual clutter reduces visibility).
- The distance between the worker and vehicles, and the reaction time.
Colour and Care of EN ISO 20471 Clothing
The standard defines yellow, orange-red and red for the fluorescent background. To keep the fluorescent effect, the garment must not fade and the reflective tape must not lose performance through washing. That is why following the washing instructions matters as much as the validity of the certificate.
For heavy use (frequent washing), whether the material keeps its performance after a set number of washes is stated in the manufacturer's documentation. In corporate purchasing, you should ask for this durability data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are EN ISO 20471 and EN 471 the same?
EN ISO 20471 is the updated, internationalised version of the old EN 471 standard. New production is based on EN ISO 20471.
What class is a hi-vis vest?
A standard hi-vis vest is usually Class 2. For Class 3 protection, a long-sleeved jacket and reflective trousers need to be worn together.
What class of hi-vis clothing is needed on a motorway?
For motorways, fast traffic and night work, Class 3 — the highest protection — is recommended. This is usually achieved with a jacket + reflective trousers combination.
Is EN ISO 20471 clothing PPE?
Yes. EN ISO 20471 certified high-visibility clothing falls under CE-marked Category II personal protective equipment.
Related Guides
- Construction Site Workwear — the high-visibility requirement on site
- Logistics and Warehouse Staff Workwear — choosing a reflective class for yards and warehouses
- Safety Workwear: A Sector Guide — choosing protective clothing by sector
- Hard Hat Colours and Their Meanings — visual identity and head protection on site
EN ISO 20471 Certified Reflective Production: Mars Wear
Supplying EN ISO 20471 compliant hi-vis clothing in the right class for your sector is critical for both legal compliance and worker safety. With production in Zeytinburnu, Istanbul, Mars Wear makes hi-vis vests, trousers and coveralls to the standard, from a minimum of 100 pieces, with corporate logo embroidery.
For the class and quantity that suit your needs, get a quote now. Related products and categories:
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