When an unpleasant collision occurs, many people do not think and run immediately to help. In some cases, such as poor visibility or darkness, they may not be visible on the road and maybe hit by a passing car. Unfortunately, there have been several such cases.
Ideally, it is advisable to have a vest close to you - somewhere in a castle, so that one can easily reach for it and put it on when getting out of the car. Confusion can arise for some drivers who do not know whether or not to have a reflective vest in the car. According to Decree No. 206/2018 Coll ., the vest has been deleted from the mandatory equipment elements. So if you go for a technical inspection, you will pass without a vest in the car.
However, according to Act No. 361/2000 Coll. - ie in the Road Act, it is clearly stated that every driver who moves outside the vehicle due to an emergency must wear a reflective vest. These two legal documents are therefore somewhat contradictory. Therefore, although the reflective vest is not on the list of mandatory equipment, you must still have it in the vehicle.
The law further stipulates that only the driver must wear a reflective vest, although it is advisable to have more in-vehicle vest. For example, if you get into a car accident and the whole crew of the car needs help, it would be safer for them to have a vest too. An accident area where rescue services are not yet intervening can be potentially dangerous and should not be underestimated.
What color is the right one
In the Czech Republic, two colors of reflective vests are valid. You can buy either a fluorescent yellow or orange-red vest. Both colored vests must of course be complemented by retro-reflective tapes in two rows. You will also find a number on the vest that corresponds to the valid vest standard according to the harmonized European standard. After all, what a reflective vest should look like is regulated by Decree No. 294/2015 Coll.
Where to buy a reflective vest
The good news is that you can get a vest everywhere. So it is not a shortage of goods. It is sold both by brick-and-mortar stores and online. You can also get it at gas stations. You can buy this security element in stores for as little as 50 crowns.
It is different abroad
From time to time, the driver is waiting for a trip abroad, whether he is going on holiday with his family or just on a business trip. It is advisable to have an overview of the local road rules because what applies in our country may not apply in the surrounding states. Prepare in advance rather than paying expensive fines.
Slovakia - a reflective vest must be available to every member of the car crew. If this does not happen, there is a fine of 50 to 150 euros. Also, make sure that the vests are close at hand, not in the trunk - you could also be fined for that.
Slovenia - reflective vests are mandatory for each crew member. In case of violation, there is a fine of up to 40 euros.
Austria - always have the vest at your fingertips. The Austrians are pretty picky about it, so they can check you during a regular traffic check to see if you have reflective vests. Allowed colors are orange, red, and yellow. The vest is mandatory for the driver, it is only recommended for the rest of the crew. But on the other hand, the law says that anyone who leaves the car in an emergency must wear a vest. If you have a vest you will not risk a fine of 14 to 2180 euros.
Poland - reflective vests are mandatory for each crew member. In case of violation, there is a fine of 90 to 750 euros.
Hungary - reflective vests are mandatory for each crew member. In case of violation, there is a fine of up to 120 euros.
Italy - when traveling to this country, you better equip the whole crew with vests. Although the Italian police do not check during a random police check whether you have a vest with you, it fines it if you get out of the car outside the village without it in an emergency. For violations, the driver can be fined from 25 to 120 euros.
Croatia - only the driver of the car must wear a reflective vest. In case of violation, there is a fine of 40 euros.