DIN & ISO standards for high-visibility vests: Which standard applies when and where?

April 28, 2025

Which standard applies when and where?

Whether on a construction site, in road traffic or when working in a warehouse - high-visibility clothing such as high-visibility vests and personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential in many professions to ensure the safety of employees. But what standards apply to High-visibility vests and High-visibility clothing? Which certifications are required in which area of application to ensure occupational safety?

What is occupational safety?

The aim of occupational safety is to prevent accidents at work and to protect against health hazards. Employers are therefore obliged to provide suitable PPE in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act. It is a legal requirement that personal protective equipment (PPE) is certified to ensure the safety of the wearer and to comply with the applicable standards and regulations.

Standards for high-visibility clothing

In this blog post, you will learn everything you need to know about choosing the right high-visibility vest, the legal requirements and the standards that apply to this protective clothing.

EN ISO 20471:2013 - The standard for high-visibility protective clothing

This standard applies to high-visibility clothing worn for occupational use in high-risk areas - wherever employees work in the vicinity of moving vehicles or machinery.

Typical areas of application:

Construction workers on public roads
Road and highway maintenance services
Emergency services such as the police, fire department and rescue services
Airport employees on the tarmac

What does the standard regulate?

EN ISO 20471 specifies minimum areas for fluorescent materials and retroreflective strips.

There are three classification levels (class 1 to 3) - the higher the class, the better the visibility:

Class 1: Approved for use on roads with speeds of up to 30 km/h. This protection level offers low protection and is only used in combination in Germany.
Class 2: Approved for use on roads with speeds of up to 60 km/h and with sufficient visibility and low traffic loads.
Class 3: Approved for use on roads with speeds in excess of 60 km/h, poor visibility and heavy traffic.

Class 3 clothing must cover the torso and have either sleeves with retroreflective stripes or long trouser legs with stripes as a minimum requirement.

EN 17353:2020 - For medium risk situations

This standard covers high-visibility products that do not have to meet the requirements of EN ISO 20471, but still guarantee increased visibility - for example, high-visibility vests for leisure activities.

Typical areas of application:

Joggers, cyclists or schoolchildren in road traffic
Factory visitors and warehouse employees without direct contact with road traffic
Agriculture and forestry during daylight hours
Outdoor activities at dusk

Standards overview: Which standard is required when?

Area of application Required standard

Construction site on road / highway EN ISO 20471:2013/A1:2016

Warehouse or internal traffic EN 17353:2020 Type AB3

School route / leisure / jogging EN 17353:2020 Type B3 or AB3

Visitor vests for companies EN 17353:2020 (type AB3 recommended)

Forestry and agriculture (day vision) EN 17353:2020 Type A

Korntex - certified quality and safety

Our products are certified in accordance with the latest standards and offer you maximum safety and quality. For example, our X200 visitor vest is certified in accordance with ISO 20471.

Particularly in demand:

Korntex high-visibility vests according to EN ISO 20471:2013/A1:2016
Visibility clothing in accordance with EN 17353:2020 Type B3 and AB3

We offer solutions for every application - from professional high-visibility warning vests to safe equipment for events, schools or sports groups.

Conclusion

Choosing the right high-visibility clothing depends on the respective area of use and risk. With EN ISO 20471:2013/A1:2016 and EN 17353:2020 Type A, there are clear guidelines on which requirements must be met. Korntex is at your side as a strong partner with certified high-visibility vests, high quality and sound advice.

👉 Do you have questions about the right high-visibility vest or standard for your area of application?

Contact our team - we will be happy to help you!