Guide to Hi Vis Standards and Rules in the UK

If you work in construction, roadside maintenance, warehousing, transport, or any outdoor role, you’ve probably worn Hi Vis Clothing more times than you can count. But knowing why certain standards exist and what they mean helps ensure the gear you choose is genuinely keeping you safe.

Whether you use personalised hi vis for team identification or standard reflective jackets for daily tasks, understanding the UK’s visibility requirements is essential.

Below is a practical, easy-to-read breakdown of the standards that apply across the UK, why they matter, and how to make sure your clothing meets them.

What are the Key Hi Vis Standards in the UK?

The main hi vis standards in the UK are EN ISO 20471, the PPE at Work Regulations 1992, and sector-specific rules such as RIS-3279-TOM for rail.

These standards ensure workers are visible in low light, bad weather, and traffic-heavy environments.

1. EN ISO 20471 The Main Hi Vis Standard

This is the primary European and UK standard for high-visibility clothing used in professional environments.

It sets rules for:

Minimum fluorescent material (daytime visibility)
Reflective tape performance (night visibility)

Garment coverage (how much of the body is visible)
Testing durability after washing and wear

EN ISO 20471 includes three classes:

Class 1

Lowest visibility level

Used by: Warehouse staff, low-risk workplaces

Class 2

Medium visibility

Used by: Drivers, road-side staff, delivery workers

Class 3

Highest protection

Used by: Motorway crews, emergency responders, high-speed traffic areas

Only garments that meet these strict requirements can legally be called high-visibility clothing in the UK.

2. PPE at Work Regulations 1992 (Updated 2022)

UK law requires employers to:

Provide hi vis free of charge
Conduct a risk assessment to determine the level of visibility needed

Replace damaged or faded items
Ensure it fits properly

Maintain clothing to a safe standard
Provide training on correct use

If hi vis is needed for safety, it must meet EN ISO 20471.
This ensures workers are visible enough for their environment and job role.

3. RIS-3279-TOM The Rail Industry Standard

Workers on or near railways must wear high-visibility orange that meets this specific requirement.

This standard dictates:

A precise shade of orange

Highly durable reflective tape

Additional visibility requirements for rail settings

Yellow hi vis is not permitted for rail work.
This is one of the most common questions from buyers choosing custom hi vis for transport or rail-adjacent sites.

How Do You Know if a Hi Vis Garment Is Compliant?

Look for:

The EN ISO 20471 label
A class rating (1, 2, or 3)

CE marking (showing conformity)
Clear, unbroken reflective strips

Bright, unfaded fluorescent material
Sizing that does not obstruct visibility

If any of these are missing, the garment may not meet UK standards even if it “looks” like hi vis.

Common Questions People Ask About UK Hi Vis Standards

Q: Does personalised hi vis affect compliance?

It can if added incorrectly. Logos must not cover reflective tape or reduce required fluorescent areas.

Q: Are long sleeves required for Class 3?

Yes. Sleeves must be covered with reflective and fluorescent material to meet Class 3.

Q: Can hi vis stop being compliant over time?

Yes. Sun damage, heavy washing, or abrasion can fade colours and reduce reflectivity.

Q: Do cyclists and runners fall under EN ISO 20471?

Not legally this standard is for professional use. But many choose compliant hi vis for added visibility.

Q: Can I wear any colour as long as it’s bright?

No. Only yellow, orange, and red are approved under EN ISO 20471.

Most Common Mistakes People Make with Hi Vis Standards

Using non-certified hi vis for professional work
Choosing the wrong class for a job role
Assuming bright colours = compliance

Using oversized or ill-fitting clothing
Placing company branding over reflective tape

These issues often arise with custom made hi vis workwear, so checking compliance before ordering is essential.

A Quick Breakdown of When Each Class Should Be Used

Class 1

Low-speed vehicles, indoor machinery, supervised workplaces.

Class 2

Moderate traffic, roadside delivery work, busy yard environments.

Class 3

High-speed roads, night work, emergency services, motorways.

Choosing correctly helps protect workers and ensures legal compliance.

Conclusion

Understanding hi vis standards in the UK ensures every worker stays visible, safe, and compliant whether you’re on a construction site, directing traffic, or managing warehouse operations. From EN ISO 20471 to sector-specific rules like RIS-3279-TOM, the right knowledge helps you choose the correct level of protection for your job.

If you’re looking for compliant high-visibility garments that meet UK standards, explore the range at Brook Hi Vis.