In brief

• The inspection covered ten models of high-visibility clothing: six vests and four jackets.
• Three models failed to meet the requirements, including two vests and one jacket.
• Seven models passed the tests without reservations.
• A vest bearing the CE marking may still fail to meet the requirements.

Results of the high-visibility clothing inspection

The Trade Inspection tested ten models of high-visibility clothing, of which six were vests and four were jackets (Wozisz ją w aucie lub zakładasz na rower? Te kamizelki oblały testy widoczności – otomoto.pl). The inspections ran from July to September. The samples were sent to the Motor Transport Institute, which assessed their parameters.

Three models failed to meet the requirements, including two vests and one jacket. The remaining seven passed the tests without reservations. In autumn, when days are shorter, visibility on the road is especially important for pedestrians and cyclists (Kamizelki odblaskowe pod lupą UOKiK. Aż co trzeci zbadany produkt nie spełnia norm – eska.pl).

Why the CE marking is not enough

A vest bearing the CE marking may still fail to meet the requirements. The marking therefore does not guarantee that the product will perform its role well. Before buying, it is worth checking whether the label states the standard and visibility parameters.

What about a vest already bought by a consumer

One journalist who bought a high-visibility vest learned after the inspection that his copy also belongs to the defective products (Kupiłem kamizelkę odblaskową. Teraz dowiedziałem się, że to bubel – se.pl). Consumers should keep their receipt and report doubts to the seller or the market surveillance authority.

Rules for drivers

A high-visibility vest in a car is mandatory, and its absence may result in a fine. Choosing a product with confirmed visibility therefore also matters for compliance with the law.