2025 New Guide to EN ISO 20471: Understanding Visibility Classes in Hi-Vis Workwear

In industrial and roadside environments, visibility can be the difference between a safe shift and a serious accident. That’s why EN ISO 20471 has become the essential European standard for hi-vis workwear, setting strict guidelines on how high-visibility clothing must be designed, tested, and used.

This guide provides a full explanation of the three visibility classes defined by EN ISO 20471, clarifies how each class is recognized, and outlines what level is required in different work environments. Whether you're a safety officer, procurement manager, or team leader, understanding this classification helps you select the right gear—and keep your team protected.

What is EN ISO 20471?

EN ISO 20471 is the international standard that regulates high-visibility clothing used in professional and industrial settings across Europe. It defines requirements for garments that must ensure visibility of the wearer in daylight, low-light, and nighttime conditions.

The standard is focused on two key materials:

• Fluorescent material for visibility during the day.
• Retroreflective tape that reflects light at night, especially under headlights.

To provide clarity and consistency, EN ISO 20471 groups garments into three classes—Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3—based on the total visible area of these materials. The higher the class, the greater the visibility and protection the garment provides.

Understanding the Three Visibility Classes

The standard defines three classes of high-visibility clothing, with each class specifying the minimum required areas of fluorescent and retroreflective materials:

• Class 1: Suitable for low-risk environments and low-speed traffic (up to 30 km/h). Requires 0.14 m² of fluorescent material and 0.10 m² of reflective material.
• Class 2: Suitable for moderate-risk environments with higher visibility needs. Requires 0.50 m² of fluorescent material and 0.13 m² of reflective material.
• Class 3: Suitable for the most hazardous situations, often involving fast-moving traffic (over 50 km/h). Requires 0.80 m² of fluorescent material and 0.20 m² of reflective material, typically with full sleeves or trousers to ensure full-body visibility.

These classifications are not just guidelines—they’re often mandatory under national regulations, especially for roadside and infrastructure workers.

Class 1: Basic Visibility for Low-Risk Environments

Class 1 is the minimum level of high-visibility protection under EN ISO 20471 and is designed for environments where the risk of being struck by moving vehicles is minimal. This includes off-road worksites, indoor logistics centers, and areas where traffic is slow and tightly controlled.

To meet Class 1, a garment must feature at least 0.14 square meters of fluorescent material and 0.10 square meters of retroreflective tape. These garments typically include simple vests, trousers, or accessories that offer basic visibility when lighting is sufficient or when combined with other PPE.

While Class 1 garments may be adequate for warehouse workers or delivery drivers in private areas, they are not permitted for use on public roads in most European countries due to insufficient visibility under more demanding conditions.

Class 2: Increased Visibility for Moderate Risk

Class 2 offers an enhanced level of visibility for workers exposed to moderate risk environments, such as urban construction sites, road maintenance in lower-speed zones, or public utility work near roads with vehicles traveling up to 50 km/h.

To comply with Class 2, garments must include at least 0.50 m² of fluorescent material and 0.13 m² of reflective material. This class covers a wide range of hi-vis polo shirts, T-shirts, light jackets, and bib trousers that provide excellent visibility during daylight and low-light conditions.

Class 2 is often the minimum legal requirement for any roadside work in many EU countries. It provides adequate coverage for workers operating close to moving vehicles and heavy equipment, while allowing for greater flexibility and comfort than bulkier Class 3 garments.

Class 3: Maximum Protection for High-Risk Work

Class 3 represents the highest level of protection and is mandatory in environments with the greatest safety risks—including high-speed traffic zones, poor weather conditions, and nighttime operations. This includes highway maintenance crews, railway workers, airport ground staff, and emergency responders.

Garments in this class must feature at least 0.80 m² of fluorescent material and 0.20 m² of reflective tape, with design requirements that typically include full-length sleeves and/or trousers. The layout of reflective tape must ensure 360-degree visibility, meaning the worker is visible from all angles.

Due to the demanding nature of Class 3 applications, garments are often full-body suits, winter jackets with matching pants, or long-sleeve coveralls, offering both visibility and protection from environmental hazards.

Can You Combine Garments to Reach a Higher Class?

Yes. EN ISO 20471 allows certain garments to be combined to meet a higher visibility class. For example, wearing a Class 2 jacket together with Class 2 trousers can provide Class 3 visibility—as long as the total surface area meets the standard and the combination offers continuous 360° coverage.

This modular approach is useful in changing weather conditions or transitional seasons when workers layer up or down depending on their environment. However, both pieces must be individually certified, and the final combination must be tested and approved as compliant.

Industry Requirements: What Class Do You Need?

Each industry and job site presents its own set of hazards. Below is a general guide to visibility class requirements across key sectors:

⚠️ Employers should always refer to local regulations in their country or industry, as some roles may legally require Class 2 or 3 garments by default.

Why EN ISO 20471 Compliance Matters

Not all fluorescent or reflective clothing is created equal. Only garments certified under EN ISO 20471 have passed rigorous tests for durability, color fastness, retroreflection, and design layout. These garments are built to withstand real working conditions, including repeated wash cycles and physical wear.

Choosing uncertified hi-vis clothing might save on initial costs, but it can expose workers to unnecessary risks—and companies to legal liability. For long-term safety and compliance, always insist on EN ISO 20471-certified garments, with a visible CE label and class rating.

WERKVIS: Hi-Vis Workwear Designed for EN ISO 20471

At WERKVIS, we specialize in hi-vis workwear engineered to meet EN ISO 20471 standards. Designed in Europe and tested to perform in the field, our garments offer reliable protection and modern fit, without compromising comfort.

For example:

• Class 1 hi-vis trousers for basic work environments
• All hi-vis vests are ideal for Class 2 summer visibility
• Our hi-vis T-shirts and polo shirts (e.g., WT303/WT304/most jackets...) with lightweight comfort and certified reflectivity meet EN ISO 20471 Class3 standard.

Explore our complete collection to find the right class of visibility gear for your industry! Now we have free sample giveaway, you could join the activity and win your free samples to test the quality of our workwears! Click the picture below to get!