Emergency jackets and vests must be worn by drivers of vehicles that are stopped on the carriageway, outside of town, at night and when visibility is limited.
They must be worn when positioning the warning triangle after a breakdown or if you exit the vehicle in the emergency lane.
The same obligation, that came in force on 1st April 2004 (Law 27th February 2004 no. 47), also applies to passengers.
The technical specifications of reflecting, high visibility jackets and vests were laid down in the decree issued by the Ministry of Infrastructures and Transports on 30th December 2003. The Legislative Decree also set out the provision for the approval of these safety devices. Manufacturers are required to produce high-visibility garments accompanied by a certificate of conformit issued by an authorised certifying centre.
The motorist can choose either a jacket or vests, and the colour (orange, red, or yellow); the label must however bear the “EC” brand and the “UNI EN 471” writing. Therefore be careful where and from whom who purchase these items.
If you “forget” to wear these items the Police will give you a 36 to 148 euros fine and take two points off your driving license. If the violation concerns the passengers, only the monetary sanction applies. A Tip: keep your jacket inside the vehicle and not in the trunk, so that you can put it on before stepping out of the vehicle without committing a driving offence.