Hi-Vis Explained: EN ISO 20471 Classes
What do hi-vis Class 1, 2 and 3 mean?
EN ISO 20471 sorts high visibility clothing into three classes by the minimum area of fluorescent background material and retroreflective tape. Class 1 needs at least 0.14 m² of background and 0.10 m² of tape, Class 2 needs 0.50 m² and 0.13 m², and Class 3 needs 0.80 m² and 0.20 m². Your risk assessment sets the class you need.
Updated 5 October 2026
What Class 1, 2 and 3 actually mean, and how to choose the right level of high-visibility clothing for your team's risk and environment.
High-visibility clothing in the UK and Europe is certified to EN ISO 20471. The standard sets minimum areas of fluorescent background fabric and retroreflective tape, and sorts garments into three classes by how much of that material they carry. More material means higher visibility, and a higher class.
The three classes
Class 1 is the lowest class, with the least fluorescent material and tape: at least 0.14 m² of background and 0.10 m² of tape. Suited to lower-risk environments away from fast-moving traffic, or worn to top up another garment.
Class 2 is the middle level, most often seen as hi-vis vests, tabards and polo shirts. A common choice for warehouses, deliveries, events and many general worksites.
Class 3 is the highest class: at least 0.80 m² of background and 0.20 m² of tape. A Class 3 garment covers the torso and has sleeves or full-length legs carrying retroreflective tape, so jackets, coveralls and two-piece suits can reach it. It is the usual choice for high-risk settings such as near fast traffic, or work in poor light and at night.
How to choose
Match the class to the risk. The faster the traffic and the poorer the light, the higher the class you need. Many roadside and night-work rules ask for Class 3; your risk assessment or site rules decide. Garments can also be certified together as an ensemble (for example a jacket and trousers) to reach a higher class, so check the label for what each garment, or the set, is certified to.
Branding hi-vis without breaking compliance
Adding a logo must not reduce the certified areas of background fabric or cover the reflective tape. In practice that means placing decoration on the non-certified zones and keeping logos an appropriate size. We do this every day, so your team stays both branded and compliant. If in doubt, we'll advise on placement before anything is made.
Shop hi-vis by class
More on the standards: PPE standards explained
Common questions
Can I put my logo on a hi-vis jacket without affecting its rating?
Yes, as long as the logo goes on a non-certified area and doesn't reduce the minimum background fabric or cover the reflective tape. We place and size decoration so the garment keeps its EN ISO 20471 rating.
What class of hi-vis do I need for roadside work?
Many roadside and high-speed-traffic rules ask for Class 3, which covers the torso and has taped sleeves or full-length taped legs. Always follow your own risk assessment or site rules.