A new law will force French motorcyclists, starting next year, to have a high visibility safety vest with them while driving. The transalpine centaurs must wear the garment over the technical garments, under penalty of a rather salty fine.

From January 2016, in France, motorcyclists will also be obliged to wear a high visibility safety vest. The new rule of the Transalpine road code, provides that centaurs are not obliged to purchase a technical garment specifically designed for motorcycles, but that will be enough the “classic” yellow vest that, even we Italians, we are obliged to keep in the car. In the case of two wheels (in reality the obligation also applies to three-wheeled scooters and quads), the garment will necessarily be worn while driving and not hidden in the saddle. Also the sanctions are ready: who should not wear it, in fact, could incur a fine from 11 to 135 Euros, a figure considered too high by the French Federation of Motorcyclists, already contrary to the law and that would like the use of the vest is a personal choice.

As is clear, the provision is aimed at protecting the safety of motorcyclists, making them much more visible on the roadway: since 2008, in fact, when the garment became mandatory in the event of a breakdown or stop, the number of victims has dropped. In addition to the FFMC, many motorcyclists turn up their nose, already fitted with reflective bands on helmets and technical jackets. In Italy, for the moment, there is no change to the code in this direction, even if common sense recommends to always wearing a garment equipped with at least high visibility strips.