Every driver must have a safety vest in his car. This is not mandatory for passengers but still recommended.
In France, the fluorescent safety vest with reflective tape is part of the mandatory equipment to have in the car since October 2008, in the same way as the pre-signaling triangle. The yellow vest must bear the CE mark of the European Community.
The Highway Code says:
“The safety vest shall be worn by the driver before leaving the vehicle, at night and during the day, whatever the visibility conditions, following an emergency stop”.
This obligation only applies to the driver of the car. It is not necessary to have a safety vest per passenger, even if it is recommended for the safety of all.
What is the fine if I do not have a safety vest with reflective material?
In case of absence of safety vest in the vehicle, you risk a fine of 135 euros, minus 90 euros (contravention of fourth class). You may also verbalize if your vest is not easily accessible from your seat. So prefer to store it in the glove compartment rather than hide it at the bottom of the trunk.
However, unlike a rumor launched on the Internet, you do not risk anything by putting your yellow safety vest on the dashboard on the sidelines of the protest against the fuel increase of November 17, 2018.