A few weeks after the IRB, things are becoming clearer for bikers and scooters. No vest to wear, no fluorescent either, but an armband is equip. The CNSR suspends the obligation to wear mandatory permanent retro-reflective motorcycle and scooter. An update on the legislation of retro-reflective material on motorbikes and scooters is announced.
Among the 18 measures of the last IRB (Interdepartmental Committee on Road Safety), 1 made a big noise: “Drivers of motorcycles and tricycles will have to wear retro-reflective equipment. “Many wanted to see the obligation to wear a fluorescent yellow vest. It is true that, as we said then, the wording was rather vague. A few days later, it was more a question of wearing equipment equipped with retro-reflective elements on a few square centimeters, without specifying the exact size. Today, the speech has changed, and everything will go through a “simple” armband.
The information came from RTL and was relayed by our colleagues Moto: Michele Merle (landed since) evoked then an armband. Here are some details on this subject. The device in question must be retro-reflective and visible from the front, from the back, and from both sides. It will therefore be necessary to wear an armband on the left, but also on the right! However, this cuff should not necessarily be fluorescent, but only retro-reflective; the phobic’s of the “yellow building site” will be relieved. And as some black textiles can be retro reflective, if a manufacturer decides to release an armband matching future standards remaining sober in broad daylight, his fortune is assured. We expect of course the publication of the decrees, but according to our information, worn armbands should measure 3 centimeters in width, be retro-reflective over their entire surface, and surround the arm. To our knowledge, as long as the jackets are not equipped, this leaves the choice between the elastic cuffs and the RIBs. In any case, it will be necessary to be careful not to lose them when one removes his jacket.
Some will be skeptical about the usefulness of the device, including its mandatory daytime character when a retro-reflective tape is only effective at night. Anyway, when the text comes into application, not wearing these armbands should be punished by 2 points less (and 68 €). But before rushing to equip you, wait until the norm is clearly established, because it is a safe bet that some unscrupulous will ride the “fear of the fine” to propose in advance sold armbands at low prices and who may well not protect you from the Forces of the Order.
We contacted the manufacturers, who told us that they would soon offer these armbands in their catalogs, the time for them to adapt their ranges. In addition, if some had taken the lead with detachable cuffs, this innovation involved only the left arm, which will be insufficient in the eyes of the law anyway.