Reflective Safety Vests Differences: ANSI 107 Class 1 Vs 2 & 3
Learn the differences between Class 1, 2, 3, and Class E safety vests under ANSI guidelines. Understand visibility standards, compliance, and worker safety.
By Livia Ilie, NOCRY product teamPublished May 30, 20257 min
ANSI 107 is the American National Standard for high-visibility safety apparel (HVSA).
Class 1, 2, and 3 vestsprovide increasing levels of visibility based on traffic speed, worker proximity, and risk.
Class E pantsaren’t standalone compliant but upgrade Class 2 vests to Class 3 when worn together.
ANSI also defines threetypes of hi-vis clothing based on the work environment (O, R, P).
What Are HiVis Safety Vest Classes?
Safety vest classes are levels assigned based on the visibility needs of different job environments.The ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 standard outlines these classes to ensure workers can be seen clearly under various lighting and weather conditions, especially near vehicles or heavy machinery.
The classes are:
Class 1: Minimal visibility for low-risk environments
Class 2:Intermediate visibility for traffic or outdoor work
Class 3:Maximum visibility for high-speed or low-visibility conditions
Additionally, class E is used to represent high-visibility pants that upgrade Class 2 to Class 3 when combined.
When Do You Need a Class 1 Safety Vest?
Class 1 safety vestsare suitable for workers in areas where vehicle traffic does not exceed 25 mph andminimal exposure to moving equipment is expected. Therefore, class 1 is not approved for use on or near public roadways.
Requirements:
At least 217 in² of background material
At least 155 in² of reflective material
Optimal for:
Warehouse workers
Shopping cart retrievers
Parking lot attendants
Delivery drivers working in low-traffic areas
When Do You Need a Class 2 Safety Vest?
Class 2 vestsare designed for environments with more traffic, faster speeds (up to 50 mph), or where workers need to stand out more against complex backgrounds. It is often used duringdaytime operationsor where visibility is important but not critical.
Requirements:
At least 775 in² of background material
At least 201 in² of reflective material
Optimal for:
Roadside construction crews
Utility and telecom workers
Survey crews
School crossing guards
Airport ground staff
When Do You Need a Class 3 Safety Vest?
Class 3 vests provide the highest level of visibility.These are designed for workers exposed to high-speed traffic (50+ mph), nighttime conditions, or complex work environments where maximum conspicuity is essential. Also recommended inlow-light or poor weatherconditions where risks are elevated.
Requirements:
At least 1,240 in² of background material
At least310 in² of reflective material
Optimal for:
Warehouse workers
Shopping cart retrievers
Parking lot attendants
Delivery drivers working in low-traffic areas
When Do You Need a Class E Safety Vest?
Class E refers to supplemental high-visibility garments like pants, overalls, or gaiters. These arenot ANSI-compliant on their own, but when paired with a Class 2 or Class 3 vest, they create a full Class 3 ensemble.
For example, pairing Class E pants with a Class 2 vest gives the worker Class 3 level visibility, making it a flexible choice for changing work conditions.
Requirements:
ANSI-compliant background and retroreflective material
Reflective bands must wrap around both legs
Optimal for:
Highway construction teams
Utility line workers
Airport runway crews
Railway workers
What Are the ANSI Types (O, R, P)?
Along with classes, ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 defines threetypes of high-visibility clothing based on the work environment:
Type O (Off-Road):For off-road environments like warehouses, oil fields, and mining sites. Typically uses Class 1garments.
Type R (Roadway):For road construction, utility work, and other environments where workers are exposed to moving traffic. Typically usesClass 2 or Class 3 garments.
Type P (Public Safety):For emergency responders, law enforcement, and firefighters who often work near roadways or in complex situations. Typically uses Class 2 or Class 3 garments, often with features like breakaway designs or specialized ID panels.
Knowing bothtype and classensures proper PPE selection.
How Are HiVis Safety Vests Tested?
To be ANSI compliant, afinished garment (not just the fabric) must be tested. Labs assess:
Color fastness (fluorescence after UV exposure)
Retroreflectivity (how well it reflects light)
Durability (after washing, abrasion, or flame exposure)
Design layout (proper distribution of stripes and background)
Each vest must meet bothdesignandperformancecriteria; compliance isnot just about adding reflective tape.
How to Choose the Right Safety Vest
Selecting the correct HiVissafety vest classdepends on yourwork environment, traffic exposure, and visibility needs. Here’s what to consider:
1. Assess Vehicle Speeds and Traffic
Under 25 mph? You may be fine with Class 1, which is ideal for warehouse workers or parking attendants.
25–50 mph? Go with Class 2, which is suitable for road crews, survey teams, and utility workers.
Above 50 mph or low-light work? Class 3 is mandatory for flaggers, highway crews, and night operations.
2. Check Lighting and Weather Conditions
If you’re working indim light, nighttime, fog, or rain, opt for Class 3 for maximum visibility.
In clear daylight,Class 2 may be sufficient, especially if traffic speeds are moderate.
3. Evaluate Your Job Tasks
Are your hands and arms visible?Class 3 vests often have sleeves, making you easier to spot when directing traffic or signaling.
Do you crouch or kneel often?Consider pairing a Class 2 vest with Class E pantsto ensure visibility from all angles.
4. Understand Industry Requirements
Construction, DOT, FAA, and public safety sectorsmay have specific guidelines or contracts requiring certain classes or types.
Always check OSHA, state regulations, or your company’s PPE policy before purchasing.
5. Comfort and Practical Features
Choose breathable mesh for hot environments.
Look for vests withpockets, mic tabs, or ID windowsif your role requires tools or identification.
Ensure ANSI labeling is present and avoid generic vests with no compliance markings.
Don’t just buy the brightest vest — match the class and type to your actual working conditions for safety and compliance.
What Class Are NOCRY HiVis Safety Vests?
NOCRY HiVis safety vests meet the ANSI requirements for Class 2, which is designed for moderate-risk environments like those with traffic up to 50 mph. Our vests provide a moderate level of visibility with 201 square inches of reflective material, and can be combined with Class E apparel (like pants or bib overalls) to achieve a Class 3 ensemble.
Understanding ANSI 107 vest classes ensures you or your workers are wearingthe right level of protectionfor their environment.Choosing the correct vest improves safety, helps meet compliance requirements, and ensures employees remain visible in changing conditions.
Don’t assume a Class 1 safety vest is automatically the right choice for every job. Evaluate the work environment, traffic speed, lighting, weather, and overall visibility risks before selecting between a Class 1 vs Class 2 safety vest or determining whether Class 3 protection is necessary.
Always use ANSI-compliant reflective vests and match the vest class to the actual hazards faced on the job.
FAQ
Can a Class 2 vest be worn at night?
It can, but for nighttime or poor weather, a Class 3 vest is strongly recommendedfor maximum visibility and safety.
Is ANSI compliance required by law?
Not directly, but OSHA uses ANSI as arecognized standard. In most roadway or construction settings, wearing ANSI-compliant gear is effectively mandatory.
When to choose Class 1 vs Class 2 safety vest?
Class 1 vests provide visibility for low-risk work, while Class 2 vests have more fluorescent and reflective material to improve visibility in areas with moving traffic or heavier equipment.
Can I put my company logo on a safety vest?
Yes, but it must not coverreflective or fluorescent areas. The garment may need to be retested depending on logo size and placement.
Do pants need to be ANSI compliant too?
If they’re part of your visibility strategy (especially in Class 3 setups), then yes, Class E pants must meet ANSI design and performance standards.
What is the difference between Class 3 and E?
A Class 3 safety vest offers the highest level of visibility, providing enhanced protection in hazardous environments, while Class E vests are supplemental garments that increase visibility when worn with other Class 2 or 3 vests.
