Originally published: 9 March 2026
Last reviewed for compliance: 9 March 2026
Traffic management work takes place in some of the most hazardous roadside environments in the UK. Workers are often operating close to live traffic, heavy plant, and poor visibility conditions, making high-visibility clothing a critical safety requirement.
This guide explains:
- What hi-vis clothing is typically required for traffic management work
- Which standards apply to roadside environments
- Why orange hi-vis clothing is commonly used
- Which garment types are suitable for traffic management roles
- How employers select compliant garments
This article is written for traffic management contractors, highways workers, safety managers and procurement teams responsible for selecting compliant roadside workwear.
Why hi-vis clothing is essential for traffic management work
Traffic management teams frequently work in close proximity to moving vehicles, often at speed and sometimes in reduced visibility conditions such as poor weather, early mornings, evenings or night operations.
Because of this, workers must be clearly visible from a distance and from multiple angles. High-visibility clothing helps drivers identify workers sooner and react appropriately.
In many cases, hi-vis garments used in traffic management environments must comply with the main visibility standard:
š EN ISO 20471 Explained: Hi-Vis Classes, Requirements & Employer Responsibilities (UK)
Which hi-vis class is required for traffic management?
Traffic management environments often require higher levels of visibility due to vehicle speeds and roadside risk levels.
While the correct class should always be determined through a workplace risk assessment, roadside environments commonly require:
- Class 2 hi-vis garments for certain operational roles
- Class 3 hi-vis garments where maximum visibility is required
Class 3 garments provide the greatest visible surface area, helping ensure workers can be seen from greater distances and from multiple directions.
š Related guide: Hi-Vis Classes Explained: Class 1, Class 2 & Class 3 (UK)
Why orange hi-vis is commonly used for roadside work
Traffic management clothing is often orange high-visibility clothing. This colour is widely used in roadside environments because it provides strong contrast against many of the backgrounds found along highways and infrastructure.
Many organisations and contractors specify orange garments for traffic management work in order to maintain consistent visibility standards.
š Learn more: Orange vs Yellow Hi-Vis: Which Should You Choose?
Typical hi-vis garments used for traffic management
Traffic management teams typically require garments that combine high visibility with weather protection and durability.
Common options include:
- Hi-vis traffic management jackets
- Hi-vis waterproof outerwear
- Hi-vis trousers
- Hi-vis coveralls
- Hi-vis polo shirts or sweatshirts for warmer conditions
These garments allow workers to remain visible in changing weather conditions while performing roadside duties.
š Browse suitable options: Traffic Management Hi-Vis Workwear
Common mistakes when selecting traffic management hi-vis
Incorrect garment selection can reduce worker visibility and may result in compliance issues.
- Using lower-visibility garments in high-risk environments
- Choosing yellow garments where orange is specified
- Ignoring the required hi-vis class
- Using worn or faded garments
- Incorrect placement of branding
Logos or branding should never interfere with reflective tape or reduce fluorescent material below compliance thresholds.
š Related guide: Workwear Logo Placement Guide
Can traffic management hi-vis clothing be branded?
Yes, traffic management garments can still be branded with company logos provided that branding does not affect reflective materials or reduce fluorescent coverage.
Choosing the correct branding method is important.
š Related guide: Print vs Embroidery: Which Branding Method Is Right for Your Workwear?
š Ordering guide: How to Order Branded Workwear for Your Business
Choosing the right hi-vis clothing for traffic management
To select suitable garments for traffic management work:
- Begin with a formal workplace risk assessment
- Confirm whether roadside or contractor standards apply
- Select the correct hi-vis class for the environment
- Choose garments appropriate for weather conditions
- Ensure garments remain in good condition and are replaced when necessary
š Browse compliant garments: Hi-Vis Workwear
Frequently asked questions
What hi-vis clothing is required for traffic management?
This depends on the workplace risk assessment, but Class 2 or Class 3 garments are commonly required for roadside environments.
Why do traffic management workers wear orange hi-vis?
Orange garments provide strong contrast in roadside environments and are widely used across highway and infrastructure work.
Does traffic management hi-vis need to meet EN ISO 20471?
Yes. Where hi-vis clothing is used as PPE, it should normally comply with EN ISO 20471.
Can traffic management clothing include company branding?
Yes, provided logos are placed correctly and do not interfere with reflective tape or reduce fluorescent visibility.