Working on the road is a dangerous business, and most often the only thing protecting you from passing motorists is your high-visibility clothing. The sooner drivers can spot you, the safer your job is.

The U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration requires that anyone working on or near a federal highway wear high-visibility clothing that meets or exceeds the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards, and all states have similar laws.

ANSI Ratings for Reflective, Hi-Vis Outerwear Explained

Reflective workwear is classified by ANSI based on the style and color of the garment as well as how reflective it is in low-light conditions. ANSI Class 2 covers vests, shirts, coats, and pants that are approved for use in environments where traffic speeds are 50 mph or lower, such as residential streets and secondary roads.

ANSI Class 3 high-visibility clothing offers the maximum amount of both reflectivity and visibility, making this the standard for work in areas where speeds exceed 50 mph. The primary color of garments designated Class 3 is high-vis lime, also sometimes referred to as fluorescent yellow-green, due to the fact that it's easy to spot at a distance during daylight hours.

Another factor that dictates the ANSI rating of a piece of hi-vis outwear gets is the size, amount, and reflectivity rating of the reflective material. A Class 3 rain jacket will have plenty of 2" silver reflective tape and hi-vis fabric that surrounds the body and extends down the arms, while a safety vest in the same color that has reflective tape will be designated as ANSI Class 2 due to the amount of coverage - and visibility - it gives the user.

High-Vis Pant and Coat Combo Ratings