Why Hi-Vis Rules Matter

If your crew works near traffic or moving equipment, they need high-visibility apparel. For city and county crews, utilities and road contractors, the garments also have to meet the class the job requires. Most purchasing departments write that class into their specs, so a logo shirt that doesn't meet it can't be used on the job.

The standard to know is ANSI/ISEA 107. It sets how much fluorescent background material and reflective tape a garment needs, so workers are seen in daylight, at dusk and in headlights.

The Three Types

ANSI/ISEA 107 sorts garments by where they're worn:

Type O (off-road): workers away from public roads, such as warehouses, oil fields and parking areas. Class 1 only.
Type R (roadway): workers exposed to public road traffic and construction vehicles. Class 2 or Class 3.
Type P (public safety): police, fire and EMS, who may need features like breakaway vests and badge access.

Public works and road crews almost always fall under Type R.

Class 2 vs Class 3

	Class 2	Class 3
Typical use	Road crews, utility workers, crossing guards, parking and event staff	Highway work, high speeds, night work, flaggers in heavy traffic
Background material	At least 775 sq in	At least 1,240 sq in
Reflective tape	At least 201 sq in	At least 310 sq in
Sleeves	Not required	Required (sleeved shirt or jacket, or a vest over Class E pants)

In short, Class 3 means more material and sleeves, so the worker is recognized as a person from farther away. Workers on federal-aid highways in the US must wear Class 2 or Class 3. Check your agency's safety plan to see which class your crews need.

Approved Colors

Hi-vis garments use three fluorescent background colors:

Fluorescent yellow-green: the most common, stands out in daylight and against most backgrounds
Fluorescent orange-red: popular in work zones and areas with lots of greenery
Fluorescent red

Many agencies pick one color for all field staff, so crews look alike and are easy to identify.

Adding Your Logo Without Breaking the Rules

You can decorate hi-vis apparel. The rules care about how much compliant material remains visible. A few guidelines:

Don't cover the reflective tape. Logos go on the background fabric, not on the stripes.
Keep large prints on the back panel between tape bands, and small logos on the left chest.
Choose the decoration for the fabric. Most hi-vis garments are polyester. DTF and screen printing with the right inks bond well to it. Embroidery is better for jackets and caps.
Keep text short and high-contrast. "CITY OF ___ PUBLIC WORKS" in black on yellow-green reads from a distance.

When you send us your logo, tell us the class your crews need. We quote garments labeled to that class and place the artwork so the required tape stays visible. You approve a proof before production.

What Agencies Usually Order

A typical public works or utility package includes:

Class 2 or 3 short- and long-sleeve t-shirts for daily wear

Safety vests (breakaway or surveyor style) to wear over regular clothing

Hi-vis sweatshirts or jackets for cold mornings and winter

Caps or reflective beanies to match

Regular polos for supervisors and inspectors who spend less time in the field

Ordering for a City, County or Contractor

Purchasing teams usually need a line-item quote, clear garment specs and simple reorders. Send us your specification or bid documents, and we return a quote that lists each garment, its class, color, decoration and price. Your artwork stays on file, so reordering for new hires is fast.

Ready to outfit your crew? Request a quote or browse our hi-vis and safety apparel. You can also read more about hi-vis apparel for cities and counties.