In Estonia a reflector – helkur – is not just good advice, it is a legal duty for pedestrians in the dark. At work, a helkurvest (hi-vis vest) does a related but different job: it keeps you visible on a construction site or near traffic and is certified to its own standard. This guide explains the reflector rules under the Traffic Act, the key facts from the Transport Administration (Transpordiamet), the difference between a pedestrian helkur and work hi-vis clothing, and how to choose a hi-vis vest for work.
The helkur duty under the Traffic Act
Under the Estonian Traffic Act (Liiklusseadus), a pedestrian must wear a helkur or carry a light when walking in darkness or in poor visibility. The duty applies both in towns and outside settlements; it has applied in this general form since 2011.
Why it matters: facts from Transpordiamet
- A pedestrian in dark clothes without a helkur is visible to a driver using dipped headlights from only up to 30 metres. In light clothes the distance is about 40–50 metres.
- A pedestrian reflector should carry the CE marking and the standard EN 17353:2020, and come with user instructions.
- A scratched or dull helkur no longer reflects properly and must be replaced.
- In 2024 there were 90 accidents involving pedestrians walking in the dark without a helkur: 84 people were injured and 4 died.
Thirty metres is a very short distance at road speed. For anyone who walks to the site, to the bus stop or along an unlit road in the dark season, a working reflector is the simplest protection there is.
Pedestrian helkur vs work hi-vis: two different standards
The word "helkur" is used for both, but the products are tested for different purposes:
|
Pedestrian helkur |
Work hi-vis clothing (helkurvest, helkurriided) |
| Standard |
EN 17353:2020 |
EN ISO 20471 |
| Typical use |
Walking in the dark, everyday traffic |
Construction sites, road and rail work, logistics yards |
| Classes |
— |
Class 1, 2 or 3 by visible material area; class 3 is the highest |
| Who sets the requirement |
Liiklusseadus (pedestrians) |
Employer, safety plan and site rules |
EN ISO 20471 classes depend on how much fluorescent background material and retroreflective tape the garment has. A class 3 garment covers the most area and gives the best visibility. You can read more in our guide Hi-vis classes EN ISO 20471 explained.
How to choose a helkurvest for work
1. Start with the class
For most work, a hi-vis vest should be EN ISO 20471 class 2 – this is the class most vests are made to. For road and rail work, class 3 is often required by the site or employer. Check the safety plan or site rules before ordering.
2. Check the marking and the label
The vest should show the CE mark, the standard EN ISO 20471 and the class on the label, together with user and washing instructions. Without a class marking you cannot show that the vest meets the site rule.
3. Think about what you wear under it
A vest is quick to put on over any jacket, which is why it is popular. Some large contractors, however, set their rules for the whole upper body. As an example, NCC's site rules in Finland require hi-vis on the upper body of at least EN ISO 20471 class 2, and class 3 in road and rail areas. Many Finnish sites expect a hi-vis jacket or shirt as the outer layer in every season, so a vest over a dark winter jacket is not always enough. If that is the case on your site, look at hi-vis jackets and the wider hi-vis workwear range.
4. Fit and comfort
- Choose a size that fits over winter layers without riding up – the reflective tape must stay visible.
- Zip or hook-and-loop closure: a zip keeps the vest closed when you bend or climb.
- Pockets and an ID-card holder are useful on sites where a card must be visible.
5. Replace it in time
Like a pedestrian helkur, a hi-vis vest loses its protection when the fluorescent colour fades or the tape is worn, dirty or cracked. Replace worn vests instead of relying on them – especially before the dark season.
Hi-vis on Estonian construction sites
On a construction site, hi-vis clothing is part of the personal protective equipment that the employer provides when risks cannot be avoided by collective measures or work organisation, as set out in the Occupational Health and Safety Act (TTOS). Which garment and class are needed is usually written in the site's safety plan (tööohutuse plaan). For the full list of construction PPE, see our guide PPE on Estonian construction sites.
Where to find the right vest
Browse our hi-vis vests (helkurvestid) for class 2 and class 3 options, or the full hi-vis workwear collection for jackets, trousers and shirts. Ordering for a crew? The ready workwear kits combine hi-vis clothing, work trousers and safety footwear per worker.
FAQ
Is a helkur required only outside towns?
No. Under the Liiklusseadus the duty applies to pedestrians in darkness or poor visibility both in towns and outside settlements.
Which class should a work helkurvest be?
Class 2 under EN ISO 20471 covers most work. Class 3 is often required by the site or employer for road and rail work.
How do I know a reflector still works?
According to Transpordiamet, a scratched or dull helkur must be replaced. The same common-sense rule applies to faded or worn hi-vis vests.
General information, not legal advice. Check the current law and your site's safety plan.
