"It's yellow - it's ugly - it doesn't go with anything - but it just might save your life" is the French advertising campaign for the reflective vest, part of the new road safety law which went into effect 30th July 2008. The grace period of complying with July's law concerning obligatory reflective vests and emergency warning triangles has ended. As of today, it is mandatory to have reflective vests and emergency warning triangles in your car in case of breakdown under penalty of a 135 Euro fine (which can be reduced to 90 Euro if paid within 3 days). Lesser known to many people here in Chamonix, it is also mandatory to wear a reflective vest when cycling in the dark or in poor visibility outside of the town centre. The fine is 35 Euro (which can be reduced to 22 Euro), so put on your vest when you leave the roundabout near the Place du Mont Blanc or the roundabout near the Vagabond. Not only must cars be equipped with these items, but they must be appropriately located. The fluorescent security vests must be under a seat or in the glove box so that they can be worn before exiting your vehicle (at night or during the day in poor visibility). The emergency warning triangle can be in the boot or in the interior. When in use, the triangle should be placed at least 30m before the vehicle. The Comité interministériel de la sécurité routière (CISR) made the decision on the 13th February 2008 which became law ( Décret n° 2008-754 du 30 juillet 2008) end of July. Anticipating potential stock problems, the French allowed a compliance grace period until 1st October 2008. Last minute shoppers might be a little disappointed to find that some big supermarket chains are out of stock. These items are available in supermarkets, auto shops and petrol stations. Not just any reflective vest or triangle: The vest must conform to the 89/686/CEE directive. Look for the C E label and instructions sheet. The triangle must conform to the current Geneva n° 27. Look for E (circled) 27 R.
