Traffic controllers work beside live traffic at dawn, dusk and night, so the vest has to be Class D/N under AS/NZS 4602.1: fluorescent fabric plus retroreflective tape to AS/NZS 1906.4. State traffic-control guides call for that class for any work outside full daylight. Below are the day/night vests we stock, then day-only vests for daytime roles, and the printed and cold-weather options — all available for delivery Australia-wide or collection from Auburn NSW by arrangement.
Day/Night vests (Class D/N)
- DNC Hi Vis Day/Night Safety Vest H-Pattern Taped 3804 — 120 gsm polyester, hook-and-loop front, H-pattern reflective tape, UPF 50+; DNC rates it Class D/N. The everyday traffic vest.
- JB's Hi Vis Zip Drop Tail H Pattern (Day and Night) Safety Vest 6DNDV (Each) — polyester tricot, front zip and drop tail; JB’s lists it to AS/NZS 4602.1 Day & Night.
- Portwest Traffic Controller Zip Vest Day/Night MZ105 — pre-printed for traffic controllers, extra-long tail with HiVisTex tape, hardened front zip.
- Portwest Day/Night Vest MZ102 — classic tape configuration, touch-tape closure, generous fit.
- Portwest Hi-Vis X Back Zipped Vest MV188 — X-back tape including the tail, tough plastic zip, dipped back hem.
- Portwest TTMC-W17 Hi-Vis X Back Zipped Vest TM310 — X-back tape, phone pocket and ID card holder; Portwest lists it to AS/NZS 4602.1 Day/Night (and NZ TTMC-W17).
- Portwest 100% Cotton Day/Night Vest MW338 — 100% cotton day/night vest with zip and tape over the shoulders; cooler than polyester in summer.
- HiVis Day/Night Cross Back Cotton Safety Vest with CSR Reflective Tape 3810 — 190 gsm cotton, zip, clear ID pocket, phone and pen pockets, cross-back CSR tape.
- DNC Day/Night Cross Back Safety Vest with Tail 3802 — 120 gsm polyester, cross-back CSR tape, sizes S–6XL.
- Bisley Taped Hi Vis Soft Shell Vest BV0348T — showerproof soft shell with breathable membrane, hoop and over-shoulder tape; Class D/N; for wet, cold shifts.
Day-only vests (Class D)
- DNC Daytime HiVis Safety Vest 3801 — the basic 120 gsm polyester vest.
- DNC Daytime Side Panel Safety Vest 3806 — zip closure, clear ID pocket, phone and pen pockets.
- Portwest Traffic Controller Hi-Vis Vest Class Day MV119 — pre-printed for traffic controllers, 120 g polyester, touch-tape closure; Class D per Portwest.
- JB's Hi Vis Zip Safety Vest 6HVSZ (Each) — zip vest; AS/NZS 4602.1 Day Only per JB’s.
- Syzmik Unisex Hi Vis Zip Basic Vest ZV999 — quick-release tape closure; the one to keep in the ute so you always comply at the gate.
Role-printed and cold-weather vests
- Pre-printed Portwest vests in day (MV) and day/night zip (MZ) versions: Fire Warden MV118 / MZ104, First Aid MV117 / MZ103, Visitor MV120 / MZ106, Staff MV121 / MZ107, Security MV122 / MZ108.
- Winter: JB's Hi Vis Reversible Vest 6HRV (300D Oxford shell with 290 gsm polar fleece; JB’s quotes a 20,000 mm waterproof rating), KingGee Reflective Insulated Vest K55031 (polar-fleece lined, windproof, zips into the K55300 jacket), Portwest Huski Reversible Polar Fleece Traffic Vest K8132 and JB’s Hi Vis Polar Vest 6HVPV.
- Wet weather: Syzmik Unisex Hi Vis Waterproof Reversible Vest ZV228.
Traffic control vest checklist
- Class D/N for any shift outside full daylight; Class D only for daytime-only roles
- Tape on the tail and shoulders (H-pattern or X-back) gives visibility from every angle when you are bending or signalling
- Zips outlast touch-tape on daily-wear vests; touch-tape is quicker over a jacket
- Faded or filthy fluorescent fabric no longer meets the colour requirements of the standard — replace it
- Complete the kit: stop/slow bats, cones and barriers, hi-vis shirts, site boots and sun protection; browse all hi-vis workwear
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these vests approved for traffic control in NSW?
There is no separate road-authority approval for garments. What the state traffic-control manuals require is compliance with AS/NZS 4602.1 — Class D/N for night or low-light work. The day/night vests above are made to that class by their manufacturers; check the label for the AS/NZS 4602.1 marking.
Can you print “Traffic Controller” on the back?
The Portwest MV119 and MZ105 come pre-printed. For custom text or logos on other vests we offer printing on bulk orders — contact us.
What sizes do the vests come in?
Most run from S to 5XL or 6XL — the DNC 3802 and 3804 and the JB’s vests go to 6XL. Each product page lists its exact range.
Can I wear a day/night vest over a day-only shirt?
Yes. A Class D/N vest is the usual way to add tape over a day-only shirt or a jacket. Make sure a harness, backpack or tool belt is not covering the tape.
Kitting out a crew? Trade pricing and account terms are available — contact us or call 0457 545 175. Free shipping Australia-wide on orders over $200; collection from our Auburn NSW warehouse by arrangement (call first), 7:30am–3:30pm Mon–Fri.