France has updated its road safety regulations, extending a long-standing requirement for drivers to motorcycle and scooter riders. For years, the country had been considering various proposals to enhance rider safety on the roadside, and now, the law has finally caught up. 

 The new rule mandates that all motorcycle and scooter riders must carry a reflective, high-visibility vest on their vehicles. This vest should be worn whenever the rider is working on the bike by the side of the road or when stopped due to an emergency situation. 

 What makes this law significant is its clarity, unlike previous initiatives that were often convoluted, suggesting complex requirements for riders' jackets or mandatory non-helmet riding gear. The focus here is simple and straightforward: the high-visibility vest. 

 The availability of these vests is not an issue, as they can be purchased from numerous places. However, the challenge lies in finding storage space for them, especially for riders with bikes that lack compartments. 

 The consequences of non-compliance are strict. Riders who fail to carry the vest or are found working on their bikes without wearing it will face fines. Some have raised concerns about potential risks during the process of putting on the vest at the roadside, but the law's intent is clear: to enhance the visibility and safety of riders in vulnerable situations. 

 This new regulation represents a practical compromise. It addresses the crucial need for roadside safety without introducing overly complicated rules. By emphasizing the use of high-visibility vests, France aims to make its roads safer for motorcycle and scooter riders, ensuring they are more easily seen by other road users in critical situations.