Traffic Controller Workwear and PPE: What Traffic Controllers Need in Australia
Written and reviewed by the Max Global Products team · Updated October 2026
Quick answer: a traffic controller needs long sleeve, long leg AS/NZS 4602.1 Class D/N hi-vis with retroreflective tape (night work demands Class N or D/N), waterproof D/N taped rain gear, a compliant stop/slow bat, AS 2210.3 safety boots, a brimmed hard hat or hat for sun, sunscreen and water. Your state road authority and traffic management plan set the exact colour and tape requirements.
The traffic controller's kit list
| Item | What to look for | Where to start |
|---|---|---|
| Hi-vis shirt or polo | Long sleeve, Class D/N, taped. Lightweight fabric for standing in the sun all shift. | Hard Yakka long sleeve taped polo, Hard Yakka women's UPF50+ taped polo, Syzmik ZH235 long sleeve taped polo |
| Hi-vis pants | Taped for night work. | Hard Yakka lightweight taped drill cargo pants, Syzmik ZP923 stretch taped cargo pants |
| Hi-vis vest | D/N vest to add over jumpers and non-taped layers. | Syzmik ZV999 Class D/N vest, DNC 3805 D/N X-back vest, safety vests |
| Wet weather | Waterproof, taped D/N jacket and pants. Visibility drops sharply in rain. | Hard Yakka 4-in-1 taped wet weather jacket, Syzmik ZJ357 waterproof taped jacket, DNC 3772 D/N rain pants |
| Stop/slow bat | Compliant sign faces, a comfortable handle and extension so you can stand back from traffic. | Maxisafe stop/slow baton, extendable, traffic control equipment |
| Boots | AS 2210.3 with a cushioned sole for standing for long periods. | Safety boots |
| Sun and heat | Wide brim, SPF 50+ reapplied, cooling neck wrap and water. | Portwest wide brim hat, cooling neck scarf, sunscreen |
Day, night and colour rules
AS/NZS 4602.1 defines Class D (daytime, fluorescent fabric), Class N (night, retroreflective tape) and Class D/N (both). Traffic controllers usually need D/N because shifts cross dawn and dusk. Some states and rail networks specify orange; others accept yellow. Check your traffic management plan and state road authority before ordering a crew. Our hi-vis compliance guide explains each class.
Frequently asked questions
What class of hi-vis do traffic controllers need?
Class D/N in most cases: fluorescent fabric for day and retroreflective tape for night and low light, with long sleeves and long pants.
Can traffic controllers wear shorts?
Most road authorities and contractors require long pants with retroreflective tape for traffic control. Check your company's PPE standard.
What colour hi-vis is required for traffic control?
It varies by state and network. Many accept fluorescent yellow or orange; some rail and road authorities require orange. Your traffic management plan specifies it.
Outfitting a team
Traffic management company? Apply for a trade account. See the full guide by trade.
Last reviewed October 2026. This guide covers common kit; your employer's risk assessment and site rules decide what is mandatory.