Operator control summary
- Define which rear and conspicuity markings apply across the fleet.
- Include presence, condition and visibility in driver and maintenance checks.
- Control repairs and body changes that can remove or interrupt required material.
- Retain defect, rectification and follow-up evidence.
Rear marker boards, conspicuity material and projection markers need an auditable fleet standard. The standard should identify what applies to each vehicle or trailer, who checks it and how damage or absence is corrected.
Official Highway Code example
Large goods vehicle rear markings
The Highway Code identifies rear markings for motor vehicles over 7,500kg maximum gross weight and trailers over 3,500kg maximum gross weight. It also states that vertical markings are required for commercial vehicles or combinations longer than 13 metres and are optional on combinations between 11 and 13 metres.
Conspicuity marking system
DfT and DVSA explain that conspicuity markings reflect following headlights and show the HGV outline at night. Their detailed publication covers scope, colours, placement and marking arrangements and must be used where the exact requirement is being established.
The maintenance system should check markings after body repairs, panel replacement, tail-lift work and equipment changes as well as during scheduled inspections. A material that is present but dirty, obscured, damaged or incorrectly interrupted may not perform as intended.
Projection markers
The Highway Code illustrates side and end markers used for projecting loads and equipment. The applicable requirements depend on the projection’s type, direction and extent. Operators should check the current official projection guidance for the particular load, confirm the complete marking and notification arrangements before movement, and record the load-planning decision.
Evidence and follow-up
- vehicle and trailer marking specification
- driver defect reports and maintenance inspection entries
- rectification records and photographs where useful
- controls following bodywork or equipment changes
- periodic fleet samples for consistency
Repeated defects can indicate weaknesses in specification, cleaning, inspection, repair control or driver reporting. Follow-up should address the cause as well as the individual board or strip.
Official sources
- The Highway Code: Vehicle markings, updated 22 October 2025
- DfT and DVSA: HGV conspicuity marking rules, updated 24 July 2025