Rear Markings & Conspicuity Markings

Rear marker boards for the lighting regulations fall within Schedule 19. There are 13 types of marker boards split into 3 sets as follows:

  • Set 1 - BS AU152 - Type 1 to Type 5. 
  • Set 2 - ECE Regulation 70 - Type 6 to Type 9. 
  • Set 3 - ECE Regulation 70 Type 10 to Type 13. 

Motor vehicles with a maximum gross weight exceeding 7,500kg first used on or after 1 August 1982 and trailers with a maximum gross weight exceeding 3,500kg manufactured on or after 1 August 1982 must be fitted with rear markers (apart from excepted vehicles). Only vehicles exemptfrom the prohibition to show any other light but red to the rear by way of rear markings may have them fitted optionally. 

Amendments to the lighting regulations mean that goods vehicles first used on or after 1 April 1996, and trailers manufactured on or after 1 October 1995, have to be fitted with rear markers with better reflective properties which comply with UNECE Regulation 70 rather than British Standard BS AU152.  

A further amendment to the lighting regulations require markers fitted to goods vehicles first used from 10 July 2011, and trailers first manufactured from 10 July 2011 to comply with UNECE Regulation 70.01. However, the amendment made the requirement to fit rear markers optional on goods vehicles and trailers which are fitted with conspicuity markings following UN ECE Regulation 48.03, but if fitted optionally the markers must have a 70.01 approval marking. There is no retrospective fitting requirement and 'existing' vehicles can be fitted with markers to the new specification voluntarily. 

Below are all 3 sets in image format, with tables specific to each indicating the type, dimensions and which vehicles they are fitted to. 

Vehicle and Trailer Application 

The markers illustrated below must be used following Table1(below).It is important to also note the specification of the rear markers. 

Specification 

The colour specification of rear markers must be red fluorescent material and yellow reflex reflective material with all/any lettering being black. 

Position Rear reflective markers must be fitted to meet the following requirements:

  • the markers must be fitted at or near the rear of the vehicle and be securely attached so that no part projects beyond the outermost edge 
  • The lower edge of the marker must be horizontal and not more than 1,700 millimetres or less than 400 millimetres above the ground, whether the vehicle is laden or unladen 
  • Where the marker consists of one or pairs, these must be fitted as near as practicable to the outermost edge of the vehicle 
  • Rear markers may be fitted to a rearward projecting load instead of to the vehicle if the load would otherwise obscure them; in these circumstances, a projecting load marker board need not be fitted; 
  • The markers must remain clearly visible at all times 
  • Although markers are required to be fitted to the 'rear of the vehicle', provided they are clearly visible from the rear they may be fitted as far forward of the rearmost point as may be necessary 

BS AU152 (Type 1 – 5) 

Warning Signs - BS AU152 (Type 1 to 5) for long vehicles


Dimensions for BS AU152 

Marking 

Length 

Width 

Other Dimensions 

Type 1 

1,400 millimetres 

140 millimetres 

Chevrons must be 45 degrees to the horizontal and should be 140 millimetres in width. 

Type 2 

700 millimetres 

140 millimetres 

Chevrons must be 45 degrees to the horizontal and should be 140 millimetres in width and fitted horizontally. 

Type 3 

700 millimetres 

140 millimetres 

Chevrons must be 45 degrees to the horizontal and should be 140 millimetres in width and fitted vertically. 

Type 4 

1,265 millimetres 

225 millimetre 

The marker plate is banded in red (40 millimetres in depth), with the inner section having black letters (105 millimetres high) on a yellow background. 

Type 5 

525 millimetres 

250 millimetres 

The marker plate is banded in red (25 millimetres in depth), with the inner section having black letters (70 millimetres high) on a yellow background. 


Rear Markings - ECE Regulation 70 - (Type 6 - 9) 

Rear Markings - ECE Regulation 70 - (Type 6 - 9)


Dimensions for ECE Regulation 70 - (Type 6 - 9) 

Marking 

Length 

Width 

Other Dimensions 

Type 6 

Minimum
1,130 millimetres

Maximum
2,300 millimetres
 

140 millimetres 

Chevrons must be 45 degrees to the horizontal and should be 140 millimetres in width. 

Type 7 

Minimum
565 millimetres

Maximum
1,150 millimetres
 

140 millimetres 

Chevrons must be 45 degrees to the horizontal and should be 140 millimetres in width. 

Type 8 

Minimum
565 millimetres

Maximum
1,150 millimetres
 

140 millimetres 

Chevrons must be 45 degrees to the horizontal and should be 140 millimetres in width. 

Type 9 

283 millimetres 

140 millimetres 

Chevrons must be 45 degrees to the horizontal and should be 140 millimetres in width. May be used horizontally or vertically. 


Rear Markings - ECE Regulation 70 - (Type 10 - 13) 

Rear Markings - ECE Regulation 70 - (Type 10 - 13)


Dimensions for ECE Regulation 70 - (Type 10 - 13) 

Marking 

Length 

Width 

Other Dimensions 

Type 10 

Minimum
1,130 millimetres 

Maximum
2,300 millimetres
 

200 millimetres 

The plate should have a red banding (40 millimetres) surrounding a yellow background. 

Type 11 

Minimum
565 millimetres

Maximum 1,150 millimetres
 

200 millimetres 

The plate should have a red banding (40 millimetres) surrounding a yellow background - fitted horizontally. 

Type 12 

Minimum 565 millimetres

Maximum 1,150 millimetres
 

200 millimetres 

The plate should have a red banding (40 millimetres) surrounding a yellow background - fitted vertically. 

Type 13 

283 millimetres 

200 millimetres 

The plate should have a red banding (40 millimetres) surrounding a yellow background. These markers may be fitted horizontally or vertically. 


Table 1 

First Use/Manufactured From 

Overall Length 

Marker Type 

A motor vehicle first used on or after 1 April 1996 

Not exceeding
13 metres
 

Type
6, 7, 8 or 9
 

A motor vehicle first used on or after 1 April 1996 

Exceeding
13 metres
 

Type
10, 11, 12 or 13
 

A motor vehicle first used before 1 April 1996 

Not exceeding
13 metres
 

Type
1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8 or 9
 

A motor vehicle first used before 1 April 1996 

Exceeding
13 metres
 

Type
4, 5, 10, 11,
12 or 13
 

A trailer manufactured on or after 1 October 1995 if forming part of a combination with an overall length 

Not exceeding
11 metres
 

Type
6, 7, 8 or 9
 

A trailer manufactured on or after 1 October 1995 if forming part of a combination with an overall length 

Exceeding
11 metres
but not exceeding
13 metres
 

Type
6, 7, 8, 9, 10,
11, 12 or 13
 

A trailer manufactured on or after 1 October 1995 if forming part of a combination with an overall length 

Exceeding
13 metres
 

Type
10, 11, 12 or 13
 

A trailer manufactured before 1 October 1995 if forming part of a combination with an overall length 

Not exceeding
11 metres
 

Type
1, 2, 3, 6, 7,
8 or 9
 

A trailer manufactured before 1 October 1995 if forming part of a combination with an overall length 

Exceeding
11 metres but not exceeding
13 metres
 

Type
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,
7, 8, 9, 10, 11,
12, or 13
 

A trailer manufactured before 1 October 1995 if forming part of a combination with an overall length 

Exceeding
13 metres
 

Type
4, 5, 10, 11,
12, or 13
 

Conspicuity Markings  

The introduction of additional outline reflective markings on goods vehicles came into effect from 10th of July 2011 

The UN Technical Committee (UNECE) has published the requirements in an amendment to Regulation 48, which will apply additional side and rear markings to new goods vehicles over 7.5 tonnes and new trailers over 3.5 tonnes. All tapes are required to be certified to regulation ECE104. 

Conspicuity markings are reflective markings intended to show the outline of large vehicles making them more visible to other traffic at night. They are required fitting to goods vehicles with a gross vehicle weight exceeding 7,500 kg first used on or after 10 July 2011 and trailers with a gross vehicle weight exceeding 3,500 kg manufactured on or after 10 July 2011. 

The technical requirements are contained in European regulations on vehicle lighting, paragraph 6.21 of UNECE Regulation 48.03 amended to Supplement 31. This sets out the layout that must be used, any exemptions or derogations that may apply and the colours that should be used. An example of the basic layout is shown below. However, the exact layout will depend on the design and intended use of the vehicle. 

Conspicuity markings placed on the side of a vehicle must be either yellow or white and on the rear either red or yellow. They must also be marked to show that they have been approved to UNECE Regulation 104. 

Conspicuity markings may also be fitted to other vehicles but not passenger cars, goods vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of 3,500 kg or less or trailers with a gross vehicle weight of 3,500 kg or less. 

UNECE Regulation 48 - Regulations for Wheeled Vehicles, Equipment and Parts

There are different types of reflective tape that comply with the regulation. The tape should be 50 mm wide and comply with the necessary regulation. All compliant tape carries the manufacturers EC homologation on the tape. 

All conspicuity tape should be a single layer to prevent delamination and should be durable and easy to install. 

Rear Marker Plates (Schedule 1 tables I & VI and Schedule 15) 

Rear marker plates are now optional on vehicles fitted with conspicuity markings. However, if fitted to a vehicle first used on or after 10 July 2011 or a trailer manufactured on or after 10 July 2011 rear marker plates must be approved to UNECE Regulation 70.01. 

Rear marker plates approved to 70.01 may be used to form part of the rear conspicuity marking, details are given in UNECE Regulation 48.03. 

From 10 July 2011, it is required to fit either ECE70.01 Marker Boards or the reflective tapes as shown below. 

Various companies manufacture markerboards but to comply, they must display the EC homologation number on them. This ensures they have been tested to the standard required. For more information on rear marker boards, please visit the Markings page in this section. 

Rear Marker Plates (Schedule 1 tables I & VI and Schedule 15)

Rear Marker Plates (Schedule 1 tables I & VI and Schedule 15)

Image Source – Logistics UK (Formerly FTA) 

Without a doubt, these markings have contributed greatly to driver peace of mind and other users of road vehicles as well as pedestrian safety. 

The following link provides guidance and further information.

The Road Vehicles Lighting (Amendment) Regulations 1994 
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1994/2280/made