Rear chevrons on vans – an easy safety upgrade, however, if you are ordering a chevron kit for the first time all of those details can quickly become overwhelming especially when trying to determine sizing and layout and what is “required” versus recommended.
Sizing: what “fits” your van
Chevron kits are available from most suppliers in van model-specific sizes, or more commonly door type (single rear door/ twin barn doors/tail lift etc). The correct size will produce a visible, unobstructed warning panel that does not obscure any handles, hinges lights or number plates.
As a general rule:
It should make the vehicle more prominent as long it isn’t obstructing anything that is required (lights, reflectors, plates).
The big chevron panel must be recognisable from a long distance – don’t hide little strips which disappear at a distance.
If your rear doors have windows, wipers or a lot of sculpting you may also need to use the split kit or another layout that will work with them. For details on Chapter 8 Chevrons, contact www.vehiclechevrons.com/
When in doubt, take a tape measure to the flat usable section of each rear door and tell your supplier what it was before ordering.
Layout: getting the pattern right
A lot of what makes a chevron look proper is 3 things:
Guideline – The stripes need to create a definite “V” or upside down “V”; this should quickly display caution and pull the driver’s attention to the focal point of vehicle. Maintain consistency – misaligned angles can appear unprofessional and diminish the warn effect.
Contrast – Red/yellow is the most common colour combination for rear warning markings. It gives drivers a quicker “heads up” the stronger the contrast.
It should cut the doors in two with a continuous balance of chevrons, not random pieces.
Some businesses even include a logo or fleet number, and contact information. If you do, keep your branding second and don’t break up the chevrons.
Frequently asked compliance questions
Do vans have to be fitted with rear ‘chevrons’ by law?
Not usually. The exact requirements differ by type of vehicle, use and sector (e.g. highways work, recovery, utilities). Even if not a requirement, chevrons are so widely adopted as best practice for many fleets.
Are Chevrons Reflective?
This is the point of reflective when safety is the goal. Retroreflective material is highly recommended, and often required in industry standards for roadside or night work.
Are chevrons allowed to obscure lights or number plate?
No – lights, reflectors, and plates must be fully visible.