Updates to the Chapter 8 guidelines in the Traffic Signs Manual have introduced important changes regarding the visibility and compliance of vehicle conspicuity markings, particularly on high-speed roads. At Fleet ID, we’ve broken down these changes to help both existing and potential clients stay informed, compliant, and safe. If your fleet vehicles stop or operate on roads with speed limits over 40MPH, this guidance applies to you.
The key update involves a higher required level of reflectivity for the red sections of rear chevron kits. Under the new guidance, R3B-compliant or higher retro-reflective materials must be used to meet current safety expectations. This new standard ensures enhanced visibility for vehicles operating in hazardous or low-light conditions, and is intended to significantly improve roadside safety for your drivers, your workforce, and all other road users.
If you’ve purchased rear chevron kits in the past, you may have been supplied with RA1 or RA2 grade materials. Under the new guidance, these materials are no longer sufficient for vehicles stopping on high-speed roads.
Upgrading to R3B-compliant materials is about more than just ticking a compliance box—it’s about protecting lives. These high-performance materials ensure your vehicles are visible from greater distances and in all conditions, drastically reducing the risk of rear-end collisions or roadside accidents. Fleet managers and safety officers should treat this upgrade as a critical health and safety priority.
Beware of Non-Compliant Kits
Not all suppliers clearly state the reflective grade of their products. If your supplier does not explicitly state “R3B compliant” or specify the manufacturer and grade of the material, you may unknowingly be using substandard or non-compliant materials.
Key Warning Signs
Kits that only state “reflective” without indicating the grade. Suppliers unable to provide material specifications or certifications. Markings that appear dull or faded after minimal use. Important: If your vehicle arrives at a work site without compliant rear conspicuity markings, you may be denied entry resulting in operational delays and reputational risk.
At Fleet ID, we ensure all our Chapter 8 rear chevron kits are manufactured using fully R3B-compliant materials from trusted industry suppliers. We clearly state the grade and material used in every product listing and quotation—no guesswork required.
With Fleet ID, you get:
Need Help Upgrading Your Fleet?
Whether you’re ordering new Chapter 8 kits or checking your current livery for compliance, our team is ready to help. We offer free consultations to assess your current markings, upgrade packages for partial or full fleet retrofitting and R3B-compliant products in stock and ready to dispatch.