If you run trucks, trailers, coaches or other large vehicles, the signage on them isn't just decoration. Some of it is a legal requirement, some of it is needed to access certain cities or sites, and some of it is simply good practice that protects your drivers, other road users and your operator licence.
The trouble is that the rules are spread across UK regulations, London permit schemes and even French law, so it's easy to miss something. This guide sets out what you're required to display on an HGV, what's recommended, and where to find the right stickers for your fleet.
Why HGV Signage Matters
Missing or incorrect signage can lead to fixed penalties for drivers, roadside prohibitions, failed site inductions and, in the worst cases, serious incidents. Bridge strikes in particular are one of the most costly and avoidable problems in road transport, and they're treated seriously by the Traffic Commissioners when they happen. A driver involved in a bridge strike can face action against their vocational licence, and the operator can face questions about their systems.
Good signage also has a practical, everyday benefit: it tells cyclists, pedestrians and other drivers exactly where the risks are around a large vehicle, and it reminds your own drivers of the key figures they need to know before setting off.
Vehicle Height Stickers: The Legal Requirement
This is the one that catches operators out most often. Under the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations, any vehicle with an overall travelling height of more than 3 metres (9ft 10in) must display a height notice in the cab where the driver can clearly read it from the driving position.
The key requirements for an in-cab vehicle height notice are:
- Feet and inches must be shown — either feet and inches on their own, or feet and inches alongside metres. A notice in metres only does not comply.
- Figures must be at least 40mm tall so they can be read at a glance.
- The height shown must be accurate — not less than the actual overall travelling height, and not more than 150mm above it.
- If both units are shown, they must match — the imperial and metric figures shouldn't differ by more than 50mm.
- No confusing figures — there shouldn't be other numbers or notices in the cab that could be mistaken for the vehicle's height.
"Overall travelling height" means the height of the vehicle, its equipment and its load — and when towing, the height of the whole combination. If your drivers regularly swap trailers and the height varies by more than 150mm, the cab notice needs to be updated to reflect the combination actually being driven. Vehicles fitted with high-level equipment such as lorry-mounted cranes or skip loaders also have additional warning device requirements.
Driving without a correct height notice is an offence for the driver and can result in a fixed penalty, which also feeds into the operator's compliance record.
We stock Warning Max Vehicle Height HGV stickers for in-cab use, available individually or in multi-packs for fleet operators: a pack of 10 or a pack of 25. Fitting one to every cab in the fleet at the same time is the simplest way to stay consistent.
How to Measure Your Vehicle's Travelling Height
Measure from the ground to the highest point of the vehicle, trailer, equipment or load, on level ground with tyres at the correct pressure. Remember to include anything that sits above the roofline, such as air deflectors, refrigeration units, beacons or roof-mounted equipment. If you run a mixed fleet of trailers, record the height of each combination so drivers know which figure to display.
Blind Spot and Cyclist Warning Stickers
Large vehicles have significant blind spots, particularly on the nearside and directly in front of the cab. Warning stickers on the rear and sides of the vehicle alert cyclists and pedestrians to those danger zones, especially when the vehicle is turning left.
Is Cyclist Warning Signage a Legal Requirement in the UK?
There's no general UK-wide law requiring blind spot or cyclist stickers on every HGV. However, they are required in a number of situations that affect a large share of fleets:
- London's Direct Vision Standard (DVS) — HGVs over 12 tonnes need a safety permit to operate in Greater London. Vehicles rated below three stars must be fitted with the Progressive Safe System, which includes external warning signage alongside cameras, sensors and audible turning alarms. Operating without a valid permit can result in a penalty charge of up to £550.
- FORS and CLOCS — many construction sites, local authority contracts and major clients require FORS accreditation or CLOCS compliance, both of which include warning signage as part of their vehicle safety specifications.
- Customer and site requirements — even where it isn't mandated, many principal contractors won't let a vehicle on site without it.
When choosing signage for London work, check the wording against TfL's current operator guidance. The emphasis is on clearly warning road users of the hazard around the vehicle, so choose signs that are easy to read and clearly positioned on the rear and nearside.
Our range of cyclist and blind spot warning stickers includes:
- Danger Cyclists — Beware When Vehicle Is Turning Left
- Caution Cyclists
- Warning Cyclists
- Blind Spot Take Care lorry decal
- Beware of Passing Vehicle on the Inside
- Warning Stay Back
Angles Morts Stickers for Driving in France
If any of your vehicles travel to or through France, this one is essential. Since 1 January 2021, French law has required vehicles over 3.5 tonnes to display "Angles Morts" (blind spot) stickers on both sides and the rear of the vehicle when driving in urban areas. The rule applies to vehicles from any country, including UK-registered trucks, coaches and buses.
Failing to display them, or placing them incorrectly, can result in an on-the-spot fine starting at €135, rising for late payment or repeat offences. A fitted blind spot camera does not remove the requirement.
We stock Angles Morts stickers in packs of six, designed for different vehicle types:
- Angles Morts stickers for HGVs, trucks, lorries and vans
- Angles Morts stickers for coaches and buses
- Angles Morts stickers for motorhomes
- Angles Morts in vinyl or magnetic — the magnetic option is ideal for vehicles that only travel to France occasionally
For vehicles leaving the UK, don't forget the UK identifier sticker if your number plates don't already display the UK identifier.
Rear Markings, Conspicuity Tape and Long Vehicle Signs
Beyond the stickers covered above, larger vehicles have lighting and marking requirements designed to make them visible at night and in poor weather:
- Rear marker boards — the red and yellow reflective boards required on the rear of heavier goods vehicles and trailers.
- Conspicuity tape — reflective contour markings along the sides and rear, required on newer heavy vehicles and trailers.
- Long vehicle markings — required on longer vehicles and combinations.
- Chapter 8 markings — the red and yellow chevrons used on vehicles that work on or beside the highway.
The exact requirements depend on the vehicle's weight, length and date of first use, so check against the specification for your vehicles. If you need any of these for your fleet, get in touch and we'll help you source the right product.
Other Useful Truck and Trailer Signage
Not everything on a vehicle is about compliance. These are some of the most popular practical signs we supply to fleet operators:
- Slow Vehicle signs — useful for plant transport, agricultural and municipal vehicles that travel below the speed of surrounding traffic.
- No Tools Left In This Vehicle — a simple theft deterrent for vans and service vehicles parked overnight.
You can browse the full range in our Truck & Trailer Signage collection and our Coach, HGV, Truck & Trailer Stickers collection. For signage around your yard or depot, see our Health & Safety Signs.
A Quick HGV Signage Checklist
Before a vehicle goes out, check that it has:
- An accurate in-cab height notice in feet and inches, with figures at least 40mm tall, if it's over 3 metres
- Blind spot and cyclist warning signage on the rear and nearside, particularly for London, FORS or CLOCS work
- Angles Morts stickers on both sides and the rear if it's over 3.5 tonnes and travelling in France
- Rear markers, conspicuity tape and long vehicle markings where required for its weight and length
- Signage that's clean, legible and undamaged — faded or peeling stickers should be replaced
Branding Your Fleet at the Same Time
If you're updating safety signage across a fleet, it's often the right moment to refresh the vehicle branding too. We can combine compliance signage with company logos and livery, and offer on-site consultation, design, production and fitting. Our guide to choosing a fleet branding supplier explains how the process works from first enquiry to fitted vehicle.
Need signage for a whole fleet, a custom sign with your logo, or something you can't see in our range? Contact our team — bulk discounts are available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my HGV legally need a vehicle height sticker?
If the overall travelling height of the vehicle, including any trailer, equipment and load, is more than 3 metres (9ft 10in), a height notice must be displayed in the cab. It must show the height in feet and inches (metres can be added alongside), with figures at least 40mm tall, and it must be readable from the driving position.
Can I show the vehicle height in metres only?
No. The notice must include feet and inches. You can show metres as well, but the two figures must not differ by more than 50mm. Most UK bridge clearance signs show imperial measurements, which is why feet and inches are required.
What happens if I change trailers?
The height notice must reflect the combination being driven. If the height difference between your trailers is less than 150mm, you can display the height of the tallest combination. If it's more than 150mm, the notice needs to be changed when the trailer changes, so drivers need a simple way of knowing which figure to display.
Are cyclist warning stickers a legal requirement?
There isn't a general UK-wide legal requirement, but external warning signage is part of the Progressive Safe System needed for many HGVs over 12 tonnes to operate in Greater London under the Direct Vision Standard. It's also required under FORS and CLOCS, and by many construction sites and contractors.
Do I need Angles Morts stickers if I'm only driving through France?
The French requirement applies to vehicles over 3.5 tonnes travelling in urban areas. As "urban area" isn't precisely defined and most routes pass through towns at some point, it's sensible to fit them on any vehicle over 3.5 tonnes heading to France. They need to be displayed on both sides and the rear.
How quickly can I get HGV stickers delivered?
Most of our truck and trailer signage is held in stock, with next day delivery available on UK mainland orders placed before 3pm. See our shipping page for full details, including international delivery.