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Chapter 8 refers to the official road safety guidance set out in the Traffic Signs Manual by the UK Department for Transport. It outlines best practices for visibility and safety when working on or near the highway.

• Part of the Traffic Signs Manual (often called the “Red Book”)
• Designed to improve the safety of road workers and the public
• Applies to vehicles stopping or working on high-speed roads
• Focuses on reflective markings, signage, and traffic control
• Intended for operatives, supervisors, planners, and engineers
• Widely adopted as best practice across the UK, and legally required in Scotland and Wales

Chapter 8 guidelines recommend fitting vehicles with high-visibility rear chevrons in red retro-reflective and fluorescent yellow material to alert other road users and prevent accidents.

To comply, your vehicle should have:

• Alternating red and yellow upward-facing chevrons
• Chevron stripes angled between 45–60 degrees
• Retro-reflective red for night visibility
• Fluorescent yellow for high daytime visibility
• Coverage across as much of the rear as possible (without obstructing windows, lights or plates)

Following Chapter 8 guidance ensures your vehicle is properly marked to reduce risk and support a safer road environment. For more information, check the Department for Transport’s Traffic Signs Manual Part 2.

To comply, your vehicle should have:

• Alternating red and yellow upward-facing chevrons
• Chevron stripes angled between 45–60 degrees
• Retro-reflective red for night visibility
• Fluorescent yellow for high daytime visibility
• Coverage across as much of the rear as possible (without obstructing windows, lights or plates)

While Chapter 8 guidelines are not written into primary legislation in England, Scotland, or Wales, they are considered a legal requirement in practice for vehicles operating on public roads—particularly those involved in roadworks, maintenance, or traffic management.

In all three nations, reflective materials used in Chapter 8 vehicle markings must meet the R3B standard when operating on high-speed roads. This ensures maximum visibility and safety for both drivers and road workers, especially in low-light or poor weather conditions.

Although Chapter 8 itself is classed as guidance, it is widely adopted as the standard for compliance with broader health and safety obligations, such as those outlined in the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. Following these recommendations not only improves road safety but also supports organisations in demonstrating due diligence and regulatory compliance across England, Scotland, and Wales.

Any vehicle stopping or working on public roads for maintenance, inspection, utility, delivery, or breakdown assistance should comply.

This includes self-employed trades, utility contractors, councils, highways agencies, and fleet operators

While not legally enforced like law, it supports Health and Safety obligations—non-compliance can be used against you in legal or insurance claims after collisions.

Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual was created by the UK Department for Transport (DfT).

It is not a law, but a national guideline designed to promote best practice for road safety, especially concerning vehicles working on or near public highways. It was developed to help ensure visibility, safety, and consistency in how temporary traffic management and vehicle markings are handled across the UK.

Chapter 8 is widely followed by:

• Highway maintenance and inspection teams
• Utility and construction companies
• Local authorities
• Vehicle fleet operators
• Emergency and recovery services
  

Although it isn’t legally binding, failing to comply may put organisations at risk of breaching Health & Safety regulations or face issues with insurance and legal liability in the event of an incident.

At Chevron Warehouse, we offer three high-performance grades
of vehicle chevrons — Engineering, Prismatic, and Diamond — each designed to
meet different levels of road use and compliance.

Engineering Grade (Entry-Level)

• Best for low-speed or private roads:
• Made with Engineering Grade reflective vinyl
• Suitable for vehicles operating under 40mph
• Ideal for non-highway use or general visibility
• 3-year service life when applied correctly
• Not recommended for use in Scotland or Wales due to compliance standards

Prismatic Grade (Premium)

• Best for standard road use and motorway support vehicles:
• High-visibility Class R3B prismatic materials
• Meets or exceeds Chapter 8 guidelines
• 5-year service life
• Excellent day and night visibility

Diamond Grade (3M Material)

• Best for high-speed roads and professional fleets:
• Ultra-bright Diamond Grade reflective vinyl
• Fully Chapter 8 compliant (including Scotland and Wales)
• Ideal for gritters, tippers, recovery and emergency support vehicles
• Visibility up to 1,000 metres
• Built for heavy-duty, high-demand environments

Still Not Sure?

If you’re unsure which grade your vehicle requires, consider:

• The speed of roads you operate on
• Compliance requirements in your region (especially Scotland
  & Wales)
• The type of vehicle (e.g. van, truck, or support vehicle)
• If it’s used for highway maintenance, utilities, or roadside work

Need help?

Email us at sales@chevronwarehouse.co.uk or call 01252
749 471.

 A Chevron Kit is a set of high-visibility rear vehicle markings, usually made up of alternating red and yellow retro-reflective stripes.

It helps increase visibility for vehicles that work roadside and is a requirement to be Chapter 8 compliant.

Yes, most kits are pre-cut and easy to apply, especially versions with air-release adhesive backing.

DIY installation is common, but professional fitting is also an option for fleets.

Most high-quality kits are trim-to-fit and do not require edge sealing, making them easier to install.

Follow the manufacturer's care instructions, which should be provided at purchase - here are some general tips:

• Use mild detergent
• Avoid pressure washing at close range
• Inspect for peeling or wear
• Clean regularly to maintain reflectivity

Lifespan depends on material quality and exposure but typically:

• 3M Diamond Grade: 5–7 years
• Engineering Grade: 2–3 years

Regular cleaning and care will extend life

Currently, we only ship within the United Kingdom.

This includes:

• Mainland UK – Free delivery on all Chevron Kits
• Northern Ireland & Scilly Isles – £30 (up to 5 working
  days)
• Non-mainland UK & Excluded Postcodes (PA, DD, PH, IV,
  KW) – £25 (up to 4 working days)
• Saturday delivery (Mainland UK only, order by 2pm Friday) –
  £35

 Unfortunately, we do not offer international shipping at this time.

 For more details, feel free to contact us at sales@chevronwarehouse.co.uk.

We aim to dispatch all orders within 2 working days, and delivery times depend on your location and delivery option:

Estimated Delivery Times:

• UK Mainland
  (Standard Delivery) – 2–4 working days (Free on Chevron Kits / £12.50 for
  orders under £65)
• Saturday Delivery –
  Next-day delivery on Saturday (if ordered before 2pm Friday) – £35
• Non-mainland UK
  & Excluded Postcodes – Up to 4 working days – £25
• Northern Ireland
  & Scilly Isles – Up to 5 working days – £30

 Orders placed on weekends
or bank holidays are dispatched on the next working day.

Orders placed
during Christmas holidays are dispatched on the first working day in January. 

Need help? Email us
at sales@chevronwarehouse.co.uk or call 01252 749 471.

If you need to return an item, here’s how to do it:

• Check Eligibility
• Ensure your return is within 30 days of receiving your item.
• The item must be unused, in its original packaging, and in
  the same condition as when you received it.
• Custom products cannot be returned unless faulty or
  incorrect.
• Contact Us First

Email sales@chevronwarehouse.co.uk with your order number,
the reason for return, and any relevant photos (if applicable).

We’ll confirm your return eligibility and provide further instructions.

Ship the Item Back

Return your product to:

Chevron Warehouse

Unit 2, 106 Hawley Lane

Farnborough, Hants

GU14 8JE

We recommend using a trackable service.

Return shipping costs are the customer’s responsibility.

Shipping costs are non-refundable.

Inspection & Refund

Once we receive and inspect the item, we’ll notify you of
the refund approval.

If approved, your refund will be processed to the original
payment method within 10 business days.

If you have questions, contact us at sales@chevronwarehouse.co.uk
or call 01252 749 471.

Refunds are processed within 10 days from when we receive the item(s).