What is Chapter 8?
Chapter 8 is from the Traffic Signs Manual and is a list of specifications for commercial and work vehicles. It addresses the need for chevron safety markings and lighting on vehicles to be safety compliant.
Chapter 8 is not yet legislation, but many highway organisations have adopted these guidelines as best practice and will only allow Chapter 8 compliant vehicles onto their work sites.
Commercial Vehicle Contracts can make sure your business lease vehicle is chapter 8 compliant before the vehicle is delivered to you.
Do I need to worry about Chapter 8 requirements?
All commercial vehicles need to make sure that they are Chapter 8 compliant. If your vehicle is stopping or in use for business and work purposes on any highway or high-speed road, then the vehicle must meet the following criteria:
- Fluorescent yellow retroreflective striping
Not less than 50mm wide along the length of the vehicle or the vehicle should be of a conspicuous colour (white or yellow).
- Highway maintenance labels or motorway maintenance labelling
Vehicles that operate on motorways only must have the text a minimum of 70mm high for temporary traffic management vehicles and 140mm for all other vehicles carrying personnel or equipment.
An amount of red reflective tape must be on all rear facing edges of doors, guardrails and equipment lockers.
- Reflective red & fluorescent yellow chevrons
(Standard or Premium Chapter 8 Kits) in a specified layout that covers the rear-facing portion of the vehicle as possible for vehicles forming part of the roadworks.
Where obscured rear facing high visibility markings may occur by any device mounted on the vehicle (e.g. cherry picker bucket). You should also apply high visibility markings to any attached device's face.

How can we help you to become Chapter 8 compliant?
Here at Commercial Vehicle Contracts, we can have the chapter 8 chevrons fitted to your vehicle before delivery. We can also incorporate the cost of chevrons into the monthly rentals of your agreement. Contact us, and find out how we can ensure your business vehicle is Chapter 8 compliant.
Need Help?
CVC are here to help every step of the way.
If you need help give us a call on:
01424 863 456 Head Office
020 3627 1127 London
0161 820 7808 Manchester
0121 314 2364 Birmingham
0117 911 0410 Bristol