Truck Signs

Truck Signs & Vehicle Compliance Signs — Compliance, Safety & Regulation

Overview

Heavy vehicle signage is critical for road safety, legal compliance, and the protection of other road users. At National Traffic Signs, we supply a full range of Vehicle compliance signs designed for trucks, road trains, semi-trailers, buses, and other heavy and long vehicles. Our signs are built to meet Australian regulatory requirements, are highly visible, durable, and tailored to the specific needs of heavy vehicle operators.

Key Sign Types & Requirements

Sign / Plate Purpose When Required Regulatory Standard(s)
Rear Marking Plates To improve visibility at night or in low visibility; increase conspicuity from behind. Must be fitted on all motor vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) over 12 tonnes; trailers with a Gross Trailer Mass (GTM) over 10 tonnes. caravanindustry.com.au Vehicles under these thresholds may optionally use them—but check local jurisdiction. National Heavy Vehicle Regulator
Do Not Overtake Turning Vehicle (DNOTV) Signs Warn other road users that a heavy or long vehicle may need to use more than one lane when turning; overtaking such a vehicle while it’s turning is prohibited. Queensland Government Typically required for heavy vehicles or combinations over certain lengths, e.g. vehicles/combinations ≥ 7.5 metres, or those over 12 t GVM / 10 t GTM. Jurisdiction‐specific rules apply.
Conspicuity Markings & Additional Reflectors Enhances visibility of sides, front, rear of heavy vehicles, especially at night or in adverse weather. Sometimes these can substitute or reduce requirements for other signage depending on compliance. National Heavy Vehicle Regulator Many heavy vehicles are required to have these markings under Australian Design Rules (ADRs) and state vehicle standards. Check state/territory laws.

Latest Regulations & Standards

  • Vehicle Standards Bulletin 12 (VSB 12): This is the National Code of Practice – Rear Marking Plates. It specifies materials, dimensions, colors, placement, fastening, etc. Must be followed for rear marking plates on heavy vehicles or trailers of required mass. National Heavy Vehicle Regulator

  • Australian Road Rules, state and territory laws impose specific obligations for DNOTV. For example, in Queensland, a heavy vehicle with a DO NOT OVERTAKE TURNING VEHICLE sign is legally allowed to straddle more than one lane to make safe turns, even on roads with single dividing lines. Queensland Government

  • ADR & Conspicuity Requirements: ADR-13/00 and related standards define conspicuity marking requirements. In some cases, fitting conspicuity (reflective) markings may affect whether other signage is required. National Heavy Vehicle Regulator

“ID Vehicle” / Vehicle Identification Info

By “ID Vehicle” information, if we mean identifiers such as registration numbers, company name, fleet number, or vehicle classification (e.g. road train / B-double), these often serve the following functions:

  • Legal Identification: Road rules often require that vehicles display correct registration, permit, and sometimes “permit ID” or classification (especially for oversized, overweight, road train type vehicles).

  • Fleet Visibility & Compliance: Clear ID helps enforcement agencies, other road users, and assists in incident tracking.

  • Signage Integration: In many jurisdictions, signage (such as DNOTV or rear marking plates) must not obscure or interfere with the mandated display of ID and registration. Also, signs themselves must often carry information about reflective class, manufacture (e.g. material class), or other markings per standards like AS/NZS 1906 etc. (for example, the class of the retroreflective material used). Main Roads Western Australia

Best Practices for Heavy Vehicle Operators

  • Ensure signage is manufactured from compliant materials — reflective class as required (e.g. AS/NZS 1906) so visibility is maintained in dark / wet conditions.

  • Correct positioning & mounting: height, placement on rear, centre/side, avoiding obstruction by doors, mudguards etc. Follow VSB12 or relevant state rules.

  • Check local state/territory variations: rules for DNOTV, length thresholds, whether signs are mandatory vs optional can differ.

  • Maintain signage: keep reflective surfaces clean, replace faded/worn signs.

  • For fleets: keep consistent signage across all vehicles to avoid confusion or non-compliance.