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ECE 104

ECE 104:

What Hi-Vis markings do I need to be compliant?

ECE 104 legislation comes into effect from July 10th 2011 and concerns the fitment of Hi-Vis retor-reflective contour markings to newly registered and newly approved large goods vehicles with a mass over 7.5 tonnes and trailers with a mass over 3.5 tonnes operating in the UK.

What are Hi-Vis retro-reflective contour markings?

These markings effectively illuminate the outline of a vehicle at night by reflection from the headlights of other vehicles. 

ECE 104 criteria

Already in force in several countries, the law will take effect as follows:

  • ECE 104 applies to any goods vehicle with a gross vehicle weight exceeding 7.5 tonnes OR trailers with a gross weight exceeding 3.5 tonnes.
  • Current regulations dictate that vehicles are fitted with retro-reflective rear marker plates.
  • The contour markings must be fitted to all newly registered and newly approved types of HGVs and their trailers from 10th July 2011. It is optional in the UK for any vehicle before this date.
  • It is not mandatory to have marker plates and ECE 104 tape, the plates can be used in addition. If marker plates are used they must meet UN ECE Regulation 70.01 (currently they only need to meet UNECE 70.00 in the UK).
  • The tape must be a minimum 50mm width (new build vehicles have to allow an area of 60mm).
  • The tape must bear the official "E" mark.
  • Rear markings must be RED or AMBER.
  • Side markings must be AMBER or WHITE.

Browse ECE 104 products available to buy in our Hi Vis shop

  

Exemptions to ECE 104

  • A vehicle which is not a goods vehicle.
  • Chassis cabs.
  • Tractor units (required on rigid vehicle cab).
  • Vehicles/trailers with overall width not exceeding 2.1m do not require rear markings.
  • Vehicles/trailers with overall length not exceeding 6 metres do not require side markings (vehicle length excludes the cab).

Order your ECE 104 compliant tapes from the Stewart Signs Hi-Vis online shop.

For more information on how to mark up your specific vehicle see ECE 104: how and where to apply.

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