Legal Requirements for Vinyl Wraps on Vans & Lorries in the UK
posted 27th August 2025
Vinyl wrapping has become one of the most powerful branding tools for UK businesses. From local delivery vans to nationwide lorry fleets, a professional wrap instantly transforms a vehicle into a moving billboard. But while vehicle wraps and graphics can be eye-catching and cost-effective, they also need to comply with UK regulations.
In this guide, we’ll break down UK vehicle wrap regulations, the legal requirements for vinyl wraps on vans and lorries, and the practical steps businesses should take to stay compliant.
UK Vehicle Wrap Regulations Explained
Vehicle wraps are legal across the UK, but certain rules apply when altering the appearance of a vehicle.
These fall into categories such as DVLA registration, safety standards, insurance, advertising restrictions, and road visibility.
Do You Need to Register a Vinyl Wrap with the DVLA?
Yes - if the wrap changes the base colour of the vehicle, the DVLA must be notified.
For example, if a white delivery van is wrapped in full black or corporate colours, this counts as a “colour change” on the V5C logbook.
- Partial wraps (e.g., side panels or decals) generally do not require notification.
- Businesses with mixed fleets should keep a record of which vehicles have undergone full colour changes.
Worth a Read: Declaring Your New Colour Change Wrap to the DVLA
Understanding Legal Requirements for Vinyl Wraps on Vans and Lorries
Rules on Reflective Vinyls and Safety Markings
Reflective vinyl can be used on vans and lorries for branding, as long as it doesn’t imitate emergency or highways vehicles and doesn’t block essential lights, windows, or number plates.
- Branding with reflective: Use appropriate grades for graphics (e.g., engineering-grade/RA1). Avoid patterns, colour combinations or full-vehicle treatments that could impersonate emergency services (e.g., blue Battenberg, full high-intensity chevrons).
- Colour/position cues: Keep red reflective to the rear, amber to the sides, and white to the front when using reflective elements intended to aid conspicuity. Do not display red reflective surfaces facing forward.
- Conspicuity markings (separate from branding): Many heavy goods vehicles and trailers fall under UN ECE Reg 104 conspicuity rules, requiring approved retro-reflective tape fitted in prescribed positions/colours. Check whether your vehicle class and first-use date bring you into scope and follow the specified layouts.
- Chapter 8 work vehicles: Vehicles stopping/working on high-speed roads should follow Chapter 8 guidance (e.g., rear red/yellow chevrons to the correct spec). This is separate from brand graphics and should remain unobstructed.
- Windows, lamps, plates: Reflective graphics must not obstruct driver vision or cover lighting, reflectors or number plates.
Practical Takeaway: You can include tasteful reflective logos/accents for night-time visibility, but steer clear of emergency-style colours/patterns and use the correct grades for any safety-critical markings.
Are There Restrictions on Advertising Graphics for Vans and Lorries?
Yes - advertising on vehicle wraps must comply with ASA (Advertising Standards Authority) rules.
This means:
- No misleading claims
- No offensive or inappropriate content
- No use of restricted trademarks or protected branding
For alcohol, tobacco, gambling or financial services advertising, further restrictions apply.
MOT and Insurance Considerations with Vehicle Wraps
Vehicle wraps don’t normally affect an MOT test, but there are exceptions:
- Wraps must not obscure lights, number plates, reflectors, or windows.
- Wrapping windows on lorries or vans with vinyl that reduces driver visibility can result in MOT failure.
- Insurance providers must be notified of significant vehicle modifications, including full wraps, to ensure cover remains valid.
Compliance and Safety Standards for Commercial Fleet Graphics
How to Stay Compliant with UK Fleet Livery Laws
To keep fleet wraps legal and road-safe:
- Keep records of all wraps (what was fitted, film types/grades, dates).
- Notify the DVLA if you make a full colour change (V5C update).
- Ensure reflective branding stays clear of emergency-style looks; use approved conspicuity materials/layouts where required by your vehicle class.
- Do not cover or diminish lights, windows, number plates or required signage (operator licence numbers, hazardous goods markings, etc.).
- Tell your insurer about significant modifications (e.g., full wraps).
| Requirement | What it Means | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| DVLA notification | Only needed for a full colour change that alters the base colour on the V5C. | Update the V5C logbook for colour-change wraps; partial wraps/decals typically don’t require it. |
| Reflective vinyl for branding | Permitted with restrictions. Avoid emergency-style colours/patterns; keep red to the rear, amber to sides, white to front. | Use appropriate grades (e.g., RA1) for logos; do not obstruct lights/plates/windows; avoid blue Battenberg/chevron lookalikes. |
| Conspicuity markings (UN ECE Reg 104) | Certain HGVs/trailers require approved retro-reflective tape in prescribed positions/colours. | Check your vehicle class/first-use date; fit approved RA2 tape layouts where in scope; keep branding separate and unobstructive. |
| Chapter 8 for works vehicles | Guidance for vehicles working/stopping on high-speed roads (e.g., rear red/yellow chevrons). | Follow Chapter 8 specs and keep safety markings clear of any wrap graphics. |
| MOT compliance | Wraps must not impair visibility or cover mandatory lights/reflectors/number plates. | Leave apertures free; use perforated window films only where permitted and clear of driver sightlines. |
| Insurance | Significant modifications, including full wraps, should be disclosed. | Notify your insurer pre-install; keep documentation of films and installation dates. |
| Advertising rules (ASA/CAP) | Vehicle advertising must be legal, decent, honest and truthful. | Avoid misleading claims or restricted content; ensure small-print is legible if included. |
Note: This is general guidance. Always verify the latest DVLA, DfT/Highways (Chapter 8), UN ECE Reg 104 and ASA/CAP rules for your vehicle class and use case.
What Businesses Need to Know About Branded Vehicle Laws in the UK
Best Practices for Avoiding Fines and Penalties
- Use a reputable wrap installer who understands compliance (e.g., 3M Select Graphic Provider).
- Check wraps annually for wear and tear that could obscure markings.
- Avoid shortcuts - non-compliant wraps can lead to fines, insurance issues, and vehicles being pulled off the road.
Keeping Your Van or Lorry Wraps Legal and Road-Safe
Wrapping Things Up
UK businesses can benefit hugely from vinyl wraps - turning vehicles into 24/7 moving advertisements while protecting paintwork. But staying on the right side of the law is essential. By following UK vehicle wrap regulations, working with professional installers, and notifying the correct authorities where required, you’ll protect your fleet and your brand reputation.
