Guidance

Lighting and marking for abnormal loads vehicles code of practice

A nationwide standard of lighting and marking requirements for the vehicles involved in moving abnormal loads.

• From: Highways England
• Published: 12 July 2012
• Last updated: 25 February 2016 — See all updates

This publication was withdrawn on 27 September 2022

This guidance is no longer current. For the latest information go to the National Highways’ website: https://nationalhighways.co.uk/road-safety/abnormal-loads-and-the-esdal-system/

Documents

Code of Practice: Lighting and marking for Special Order, VR1, STGO and C&U loads

PDF, 693 KB, 15 pages

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Code of Practice: Lighting and marking for abnormal load self escorting vehicles incorporating operating guidance

PDF, 424 KB, 28 pages

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Overhanging loads: a brief guide

PDF, 92 KB, 6 pages

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Details

Standard lighting and marking of vehicles moving abnormal loads and their escort vehicles helps the general public and, in particular, other road users by alerting them to the presence of an abnormal load so they can exercise greater caution as appropriate.

This code of practice is voluntary and does not prescribe hard and fast rules, but provides practical guidelines and is an authoritative statement of best practice that is recognised by both industry and the police authorities alike.

This code of practice covers:

• the recommendations for marking a vehicle including details of side, front, rear and projection markings and additional markings for girder frame trailers
• signing and lighting requirements
• lighting and marking code of practice for abnormal load self escorting vehicles

The brief guide to overhanging loads includes an overview of the main requirements when moving loads that overhang the front, rear or sides of vehicles.

Find out more about the requirements for transporting abnormal loads.

Published 12 July 2012
Last updated 25 February 2016 + show all updates

1. 25 February 2016

   Documents updated

2. 12 July 2012

   First published.