Are 400 x 400mm Rear Marker Plates Still Compliant?

by Sales Team June 6, 2023

In May 2020, the NHVR agreed to extend the 3 year transitional period for the move to modern rear marker plates made using Class 400 (also known as Class 1, Class 1A or UNECE Regulation 70) reflective materials.

Compliant Rear Marker Plates on Tipper

The transition was to allow older, larger 400 x 400mm rear marker plates with Class 100 (Class 2) reflective material to be replaced with the new standard 300 x 300mm rear marker plates, and was due to end on 31 December 2020.

The change to the transitional period was called a 'grandfathering approach' by the NHVR's Manager of Vehicle Safety and Performance, and allows the industry to upgrade these older style plates when they are next due for replacement, rather than a fixed transition date.

These changes are now reflected in the updated Vehicle Standards Bulletin (VSB) 12 - Rear Marking Plates, which can be downloaded here.

So in summary, if you currently use the 400 x 400mm rear markers in either a metal sign or sticker, they are only compliant until they need replacing, after which they must be replaced with the 300 x 300mm RM33 or 300 x 400mm RM34 rear markers (the latter with the words 'Do Not Overtake Turning Vehicle' above the main sign).

It should be noted that the same approach applies to any other rear markers - any markers being replaced must feature the Class 400/Class 1 reflective material.

When you are due for replacement rear marker plates, keep us in mind! We hold plenty of stock of the correct legal replacements. Click here to view our range.

If you have any further questions or need any assistance with rear marker or vehicle warning sign compliance, please call us on 1300 880 448, or send us an email: sales@ultimax.com.au.

We have written this article with references to a Facebook post by the NHVR on 27 May 2020. You can read the full article here. Photo credit: NHVR