Is all Class 1 (Class 400) Reflective Material Compliant with Australian Standards?

The short answer is no, unfortunately not all Class 1 (Class 400) reflective material used in signs available on the Australian market is compliant with Australian Standards. 

We are very passionate about ensuring all road users are safe, and this includes making sure we stock and recommend the correct compliance signage for heavy vehicles. 

If you aren't sure of the difference between Class 1 and Class 2 reflective material, here's a recap:

• Class 1 is a 3 layered, 3D highly reflective material used for rear marker signs.
• Class 2 is a single-layered, 1-dimensional reflective material used on Oversize and Long Vehicle (or Road Train) signs. 

OK, so how do you know you are compliant? 

The first thing to remember is that genuine Class 1 reflective material is always 3 layered:

1. The first layer is the backing material or adhesive base layer. 
2. The second layer is the 3-dimensional moulded layer that creates the reflection from all angles.
3. The third layer (top layer) is the colour laminate layer.

Beware, there are a lot of imitation Class 1 reflective materials on the market that are not compliant to Australian standards - just because your sign may have a 'honeycomb' pattern, it may not be genuine Class 1. Make sure your sign supplier only uses appropriately certified materials and can verify their source. 

Here are some ways you can identify genuine Class 1 material:

• Genuine Class 1 reflective material has a moulded centre, and therefore will have a 'mould line' every metre where the mould stops (this is why some of our signs will have lines through them - this is perfectly normal, and confirmation of correct materials used!)
• There will be a certification number stamped into the moulded centre layer.
• The reflection can clearly be seen from all angles, not just from directly in front. 

Can you tell the difference? 

Rest assured all RoadBase signs comply with VSB12 and AS4001.1 standards, and use genuine, certified Class 1 material.

So in summary, if your rear marker plate is dull, does not have a 3D middle layer, or does not have the same reflective properties when viewed from all angles, chances are you are not compliant! 

If you need help identifying whether your rear markers (or any of your signage) is compliant or not, please get in touch and we would love to help you out. Or, head on over to our Rear Markers page and stock up!