Staying Compliant with Aftermarket Vehicle Lighting: What Operators Need to Know

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has published new guidance addressing a growing area of confusion for operators and workshops: aftermarket lighting fitted to commercial vehicles. The guidance, published on DVSA’s Moving On blog, focuses on three areas where non-compliance is increasingly common: vulnerable road user (VRU) signs, decorative LED light displays, and blue warning beacons.

For fleet operators, installers, and vehicle modifiers, the message is clear. Non-compliant lighting can lead to enforcement action, failed inspections, and increased safety risks.

Understanding the Risks of Non-Compliance

Aftermarket lighting is commonly fitted to commercial vehicles to improve visibility or protect vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians. DVSA has flagged a worrying increase in non-compliant and illegal light fittings across all three categories below, often fitted with good intentions but without meeting the legal requirements.

Vulnerable Road User (VRU) Signs

VRU signs are third-party devices fitted to the rear or side of a vehicle or trailer to warn of hazards to cyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians. Where these signs work in tandem with a vehicle’s indicators, they’re classed as directional indicators in law, and many fail to meet the requirements because they use the wrong colour or flash rate.

To be compliant, devices operating with the indicators must be amber and flash at the same rate, between 60 and 120 times a minute, in sync with the indicators. Rear-facing lights must be red. Devices must not be fitted to side guard rails or rear underrun protection, must not increase the vehicle’s overall width, must not protrude in a way that creates a hazard, and must use non-reflective materials. DVSA will issue an advisory notice at annual test for minor technical non-compliance, but a device that’s fitted dangerously, such as an excessively protruding sideguard fitting, will fail the test outright.

Decorative LED Light Displays

DVSA has seen a rising trend in digital LED displays on HGVs, including animated designs that mimic eyes, display messages, or show emojis. Some are fitted inside the cab behind the driver but remain visible to other road users outside the vehicle.

These displays fall outside approved lighting standards. DVSA, the Department for Transport, and police forces are concerned they distract other road users, have no recognised legal meaning, and can lead to confusion or dangerous driving. As a simple guide, any light showing moving images is almost certainly illegal, and any red light facing forward is also likely to be an offence. Enforcement action can be taken even if the lights are switched off at the time.

Blue Warning Beacons

DVSA has also reported a rise in blue warning lights fitted to HGVs. Blue lights are reserved for authorised emergency vehicles, such as police, fire, and ambulance services. Fitting them to any other vehicle is illegal and can result in a fine, penalty points, and potential prosecution, and police can act on this directly.

Practical Steps for Operators

To remain compliant, operators should ensure that all aftermarket lighting:

• Uses the correct colour and flash rate for the device type, and non-reflective materials
• Is fitted only to the sides and rear of the vehicle, never on side guards or rear underrun devices
• Does not increase the vehicle’s permitted width or protrude in a way that creates a hazard
• Avoids digital or animated LED displays altogether
• Never includes blue lighting on a non-emergency vehicle
• Is checked regularly as part of routine vehicle maintenance

Working with reputable suppliers and installers who understand current legislation remains one of the most effective ways to avoid non-compliance from the outset.

Increased Enforcement Focus

DVSA has linked this guidance to the Road Safety Strategy published in January 2026, which sets out plans to strengthen commercial vehicle enforcement. With that focus increasing, even minor lighting modifications can carry real legal and safety consequences. Operators reviewing their current fleet lighting now are better placed to catch issues before DVSA does.

How Lloyd Morgan Can Support Operators

Transport Compliance Audits

If you’re unsure whether your fleet modifications, including lighting, signage, or beacons, meet current regulations, our compliance audits provide a full review of your systems and processes. We assess maintenance standards, defect reporting, and vehicle presentation, helping you identify gaps and implement corrective actions before DVSA intervention.

Source: DVSA, Moving On blog, 29 April 2026