Distinguishing plates - how to mark the vehicle?
What is the appearance of the truck distinguishing plates?
Participation of vehicles in road traffic requires compliance with applicable regulations. Their knowledge is necessary, because failure to respect the standards may pose a risk to road traffic. The driver of the vehicle may also receive a large fine. Distinguishing plates are used to mark the vehicle. They must be correctly place on long and heavy cars (trucks, special vehicles) with a total weight exceeding 7.5 tons, excluding the truck tractor. These regulations also apply to articulated buses of class II and III specified in the regulations on vehicle approval.
The truck distinguishing plate shall have the appearance of diagonal stripes which are placed at an angle of 45° ± 5° to the vertical. Their width is 100 mm ±2.5 mm, and yellow stripes (made of reflective material) alternate with red stripes (made of fluorescent material).
Where should the distinguishing plates be placed?
Truck distinguishing plates should be placed in the rear part of the vehicle, perpendicularly and symmetrically to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. In addition, their lower edges must be at a height of not less than 250 mm, and the upper ones not higher than 2100 mm from the road surface. The side edges of the distinguishing plates must be located no further than 400 mm from the side the truck. The regulations also contain examples of mounting plates. The method of mounting the distinguishing plate depends on the dimensions of the element. The plates can be placed vertically or horizontally at the rear of the vehicle regarding the available space.
However, we can use many types of distinguishing and information plates. Proper marking of the vehicle allows other road users to see the vehicle on the road in advance. Distinguishing and information plates can be folded or fixed, as metal elements, stickers or magnetic foils.
Vehicles transporting waste must be marked with special plates. In such a case, if the installation of a larger plate is impossible, a 40 cm x 30 cm or 30 cm x 12 cm white plate with the word WASTE is used. The plate with a capital letter A is used to mark cross-border transport. It is a fixed or foldable 40 cm x 30 cm white plate. Both plates must be mounted in a visible place at the front of the vehicle.
Types of information plates
Another type of information plate can be a 'Caution. Children' plate. A square yellow background with a symbol of black children should be a mandatory element on a vehicle that transports an organized group of children or teenagers up to 18 years of age. The plate must be located at the front and rear of the left side of the vehicle, at a height of 60 cm to 80 cm from the road surface.
The method of marking of vehicles transporting animal by-products is also precisely regulated. The 'Category 1 - to be utilized' sign should be installed on vehicles transporting animal by-products in Poland. The 'Category 2 - not intended for animal consumption' plate is mounted on vehicles transporting category 2 materials (other than manure and digestive tract content) and derived products in Poland. The plate 'Category 2 - manure' must be placed on vehicles transporting manure or the contents of the digestive tract in Poland. The plate 'Category 3 - not intended for human consumption' is placed on vehicles that transport category 3 materials and derived products in Poland.