When you’re on the road, you may have noticed that many trucks have a gold rectangle with a red frame on their back. And maybe you’ve wondered what it means. Here we bring you an answer that will be good for you to know when you are behind the wheel, since this sign informs you about the size of the vehicle that has it, which is useful to prevent accidents and be able to overtake safely. We refer to the V6 signal for long vehicles: what is its function? What type of vehicles are required to carry the license plate? What requirements should they meet to have to install it?
What is V6 signal?
Royal Decree 1428/2003, of November 21, “which approves the General Traffic Regulations for the application and development of the articulated text of the Law on traffic, circulation of motor vehicles and road safety”, defines the characteristics of this signal. Specifically, the text says: “V-6. Long vehicle. It indicates that the vehicle or group of vehicles has a length greater than 12 meters.”
Therefore, the V6 sign is mandatory for all vehicles exceeding 12 meters in length, which usually applies to trucks, but also, for example, to a caravan attached to a car.
Characteristics
The V-6 signal, like most V signals, is visual. It belongs to the subgroup of mandatory reflective signs: that is, the plates must be approved and follow the provisions of the General Vehicle Regulations, section V-6.
The sign consists of a rectangular plate made of reflective material. When it is a single sheet, it must measure 1,300 millimeters long and 250 millimeters high. If two plates are installed, the dimensions must be 500 millimeters long and 250 millimeters high. The background of the V6 sign is made up of a level 2 yellow reflective sheet, while the edges are 40 millimeters and made of red fluorescent material.
According to the regulations, the support plate must be made of “1.4 ± 0.1 mm aluminum, alloy 1,200 H14 and/or H24”. But it is not essential: it is possible to use any other material, as long as it continues to be reflective and with the established colors, then maintaining the same characteristics as the aluminum recommended by law.
Where is it installed?
It is mandatory to install the V6 sign at the rear of the vehicle. It also has to be centered with respect to the axis, with a distance of between 500 and 1,500 millimeters from the ground. If this is not possible, it can be replaced by two plates, located symmetrically in relation to the axis, and as close as possible to the edges of the car.
It is not mandatory that the sign be placed horizontally. It can also be placed vertically. Additionally, next to the V-6 sign the warning “Vehiculo longo” may appear, which means the same, and which you have surely seen on the back of many trucks. Placing these words on the vehicle is not mandatory, but it serves as a complement and helps to indicate that it is a large vehicle.
It is important to comply with these requirements when installing the V6 signal, otherwise it will not be approved. Therefore, when purchasing v16 signals, you must carefully ensure that they meet these characteristics and are approved by the General Directorate of Traffic.
Who should install it?
As we have mentioned, the V-6 sign is mandatory on all vehicles, or sets of vehicles, that exceed 12 meters in length. The sign precisely indicates that the vehicle is “long”, and for this reason it is installed in the rear to indicate to other drivers to take precautions when they are going to overtake it or approach it, since, given its size, its speed limit It will be much lower than that required by road regulations.