The chevron is a stylised V that has been used in many ways as decorative or protective markings. It is seen in camouflage markings on fish and as the pattern of heraldic crests, military insignia and logos. It also appears as a design element on road signs and distance markings.

Chevrons have been adapted for use on emergency vehicles as a way to increase their visibility and reduce the number of rear-end collisions. They have been introduced on UK police vehicles and are included in the Battenburg specification. The chevron is shown as a yellow background with a white arrow. It can be displayed either on the rear of the vehicle or the front, depending on the regulations of the organisation. The chevron is designed to reflect the light of oncoming headlights and to help drivers see the vehicle even in low or poor lighting conditions.

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In some countries, the Chevron Kits are not a legal requirement, but are regarded as best practice and it is widely recommended that all emergency vehicles be fitted with them. In others, they are compulsory and a failure to display them could result in a fine or penalty. For Chevron Kits, contact Vehicle Chevrons.

Research has shown that chevrons can be used to improve the effectiveness of warning road signs. For dangerous curves, when combined with warning road signs and chevrons, this combination was effective in reducing driver lateral movements during the curve.

Research into chevrons on emergency vehicles also shows that they can be effective when coupled with other conspicuity measures. A study used ten different combinations of warning road signs, chevrons and perceptual and delineation measures on a dangerous curve. This combination was effective in reducing the risk of accidents by increasing driver awareness.

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When used on fire engines, chevrons can be particularly effective in reducing the number of rear end collisions. These are often caused when the vehicle is moving slowly and does not give sufficient warning that it is about to stop. It can also be difficult to distinguish the fire engine from other cars as it may be parked on the side of the road or a driveway. The inverted V chevron design helps drivers to recognise the fire engine’s distinctive colour and shape as it drives past them.

Other uses of chevrons include marking the rear of highway maintenance vehicles. The Chapter 8 regulations stipulate that all vehicles used for highway maintenance should be marked with a reflective chevron on the rear. The reflective chevron should be of Class 2 retroreflective material and comprise alternate strips of fluorescent orange-red retro reflective and solid blocks of fluorescent yellow non-retro reflective striping on a yellow base.