Road signs play a vital role in safety and navigation on UK roads, but not all signs are created equal. Certified road signs (those bearing regulatory marks like CE or UKCA) are manufactured and tested to meet strict standards, while non-certified signs may not meet these requirements. Understanding the differences is essential for UK sign makers and anyone involved in producing or sourcing road signage.
What Are Certified Road Signs?
Certified road signs refer to signs that have been formally approved for use on public highways by meeting all legal and technical standards. In practice, this means the signs carry a CE marking (or the UKCA marking post-Brexit) indicating compliance with European/UK regulations. A certified road sign is manufactured under strict conditions to satisfy the British/European standard BS EN 12899-1 for permanent traffic signs. It also adheres to the official design rules set out in the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions (TSRGD), which is the law defining the design and permitted use of traffic signs on roads in Great Britain.
Certified signs meet all required safety and performance criteria. By contrast, non-certified road signs are those that do not carry an official marking or approval. These might include custom-made or “unofficial” signs used on private property, temporary signs not intended for highway use, or signs made by individuals or companies without the required certifications. Non-certified signs are not recognised for legal use on public highways because they haven’t been through the mandated conformity assessment.
Standards and Regulations for UK Road Signs
To appreciate why certification matters, it's important to understand the key standards and regulations governing UK road signs:
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TSRGD Compliance: The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 (TSRGD) prescribes the legal designs, colours, shapes, and usage conditions for traffic signs in the UK. Any sign used on public roads must comply with TSRGD.
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BS EN 12899-1 Standard: This British and European Standard covers performance criteria such as structural stability (wind load, impact resistance), reflectivity levels, colour requirements, and durability. Certified road signs are manufactured in accordance with this standard.
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Construction Products Regulation & CE/UKCA Marking: Since 1 July 2013, under the EU’s Construction Products Regulation (which the UK adopted), it became unlawful to supply permanent road traffic signs in the UK without proper conformity assessment and CE marking. Post-Brexit, the UKCA mark has replaced CE for new certifications in Great Britain.
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National Highways Sector Scheme 9A: Manufacturers of signs for trunk roads must be certified to this quality management scheme, specific to road signs, and aligned with ISO 9001.
Why Not Everyone Can Produce CE-Certified Road Signs
Even if a sign maker uses the correct materials (like certified reflective sheeting and aluminium blanks), they cannot simply claim CE certification. Here’s why:
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Certification Is About Process and Proof: Certification applies to the whole sign and the production process—not just the raw materials. The manufacturer must be approved and maintain compliance with standards.
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Mandatory Audits and Testing: Manufacturers must have a certified Factory Production Control system and undergo audits by accredited certification bodies.
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Legal Responsibility: Applying a CE/UKCA mark means the manufacturer assumes legal responsibility for the sign's performance.
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Documentation and Traceability: Certified signs come with a Declaration of Performance (DoP), batch tracking, and unique identifiers. Non-certified signs cannot offer this.
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Specialist Knowledge and Equipment: Highway-compliant signs require precision and adherence to detailed specifications in TSRGD, including correct fonts, colours, and sizes.
In short, simply buying the correct materials is not enough. The entire assembly process must be certified and audited for a road sign to be legally placed on public highways.
Understanding Reflective Grades: RA1, RA2, R2, R3B
Retroreflective performance is a key component of a compliant road sign. Different classes of reflective sheeting are used depending on the road conditions and required visibility.
| Reflective Grade | Description | Suitable for UK Highways |
|---|---|---|
| RA1 (Engineer Grade) | Basic reflectivity, returns a small percentage of light. Often used on private property or in low-speed environments. | ❌ No – not compliant for highway use |
| RA2 / R2 (High-Intensity) | Higher-grade reflective sheeting used for most road signs. Offers better night-time visibility and longer durability. | ✅ Yes – standard for most signs |
| R3B (Diamond Grade) | Ultra-high reflectivity. Used for signs on motorways, trunk roads, or critical warning signs. | ✅ Yes – required for high-speed routes or enhanced visibility |
Each class is specified in UK standards and guidance depending on the road’s speed limit, lighting conditions, and sign placement. Certified manufacturers ensure the correct class is used in each case.
Key Differences Between Certified and Non-Certified Signs
| Feature | Certified Road Signs | Non-Certified Road Signs |
| Legal for highway use | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| CE/UKCA marked | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Manufactured to BS EN 12899-1 | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Audited production process | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Correct reflective grade | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not guaranteed |
| Includes Declaration of Performance | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Durability and warranty | ✅ Yes | ❌ No guarantee |
Why Use Certified Road Signs?
Using certified road signs ensures:
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Full compliance with UK laws and regulations
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Safety and visibility in all lighting and weather conditions
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Durability and proven performance over time
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Protection from liability if signage fails
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Acceptance for highway and council projects
If your business is not certified to manufacture highway-compliant signs, you can still supply them by partnering with a certified manufacturer.
Where to Buy Certified Road Signs
Sign Trade Supplies is an approved UK manufacturer of CE-certified road signs. Our range includes:
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Speed limit signs
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Warning and regulatory signs
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Chapter 4/5/6 signage
All signs are fully compliant, correctly marked, and constructed with RA2 or R2 reflective materials.
👉 Browse our certified road signs
Learn More
For further guidance, visit:
Even if you are not a certified manufacturer, you can still ensure your customers receive safe, legal signage by sourcing from a trusted supplier. This allows you to meet client expectations without compromising on compliance or quality.