Security vehicles graphics serve unique and highly visible roles in public and private spaces, and today we’re going to talk more about helping these vehicles fulfill these roles with graphics.
Whether patrolling a shopping center parking lot, monitoring a corporate campus, or responding to alarms at residential communities, these vehicles help establish a sense of safety.
But without the right graphics, they can easily blend in or be mistaken for law enforcement, leading to confusion or missed opportunities to deter unwanted activity.
Security Vehicle Graphics: Design Tips
Clear, professionally designed security vehicle decals improve visibility, reinforce authority, and make sure people know who to contact in case of a concern. From choosing the right materials to emphasizing the right information, these design tips will help make decals effective in real-world settings.
Visibility Makes a Difference
A security vehicle simply being present can be a crime deterrent. But if people don’t realize they’re looking at a security vehicle? Well, then that impact is lost.
Decals should make the vehicle recognizable from a distance and under different lighting conditions, because these are bound to change.
So, that all starts with contrast. Dark vehicles often benefit from bright white or yellow lettering, while lighter vehicles may use dark blue or black fonts.
For nighttime patrols, reflective materials offer greater safety and visibility. They reflect light from headlights, streetlamps, or flashlights, which means the vehicle can stand out without needing additional lighting.
Of course, placement matters too. The word “Security” should be distinctly shown on both sides and the rear of the vehicle. This helps pedestrians and other drivers quickly identify the vehicle’s purpose.
Consistent placement across all vehicles in a fleet can also provide a worthwhile boost to brand recognition and trust.
Design Elements That Reinforce Authority
A clean, well-designed decal can signal professionalism, regardless of the industry the vehicle operates within. Security vehicles may not be part of public emergency services, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need to represent authority.
Your security fleet should have the company name, contact phone number, and a recognizable logo to help establish credibility and provide a point of contact.
Font choice and size are important decisions, too. Steer clear of overly decorative fonts that are hard to read. Simple, bold text in all caps often works best. The most significant text—”Security”—should be the largest and most prominent.
Some fleets also include vehicle numbers, email addresses, or unit identifiers. These details can be helpful in larger organizations and give the impression of organization and accountability.
Material Matters: Reflective vs. Non-Reflective Options
Decal materials directly affect how well the design holds up in the real world. Whereabouts do your fleets operate? Security vehicles are exposed to sun, rain, snow, and constant use.
Choosing the right vinyl and application process will help decals last longer without peeling, cracking, or fading.
For example, vehicles that operate in California versus Minnesota are bound to be exposed to different extremes of elements.
Reflective 3M Scotchlite is a common choice. It provides good visibility while remaining flat and does not require edge sealing. Another option is 3M Diamond Grade, which offers even higher reflectivity but needs edge sealing during application.
Non-reflective ORACAL is also available. While it does not reflect light, it can be a suitable option for vehicles that operate primarily during the day. It also skips the need for edge sealing, so this can make the whole process quicker.
Ultimately, choosing between these materials often comes down to when and where the vehicle is used. Nighttime patrols, high-traffic areas, and large parking lots may benefit from reflective graphics, while non-reflective decals may serve lower-profile routes effectively.
Avoiding Confusion with Law Enforcement
You need to be careful that security decals never create confusion with police, sheriff, or fire rescue vehicles. Mimicking the look of an official emergency vehicle might confuse the public, but it can also lead to legal issues, so this isn’t a decision to make lightly.
To avoid this, the word “Security” should be the most prominent design element. Avoid terms like “Patrol” or “Response” without clear context.
Using different color schemes or unique shapes for your decals can help visually separate your vehicles from public service fleets.
Skip emergency-style striping or lights unless permitted, too. Every detail on a security vehicle should communicate private security services, not government authority.
Decals That Hold Up to Daily Use
Security vehicles are often on the road or parked outdoors for long periods. Exposure to UV rays, rain, wind, and road debris can wear down graphics. That’s why decals should be made with durable adhesive and protective finishes.
Of course, high-quality vinyl materials look better, but they also continue to perform well after years of exposure. Decals that resist peeling and fading save money over time by reducing the need for replacements. Some wraps even help protect the vehicle’s surface underneath.
Fleet managers should inspect decals regularly and address damage early. Small scratches can often be patched without replacing the full decal. But when damage extends to the vehicle surface? In that case, the area may need repairs before moving on to new graphics.
Things to Consider Before Ordering
If your current fleet decals are faded, hard to read, or inconsistent across vehicles, it may be time to reevaluate your design.
Ask these questions about security graphics before you make your final decision:
- Is the word “Security” clearly visible from a distance?
- Are all vehicles in the fleet labeled in the same way?
- Do the decals reflect the brand and professionalism of your company?
- Will the materials hold up under weather conditions in your area?
You should also consider how often your fleet is seen at night. Reflective materials may cost more upfront, but they can make a big difference in both appearance and safety.
Professional Security Vehicle Graphics
When it comes to designing and producing decals for security fleets, it helps to work with a company that specializes in public safety graphics.
Graphic Designs International creates custom decals, partial wraps, and reflective markings for security companies of all sizes.
Contact them today to learn more about what they can do for you and how they work with private security teams.
