By Nazar Hubert
Police and security vehicles need effective graphics that remain visible day and night. A key decision is whether to use reflective graphics – which shine brightly under light – or non-reflective graphics that stay low-key in the dark.
In this article, we’re going to compare reflective vs. non-reflective security vehicle graphics for night patrols, covering visibility, safety, cost, design, and use cases. We’ll also include some information relevant to police fleets, so don’t miss it!
Reflective vs. Non-Reflective: What’s the Difference?
Reflective vehicle graphics are made with special materials (often containing glass beads or prismatic layers) that bounce light back to the source. At night, even a small amount of light – like a car’s headlights – will cause these graphics to light up brilliantly.
In contrast, non-reflective graphics use standard vinyl or paint without these light-returning properties. They look normal in daylight but become hard to see after dark.
Visibility and Safety at Night
When it comes to night patrols, visibility is crucial. Reflective graphics greatly improve how easily a patrol car can be seen in the dark.
Studies show that adding retroreflective markings leads to significantly more visibility – one industry report noted up to 40% more visual impressions (people noticing the vehicle) and a reduction in accidents thanks to increased conspicuity.
If a security vehicle has reflective stripes, it’s much easier for other drivers to spot it at night. Headlights catch the reflection and give people a warning well in advance. It also helps show that it’s an official vehicle—even from far away.
Without that reflectiveness, a car can basically disappear into the dark. Non-reflective decals just don’t do much when visibility is low.
A patrol car with only non-reflective decals might be nearly invisible until another car is very close. This can be dangerous – for instance, during a roadside traffic stop at night, oncoming cars might not realize a vehicle is parked ahead.
For this reason, many police and security agencies include at least some reflective elements on their night patrol vehicles. Even a few reflective pieces (like outlines around text or reflective badges) can catch someone’s eye and signal, “there’s a vehicle here.”
The benefits of visibility don’t stop at collision avoidance, although that’s certainly a notable advantage. In fact, a well-marked, highly visible patrol car can even deter crime.
Reflective graphics have a clear advantage for safety and visibility during night operations.
Cost Considerations
Naturally, budget also comes into play when choosing graphics. Non-reflective graphics tend to be more affordable than reflective ones. The specialized materials and manufacturing processes for reflective decals make them pricier.
When budgets are tight, or there are lots of vehicles to outfit, the price difference really matters. Non-reflective vinyl is a more affordable way to add logos, unit numbers, and other markings.
A lot of departments stick with mostly non-reflective graphics to keep costs down, then add a few reflective touches in key spots for extra visibility.
However, a lot of agencies go with a mix, so this is an option, too. Maybe the main door decal is regular vinyl to keep costs down, but the lettering has a reflective outline, or there’s reflective tape on the back bumper. It’s a practical way to get some visibility without going over budget.
Even though reflective graphics cost more upfront, they can pay off by helping prevent accidents or making the vehicle easier for the public to identify.
Still, if night visibility isn’t a top priority for a particular vehicle (say it’s used mostly in daylight), spending extra on reflective material might not be necessary.
Each fleet manager will need to evaluate the cost vs. benefit. The good news is that basic reflective additions (like reflective lettering or a couple of stripes) are not prohibitively expensive and can be worth the extra safety for night patrol cars.
Design and Aesthetics
Choosing between reflective and non-reflective isn’t only a technical decision – it also affects the vehicle’s look and how the public perceives it.
In daylight, reflective and non-reflective decals can look quite similar, especially from a distance. Up close, reflective graphics might have a slightly grainy or matte look due to the reflective particles.
At night, of course, they look very different: reflective graphics shine bright white or in their intended colors, whereas non-reflective graphics basically disappear if not directly lit.
One interesting design option is the use of ghost graphics.
Ghost graphics are subtle markings that blend in with the vehicle’s color in the daytime (often using a color that’s only a shade different from the paint). They are typically made with reflective vinyl that is color-matched to the vehicle.
The result: the graphics are practically invisible by day but highly reflective at night.
This gives a stealthy appearance without sacrificing nighttime identification. Security companies might use ghost graphics for unmarked or special units – the car doesn’t scream “SECURITY” at first glance, but if headlights hit it or when spotlights shine, the word “SECURITY” or the badge suddenly pops out in full reflective glory.
Beyond reflectivity, agencies should consider color contrast and clarity. High-contrast designs (light text on a dark vehicle or vice versa) are easier to spot, and reflective materials come in many colors to match an agency’s branding.
In all cases, the fonts and symbols should be clear and professional to convey authority.
Use Cases: Which Option for Which Scenario?
The choice between reflective and non-reflective graphics often depends on how the vehicle is used:
Night Patrol and Roadside Use
Reflective markings are extremely useful for marked patrol cars that operate at night or stop on the roadside. A reflective decal boosts visibility even in low-light regions like neighborhoods or city streets.
On highways, bright reflective chevrons can be a great way to alert other drivers about stopped police or security vehicles, which can go a long way in preventing collisions.
Stealth or Undercover Operations
Let’s say you have vehicles that need to blend in with traffic (such as unmarked police cars or surveillance units), non-reflective or ghost graphics are preferable. These cars have minimal markings or very low-profile designs that don’t draw attention, sacrificing immediate visibility for the element of surprise.
However, even many unmarked cars use ghost graphics or small reflective patches, so if needed, the vehicle can be identified at night once lights are activated.
Wrapping Up: What’s Right for Your Security Vehicle Graphics?
Both reflective and non-reflective vehicle graphics have their place, and the “right” choice ultimately depends on your patrol needs.
Reflective graphics provide superior visibility and safety for night patrols – they light up under headlights and clearly mark the vehicle’s presence. This can prevent accidents and help project authority.
Non-reflective graphics offer a more subdued appearance and lower cost, which might be a big advantage for covert roles. In many cases, a mix of both is used: cost-effective non-reflective decals for general coverage paired with reflective highlights where it counts.
If the goal is to stay under the radar, non-reflective designs or ghosted reflective graphics can achieve that without completely sacrificing nighttime recognition. You can choose the graphics that best fit your night patrol requirements by weighing visibility, safety, cost, and design preferences.
Get in touch with Graphic Designs International today to get expert help with designing your own security vehicle graphics.
