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Security vehicle graphics: 6 patrol designs and the rules

A security patrol vehicle has two jobs. It has to look like it belongs on the property, and it cannot look like a police car. The graphics do both jobs.

This guide shows 6 ideas made with our free generator, plus the California rules on lettering and police look-alikes, and what lettering and wraps cost. To try them with your own name, open the free SUV wrap design tool. This guide is not legal advice. Check your state and city rules before you print.

6 security vehicle graphics ideas

Each image is a free watermarked WrapMockup preview. Every company is fictional. The lettering is drawn from typed text, so the name and phone come out spelled right.

1. Color block patrol SUV

Color block security patrol SUV graphics concept for Ironclad Patrol Services, a fictional company, teal and yellow, with a placeholder license line

Teal and yellow with "Private security patrol" on the side. The colors do not match any police scheme we know of. The license line is a placeholder. Use your real number.

2. Stripe patrol SUV

Stripe style security patrol SUV graphics concept for Summit Guard Security, a fictional company, brown and amber stripes

Two stripes and "Security patrol" on the side. Stripes look official without copying a police layout. Keep the words large so they read from a distance.

3. Two-tone pickup for site patrol

Two-tone security pickup graphics concept for Ironclad Patrol Services, a fictional company, teal and yellow, with a placeholder license line

A pickup covers lots, yards, and job sites. The same teal and yellow as idea 1 tie the fleet together.

4. Minimal lettering for alarm response

Minimal lettering security SUV graphics concept for Northgate Alarm Response, a fictional company, slate and orange

Name, "Alarm response," and the phone on a white SUV. Lettering costs the least. A white SUV with one color of lettering looks nothing like a black and white patrol car.

5. Swoosh van for guard services

Swoosh style security van graphics concept for Brightpost Security, a fictional company, purple and lime, with a placeholder license line

A van moves guards and gear between sites. Purple and lime are bold and read as a private company.

6. Full color patrol SUV

Full color security patrol SUV graphics concept for Summit Guard Security, a fictional company, brown with an amber accent

One body color with an accent. California exempts a vehicle painted one solid color from its look-alike rule. The exemption names paint, not wraps, and this design adds an accent, so check with your city before you print.

The rules for security vehicle graphics in California

No police look-alike. California Vehicle Code 27605 bars owning or running a vehicle painted to resemble a traffic enforcement vehicle under Section 40800 (VEH 27605). Section 40800 says a traffic officer's vehicle is "a distinctive color specified by the commissioner." The rule does not apply to a vehicle painted one solid color, or to one first registered on or before January 1, 1979.
Lettering for amber lights. Under Vehicle Code 25279, a vehicle owned by a private security agency and run by registered staff may carry a flashing amber warning light system. It has to comply with 27605 and carry the words "PRIVATE SECURITY" or "SECURITY PATROL" on the rear and both sides, in a size legible from "not less than 50 feet" (VEH 25279). The lights may not be turned on while on the highway unless a peace officer directs it.
City and county rules. Business and Professions Code 7583.38 lets a city or county regulate private patrol vehicles so they are "distinguishable" from local police vehicles (BPC 7583.38, third-party mirror). Call your city before you print.
Other states. We did not check rules outside California. Ask your state licensing board.

Layout rules for a patrol vehicle

Put the words on three sides. Use the rear and both sides, sized to read from 50 feet or more.
Skip police colors and badges. Avoid black and white panels, stars, shields, and the word "police." Use your own brand colors.
Add your license number. Leave a line for your license number under the phone.
Keep the phone large. Property managers and tenants call the number on the car.

What lettering and wraps cost

Chicago Fleet Wraps starts cargo van lettering at $650, a cargo van partial at $2,300, and a full cargo van wrap at $4,200 (Chicago Fleet Wraps commercial pricing). For an SUV, read SUV wrap cost. For lettering, read truck lettering cost. For a fleet, read fleet vehicle wraps.

Colors that read from the street

Pick one dark color and one bright accent. Navy, charcoal, or deep green with orange, yellow, or lime reads from across a street.
Put the phone in white on a dark band, or in dark letters on white. Contrast matters more than size.
Test small. Shrink the preview to thumbnail size. If you can read the phone, a driver can.

Make yours

Open the free SUV wrap design tool.
Type your business name, tagline, phone, and website. Pick two colors and add a logo if you have one.
See 18 free watermarked vehicle previews and 6 yard signs: 6 styles on three vehicles and a yard sign in each style. No account needed. The previews render in your browser, so your logo stays on your device.
Take the layout you like to a local wrap shop as the starting point. Ask the shop to size the security words to read from 50 feet.

Clean files cost $9 for one vehicle concept plus its matching yard sign, or $29 for the Fleet Pack: 18 vehicle concepts, 6 yard signs and a brand sheet. These are concept proofs, not print files. Your wrap shop builds the print file for your exact vehicle.

For more layouts, see cargo van wrap ideas and truck lettering ideas.

For lock and safe work, see locksmith van wrap ideas.

For patrol sedans, read Dodge Charger wrap cost.

FAQ

Can a security car look like a police car? Not in California. Vehicle Code 27605 bars a paint scheme that resembles a traffic enforcement vehicle. A vehicle painted one solid color is exempt.

What words does a security vehicle need? In California, a private security vehicle with amber lights needs "PRIVATE SECURITY" or "SECURITY PATROL" on the rear and both sides, legible from 50 feet, under Vehicle Code 25279.

Can a security vehicle have flashing lights? In California, a private security agency vehicle may carry a flashing amber light system if it meets Vehicle Code 25279. The lights may not be turned on while on the highway unless a peace officer directs it.

Can my city set rules for patrol cars? Yes in California. Business and Professions Code 7583.38 lets a city or county regulate private patrol vehicles so they stand apart from local police vehicles.

Can I see my security vehicle graphics before I pay a shop? Yes. The free SUV wrap design tool shows your name, phone, and colors in 6 styles on three vehicles and a yard sign.

Checked 2026-10-25. Prices and policies change. Confirm on the source before you buy.