Whether you decide to take your car on one of the ferry routes to England; or you hire a vehicle when you arrive in England, you will be able to traverse the country safely in the knowledge that if you are displaying a Sunflower vehicle sticker or magnet - National Highways England will ask what support you may need to help keep you safe if your vehicle has broken down or you require assistance on the roadside.
If you are using Irish Ferries routes, displaying the Sunflower will ensure that the Port and on-Board Irish Ferries crew know that you may need more time, assistance or understanding. You can continue to display your sunflower vehicle sticker or magnet on your return to Ireland as we develop an awareness of the Sunflower with the RSA and Gardaí.
We teamed up with National Highways, who manage England's motorways and major A-roads, to create a free Sunflower for your vehicle. This Sunflower discreetly indicates that you or someone in your vehicle has an impairment and may need additional support. In many ways, someone's impairment is always invisible in a vehicle. So anyone with an impairment, hidden or visible, can display the Sunflower on their vehicle.
The Sunflower for your vehicle is free to road users in England.
You can order ONE free Sunflower for your vehicle, which comes as a sticker or a magnet. Once you've chosen which suits you best, use the discount code ONTHEROAD for free shipping your National Highways Sunflower to your door.How will the Sunflower help road users in England
The Sunflower will indicate to roadside and emergency services in England that you or someone in your vehicle has an impairment which may not be visible.
National Highways traffic officers are often first on the scene in an emergency on England's motorways and major A-roads. Displaying the Sunflower sticker or magnet on the rear of your vehicle will indicate to traffic officers that you or someone in your vehicle has a non-visible disability. When a National Highways traffic officer sees the Sunflower on your vehicle, they'll ask what support you may need to help keep you safe.
They'll always:
Ask how they can help
Listen closely to what you tell them
Be kind and patient
Not judge, and treat you with respect
Displaying the Sunflower on your vehicle could mean you may need additional support with the following:
Understanding instructions and communicating your needs
Staying calm in a time of stress
Getting to a place of safety
Moving and recovering an adapted vehicle
Frequently asked questions
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Where should I display the Sunflower on my vehicle?
Display the Sunflower on the rear of your vehicle where it can be easily seen, in a position that won't obscure your view.
The Sunflower sticker is designed to last at least three years. It is intended to be applied to your vehicle's rear window and can be removed using a 70% alcohol solution (such as hand sanitiser). If applied to your vehicles bodywork, it may cause colour discolouration.
The Sunflower magnet attaches to your vehicle's bodywork, and you can place it on your vehicle when you set off and remove it for safekeeping at the end of your journey.
Do I need to display the Sunflower on my vehicle?
No, you can choose whether to display the Sunflower on your vehicle. Having the Sunflower displayed on your vehicle will prompt National Highways traffic officers to ask about your needs if you get into trouble on a motorway or significant A-road in England.
What about Sunflower seatbelt covers?
National Highways traffic officers also recognise the use of the new Sunflower seatbelt covers and Sunflower lanyards and pin badges.
Only the National Highways Sunflower stickers and magnets are provided free of charge, and the other Sunflower items are available to purchase from our shop here.
Who can display a Sunflower on their vehicle?
Anyone with an invisible or visible impairment may need additional support if they break down or need assistance on the motorway or significant A-road in England.
Do you have to show evidence of an impairment to qualify for a Sunflower?
There are no requirements to show evidence of disability or any qualifying criteria.
Will traffic officers tell anyone else about my Sunflower?
With your consent, National Highways traffic officers will ensure that others on the scene are aware of any additional support you may need. This could include the emergency and breakdown providers.
What if I have more than one car?
You can order one free Sunflower sticker or magnet from your Sunflower account. If you have more than one car in your household, another member of your household will need to open an account to order another National Highways Sunflower pack.
I have ordered my Sunflower car sticker, but it has not arrived.
If you need to find out about your order, please visit the Sunflower helpdesk by clicking here to contact our Sunflower customer service team. Don't forget to refer to your order number.
I have a business or charity account. Can I take advantage of this offer?
No. The Sunflower car stickers and magnets are free of charge to personal account holders only.
If I have a Sunflower on my vehicle, can I park in a disabled parking bay?
No, the Sunflower does not entitle people to park in a blue badge parking bay. To apply for a blue parking badge, click here.
Will people from other organisations who work on National Highways roads know what the Sunflower is for?
National Highways works with recovery operators and emergency services to manage incidents on England's motorways and major A-roads. We're working with these organisations to raise awareness of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower for vehicles, what it's for and what it signifies and the vehicle's occupants.
Will my Sunflower be recognised on other roads not operated by National Highways?
National Highways traffic officers have received training on what the Sunflower is for, what it signifies, the vehicle's occupants, and how to respond. While other road operators may be aware of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, they may not have received the training yet.
How do I use the discount code?
Here is a guide to help you if you can't get the discount code to work for your National Highways Sunflower order.
First, you must log in to your account on this website. You can create one if you do not have one by clicking here. You will then need to confirm the account from our e-mail.
Also:
- The National Highways Sunflower pack for our vehicle is only available here and has a value of £0.00.
- You can only order it once you are logged in to your personal account (not a business, charity or NHS account)
- You need to be a road user in England. You cannot order the pack for free if you are not.
- You can only order ONE FREE National Highways Sunflower pack! You will not be able to order more than one for free.
Please click here for a more detailed guide from our Customer Services team.
How are National Highways helping Sunflower wearers?
If you want to learn more about how National Highways are helping Sunflower wearers, visit the National Highways website here.