If you’ve ever walked through a car park or managed one at your facility, you’ve likely seen those black-and-yellow blocks sitting behind each parking bay. But have you ever stopped to ask—do we actually need them?
The short answer: Yes. Absolutely - especially if you’re managing an industrial facility or you are responsible for workplace safety.
Let’s address some of the most common frequently asked questions around rubber wheel stop bars – smarter, safer and simpler!

Do I need wheel stops if I already have concrete kerbs?

This is a common question. And we get it. If you’ve already got solid concrete kerbs in place, why should you add another physical barrier?

Here’s the thing: If your kerbs are over 100mm high, Australian regulations say you must have wheel stops. It’s not just about compliance; it’s about protecting people, vehicles, and infrastructure.

Without rubber wheel stops, legal-height vehicles can hit taller kerbs, causing underbody damage; particularly those with low front skirts. That means unhappy drivers, insurance headaches, and in many cases, facility liability.

What Do Rubber Wheel Stops Actually Do?

Most people assume Rubber Wheel Stops are just for car parks, however the reality is, they’re incredibly versatile, particularly in factories, warehouses, and high-movement industrial zones.

Here’s what rubber wheel stops do exceptionally well:

Ensure vehicles stop where they should
Protect buildings, kerbs, and landscaping from accidental impact
Act as bumpers for forklifts, utes, trolleys and carts indoors
Define pedestrian walkways and safety zones
Reduce damage-related costs and insurance claims

If you manage a warehouse or commercial site with any sort of vehicle movement, rubber wheel stops are an easy win for your safety strategy.

Are they really better than concrete?

Yes, here’s why:

Durability: Rubber wheel stops are made from solid recycled rubber, built to absorb repeated impact without cracking like concrete.
Weather resistance: They hold up against UV rays, rain, and temperature fluctuations.
Lightweight and easy to install: No forklifts or heavy machinery needed. Most installs can be done in-house with basic tools.
Safety-first design: Our rubber wheel stop bars feature yellow reflective panels for visibility, even in dimly lit environments.
Cost-effective: Concrete wheel stops are up to six times more expensive over their lifetime, due to cracking and ongoing maintenance.

Where should I use them?

You’ll find rubber wheel stops everywhere from:

Shopping centres and stadiums
Apartment complexes and office buildings
Warehouses, depots and distribution centres
Mechanics, petrol stations and car washes
Schools, airports and healthcare facilities
Even in residential homes!

And if you're wondering whether they're only useful outside, the answer is no. Many facilities use them indoors to define working zones, protect racking, and manage vehicle flow in high-risk areas.

Do I really "have" to install them?

If your kerbs are above 100mm, then yes, you’re required to. It’s part of AS2890.1:2004 standards. But beyond ticking a compliance box, let’s talk about liability.

If a worker’s vehicle is damaged in your workplace car park, or worse, if someone is injured, you could be found negligent under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Wheel stops help eliminate risk before it becomes a problem. They’re a small investment with a big payoff in both peace of mind and protection.

Key Takeaways

Imagine this:
You’re driving on the top level of a commercial car park, close to the edge. There’s no wheel stop, just a painted line and a concrete kerb. How confident are you in judging that distance?

Or… you’re parking nose-to-nose with another vehicle. How sure are you that you won’t overshoot and give someone else’s bumper a “love tap”?

That’s what wheel stops are for. They create physical, visible boundaries where visibility falls short. Rubber wheel stops are not just a “nice-to-have.” They’re a must-have for any facility manager who wants to:

Stay compliant
Reduce accidents
Minimise liability
Protect infrastructure
Keep traffic organised and safe

Sterling Supplies stocks Rubber Wheel Stops at competitive prices. They’re built tough, priced right, and designed to meet Australian standards. Fixings for both asphalt and concrete are included, and they’re ready and easy to install.

Still not sure if you need wheel stops?

Give our team a call. We’re happy to walk you through your options, obligations, and what’ll work best for your site layout and traffic needs. Sometimes, the smallest things can make the biggest difference in safety.