Authorities concerned after Jim's Plumbing golden van hits Adelaide streets

Jim's Plumbing gold-covered van is creating controversy.

It is the flashy set of wheels turning heads across Adelaide for its chrome gold exterior - but authorities say a gold Jim's Plumbing's van could be "hazardous" to motorists.

Hitting the road as part of a nationwide promotional exercise, the van has been spotted on Adelaide streets in the past few weeks.

The company's website says it wanted something that would "stand out while driving between jobs" and so far it has gained "extensive exposure".

"We looked at the idea of vans being fully wrapped in neon super colours, similar to the V8 Supercars," the website says. "We looked at mobile LED signage. However, until now, we have not been satisfied with the options available."

But the RAA and SA Police say drivers may be driven to distraction. A police spokeswoman said if the reflection of the van caused other drivers to be blinded, then it may breach vehicle standards.

The spokeswoman said the company may be liable for a $468 fine and have the vehicle defected if it was deemed a hazard. "As the high reflectance of the coating would reflect sunlight ... it could very easily blind or seriously distract other road users and therefore would not be acceptable," the spokeswoman said.

RAA road safety senior manager Charles Mountain said the van could distract other road users.

"This vehicle certainly has the potential to create extra glare for any oncoming traffic," Mr Mountain said.

"The highly reflective surface would reflect sunlight, but it could also be hazardous at night by reflecting other vehicle's headlights."

Jim's Plumbing national operations manager Debbie Scutella said the van was "far less reflective" than the aluminium rear of a tipper truck or the LED lights on new cars.