Dec. 23, 2024
These requirements were set up by the FMCSA to help improve visibility in low light conditions and help reduce potentially fatal motor vehicle crashes into the sides or back of stopped or parked trucks and tractor trailers at night or in poor visibility. On December 10, , the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or NHTSA published a final rule requiring that trailers manufactured on or after December 1, , which have an overall width of 80 inches or more and a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of more than 10,000 pounds, (with the exception of pole trailers and trailers designed exclusively for living or office use) be equipped on the sides and rear with a means for making them more visible on the road.
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The NHTSA ruling allows trailer manufacturers to install either red and white retro reflective tape or sheeting or reflex reflectors. This tape is commonly referred to as DOT C2 reflective tape and is thus marked for easy identification.
Trucks over 10,000 pounds and wider than 80 inches must use DOT C2 approved reflective tapes to mark their trailers.
The 2&#; DOT C2 retro reflective sheeting need to be applied to both sides of the trailer or semitrailer. Each strip of retro reflective sheeting must be positioned as horizontally as practicable, beginning and ending as close to the front and rear as practicable. The conspicuity treatment is not required to be continuous. However, the sum of the length of all of the segments must be at least half of the length of the trailer and the spaces between the segments of the strip must be distributed as evenly as practicable. The centerline for each strip of retroreflective sheeting (or reflex reflector) must be between 375 mm (15 inches) and 1,525 mm (60 inches) above the road surface when measured with the trailer empty or unladen, or as close as practicable to this area. If necessary to clear rivet heads or other similar obstructions, 50 mm (2 inches) wide retro reflective conspicuity tape sheeting may be separated into two 25 mm (1 inch) wide strips of the same length and color, separated by a space of not more than 25 mm (1 inch).
The rear of each trailer and semitrailer must be equipped with retro reflective sheeting (or reflex reflectors). Each strip of retro reflective sheeting (or reflex reflector) must be positioned as horizontally as practicable, extending across the full width of the trailer, beginning and ending as close to the extreme edges as practicable. The centerline for each of the strips of retro reflective sheeting (or each reflex reflector) must be between 375 mm (15 inches) and 1,525 mm (60 inches) above the road surface when measured with the trailer empty or unladen, or as close as practicable to this area.
Two pairs of white reflective tape strips of retro reflective sheeting (or reflex reflectors), each pair consisting of strips 300 mm (12 inches) long, must be positioned horizontally and vertically on the right and left upper corners of the rear of the body of each trailer and semitrailer, as close as practicable to the top of the trailer and as far apart as practicable. If the perimeter of the body, as viewed from the rear, is not square or rectangular, the reflective conspicuity tape treatments may be applied along the perimeter, as close as practicable to the uppermost and outermost areas of the rear of the body on the left and right sides.
On August 8, , the NHTSA published a final rule requiring that truck tractors manufactured on or after July 1, , be equipped with red-and-white retroreflective material similar to that required on the rear of the trailers they tow to increase nighttime conspicuity. Manufacturers may choose either retroreflective sheeting or reflex reflectors. In the case of truck tractors delivered with a temporary mudflap arrangement rather than permanent equipment, the requirement for retroreflective material near the top of the mudflap may be satisfied with material carried by the temporary mudflap brackets that are transferable to the permanent mudflap system. Retroreflective material is also required near the top of the cab in a pattern similar to that used on trailers. (This is a summary of the regulation. For an exact copy of the law you can refer to the actual FMCSA document)
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This article consists of a collection of frequently asked questions about all the different types of reflective tapes. If you have a question to add, please me at .
How does reflective tape reflect? Reflective tapes reflect light back to the source by receiving light, bending light, and bouncing it back to the source. Glass beads were originally used for this purpose, and later, in the s, prisms began to be utilized. Glass beads and prisms function in similar ways, with prisms being much more efficient and much brighter.
What kind of reflective tape is used on roadways? Reflective tape on roadways is MUTCD regulated, so virtually all the traffic signs you see use bright prismatic sheeting for the background. Type 4 or above films are used for signs mounted on poles. Type 8, Type 9, and Type 11 films are used for the overhead signs.
What are the different colored reflective tapes used for? In traffic and in general, each color of reflective tape sends a different message to the viewer. White is speed, red is stop, yellow is caution, orange is work zone, green is directions or guidance, blue is information, pink is incident management such as road closed, fluorescent lime is school zones. For non traffic applications, colors are used for other purposes. One example is blue for fire hydrants. Yellow for dumpsters and trash containers. Lime and red for the backs of fire trucks. And red and white for DOT regulated trucks.
What is the first thing to consider when selecting reflective tape for my application? The surface is the first thing to consider. Flat smooth surfaces can use any tape, but contoured, uneven surfaces or small diameter tubes should use a flexible, stretchable tape. And surfaces like road barrels or traffic cones need a reboundable flexible tape as well. Also, remember that non stick surfaces like powder coated surfaces or textured plastics would need to be prepped before applying any tape.
What is the second thing to consider when selecting reflective tape for my application? The second consideration for reflective tape should be the distance a viewer will be from the tape. This will determine what type and brightness you should purchase. Generally speaking, the higher the type (1-11), the brighter the tape. Also, keep in mind that a regulation may apply to your application, in which case you would follow those guidelines. Reflective tapes come in Type 1 through 11 and there are also many specialty tapes for specific applications. (Rail Car, SOLAS, DOT C2, etc..)
What is the third thing to consider when selecting reflective tape for my application? Color is the third consideration when selecting a retro reflective film. Each color of tape has a different meaning to viewers. If you are just trying to call attention to an object that you want viewers to avoid, then often any color will suffice. But if you are trying to convey a specific message, such as stop, use caution, or go, then a particular color should be used. See the question above about colors.
What is an example of using all three of the above considerations? Let&#;s say you have a pair of bollards that you want to mark that are 4 inches in diameter with a smooth surface. Since the surface is smooth and not too tight of a diameter, any tape will wrap around the bollards. You need the bollards to be seen from 300 feet away. So a Type 3 would work, but a Type 4 or above would be better. A V92 or V82 (Type 5) would work well since it is very thin and wraps well. You want viewers to exercise &#;caution&#; or &#;stop&#; as they get to the bollards. So a Yellow or Red reflective film would work. Or use both. Either a wide band (4 inches) or two narrower bands (2 inches).
On two color striped reflective tapes, what do the stripe directions mean? Striped tapes come in three configurations. Block (no angle)|||||, Left Hand Slant (leans left from bottom to top)\\\\, and Right Hand Slant (leans right from bottom to top)////. Block patterns that do not slant designate that viewers should stop. Left Hand patterns indicate that viewers should go around and pass to the right. Right Hand patterns indicate that viewers should go around and pass to the left. End of road or road out barricades use a left slant on the right and a right slant on the left. This designates that cars should stop and not go around. \\\\//// The important thing is to slow way down and use caution when slanted tapes are present on roadways.
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How do I remove reflective tape? Some reflective tapes are easier to remove than others, but the same method is used for all of them. Heat should be used to warm up the tape so that the adhesive softens. A hair dryer or heat gun on low will work. Then find an edge and peel as you heat. You can also use a plastic scraper that is made for removing graphics. (i.e. Little Chisler) Keep the edge lubricated with WD40 as you scrape to keep from scratching the surface. Once you have removed all of the film, remove the adhesive residue with an adhesive remover like Goo Gone, Goof Off, or another brand. Some remove residue better than others.
What is the brightest reflective tape? Oralite AP film is the brightest retro reflective sheeting that we know of. It is the base film for V82, SOLAS, P82 Photoelectric, Rail Gate Arm Tape, and more. Out of these films, SOLAS is the brightest and is used for offshore applications where extreme sight distance is critical. This is a metallized film. (The brightest Air Backed prismatic film is an Oralite Series Type 11 &#; made for signs)
What is the toughest reflective tape? Single layer metallized films tend to be the most rugged of all reflective tapes. This is because they are made as a single fused layer with no delamination possible. Oralite DOT Tape, SOLAS Marine Tape, Rail Gate Arm Tape, Rail Car Tape, School Bus Tape, V92, and V82 are examples of this type of film construction. Tough single layer metallized prismatic reflective films are used in dynamic applications where they may be subject to rough treatment. These films hold together under abuse better than Air Backed Prismatic films like those used for traffic signs.
If metallized films are brighter and tougher, why are they not used for all reflective applications? This is a very good question. For many applications, metallized films are perfect. But for traffic signs, there are other characteristics that are needed, and Air Backed Prismatic films meet these needs. First is better chromaticity or vividness. Traffic signs have to be vivid in the daytime, and at night. Air backed prismatic tapes feature truer and more vivid colors than metallized films. Especially for white, yellow and orange. Second is longevity in a static application like a sign. In certain non dynamic applications like signs, Air Backed Prismatics last longer. This is due to their acrylic construction. Finally, air backed prismatic films reflect at broader angles, allowing cars to see them better. They put out a wider cone of reflectivity, which is perfect for traffic and vehicle headlights.
Does it matter how high or low reflective tape is placed? Yes, it makes a big difference in performance. The higher reflective tape is place, the less likely it is to receive light from oncoming headlights or other light sources. Retro reflective tape returns light to the source, but if light strikes below it, it will have no light to return.
What is Wide Observation Reflective Tape? All retro reflective tapes or sheeting reflect light back to the source of the light in what is called a cone of reflectivity. Wide Observation films spread light out using modified prisms that are more angled and deeper. Think of it like a spot light versus a bright floodlight, with wide observation retro reflective being the floodlight. More is illuminated by a floodlight, and more people on the receiving end can see the light.
Can reflective sheeting be printed on? &#; Yes, you can print on reflective sheeting provided you use the right type of printer to do so. Engineer grade reflective, Oralite V98, and Oralite Work Zone films print nicely on wide format Eco Sol, Latex, or UV printers. Acrylic films like Oralite , Oralite and Oralite Type 11 are also printable with these machines, however, laminating is more important with these films.
If you print on reflective tape or sheeting, is it still reflective? Yes, the printed areas are still reflective, but just less so. For example, a white engineer grade reflective tape would reflect at 750 candelas. When over printed with red, the red color would reflect at closer to 130 candelas. Orange ink over white would be close to 200 candelas. Lower reflectivity is fine since those color printed areas create contrast with the brighter white, thus getting the attention of viewers.
How long will printed reflective sheeting last outdoors? Eco Sol prints will last 2-3 years outdoors without lamination and more than 5 years when laminated Latex inkjet prints will last 1-2 years outdoors without lamination and greater than 3 years when laminated. UV inks will last 1-2 years unlaminated outdoors and 3 plus years when laminated.
What types of printers will print on reflective films? There are three main types of printers and ink sets that print on reflective sheeting. Eco Solvent Ink Jet Printers, Latex Ink Jet Printers, and UV Ink Jet Printers. Eco Sol Inks, being solvent-based, can penetrate the substrate being printed on. Because of this, Eco Sol prints can be placed outdoors without lamination. Latex Inks are water based and do not soak into the surface. They sit on top of the substrate and are set with a heater that is built into the printer itself. UV Inks are resin based and also sit on top of the surface. They are set quickly during printing using UV light built into the printer. It is recommended that both latex and uv prints be laminated before placing them outdoors. Eco Sol prints are already outdoor durable, but benefit from lamination as well.
What colors of reflective tape are the brightest? Within any line of retro reflective sheeting, white is always the brightest. Yellow (Lime) is next, then Orange, then Red, then Green, then Blue, then Black, and then Brown. An interesting exception to this list is Black Rapid Air by Oralite. It is brighter than the Orange, but not quite as bright as the Yellow. So it is number three in the list.
Why are white reflective tapes an off white color instead of pure white? Since reflective tapes use either mirror-like glass beads or prisms for reflectivity, they have a grey or silver tint to them, much like the mirror at your home. White lines are often added to enhance the color. When reflecting, white retro reflective tape shines a very bright and pure white.
Steven Cole (Economics, MBA &#; University of West Florida , Business & Innovation &#; Stanford University) 25 years of experience in the reflective safety business. Specializing in vehicle accident and rear end collision reduction through increased visibility.
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