DOT C2 retro reflective tape that alternates between white and red must be used to mark trailers and trucks that are over 80 inches wide and more than 10,000 pounds in weight. (Note – In the daylight, white is often a silver color). You can use a 6/6 (6′′ red and 6′′ white) or a 7/11 (7′′…
Certain requirements must be met for a tape to be certified as DOT C2, C3, or C4. These rules cover how the tape is made, what color it is, how wide it is, how far apart the different colors are, performance, and how reflective it is. The manufacturer can put DOT C2 certification on a…
You will find below the actual DOT C2 Government document from the FMCSA. This document has some very helpful diagrams and illustrations for the placement of DOT tape. One point is that when applying DOT reflective tape to a truck, the goal is not just to pass an inspection. The goal is to keep other…
Explaining Conspicuity Tape Requirements for Straight Trucks (Single Unit Trucks) This article addresses questions regarding the necessity of reflective conspicuity treatment on straight box trucks, also known as box trucks. Question: Is retroreflective DOT C2 Conspicuity Tape required on straight box trucks? I understand that it is required on large semi-tractor-trailer rigs, but I have…
The FAA, in 2010, released what they call an Advisory Circular that outlined requirements for marking Airport Vehicles with both lighting and retro reflective tape. As of the date of this article, this circular is still in force. The approved lights, colors, and markings outlined in this regulation assure the conspicuity of vehicles operating in…
By January 17, 2011, all crossbucks at rail-highway crossings must comply with Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) rules and be fitted with reflective strips. At all grade crossings with crossbuck signs installed, excluding those with crossbuck signs installed back-to-back, a two-inch strip of white retro-reflective material must be applied to the back of each crossbuck blade…
FMVSS 131 & FMVSS 217 – School Bus Reflective Tape Specifications (NOTE – pdf’s of both federal regulations are at the bottom of this page) School Bus Reflective Tape Regulations: Almost every state has laws governing how school buses must be marked. These rules’ primary objective is to prominently mark the bus’ emergency exits with…
You will find below, two resolutions of regulations concerning SOLAS marine reflective tape. These include placement, tape type, and photometrics. Retro reflective tapes used for marine applications must be compliant with both the U.S. Department of Transportation specification USCG 46 CFR, section 164.018 and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) resolution A.658(16). The IMO was actually established…
Section 6F.63 Channelizing DevicesStandard:01 Designs of various channelizing devices shall be as shown in Figure 6F–7. All channelizing devices shall be crashworthy.Support:02 The function of channelizing devices is to warn road users of conditions created by work activities in or near the roadway and to guide road users. Channelizing devices include cones, tubular markers, vertical…
Reflective Requirements for Traffic Cones The color of traffic cones must be orange. Cones don’t need reflective bands for daytime and low speed applications if they are 18 inches or taller. It must be daylight and the speed limit must be 40 miles per hour or less. Use an orange cone between 28 and 36…