In the realm of reflective sheeting, the term metallize means to apply a mirror backing. Specifically, to the bottom of a glass bead or to the back of a prism. This is done to increase its return of light and the overall retro reflectivity of a tape. When you look in a mirror every morning,…
Specification sheets on reflective material often reference the terms “Observation Angle” and “Entrance Angle”. You often see metrics like the following – (Observation Angle : .20 / Entrance Angle : -4) or (Observation Angle – .50 / Entrance Angle : 30), where the observation metric is normally very small, and the entrance metric is much…
An explanation of chromaticity and its value in relation to reflective tapes. Chromaticity is defined as an objective, numerical indicator of the quality of a color that stays consistent without regard to the light that is illuminating it. It is the quality of color of an object, independent of brightness. A universal language is something…
Most objects in the universe are capable of reflecting light in some way, which is why we can see them. Light that is reflected is also why we see colors. Objects absorb some colors or wavelengths of light, and reflect others. Even a black surface that is glossy reflects. To reflect simply means that light…
Accidents from collisions often result in property damage, personal injury, and fatalities, and whether an accident from a collision is minor or severe, the fact is, they are almost always avoidable. The key is visibility, conspicuity, and driver alertness. Conspicuity is defined as the property of being clearly discernible. The state or quality of being clear…
The difference between light reflection, light refraction, and light diffraction is simple. With reflection, the light rays striking a surface return towards the originating source of light as the waves spring or bounce off the surface. In refraction, the waves go through a clear medium, and as they travel through it, their speed and direction are altered. In other words, refraction…
Types of Luminescence Luminescence manifests itself in various forms, each defined by distinct mechanisms and characteristics. The key types of luminescence include fluorescence, bioluminescence, chemiluminescence, phosphorescence, crystalloluminescence, photoluminescence, electroluminescence, mechanoluminescence, radioluminescence, and thermoluminescence. Chemiluminescence Chemiluminescence involves the emission of light resulting from a chemical reaction. This phenomenon is observable by bending and shaking a light…
Fluorescent reflective tape is a type of retroreflective sheeting designed to enhance visibility in both standard and low-light conditions by combining fluorescent colors with reflective properties. This type of reflective tape typically features a fluorescent base layer created using special inks that emit a specific kind of light. The fluorescent effect is akin to glow-in-the-dark…
The chart pictured below represents the minimum requirements for retro reflective sheeting and tape for signs and applications that are under the jurisdiction of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). These changes were implemented in 2009. Although the MUTCD guide was most recently updated in 2022, for…
NFPA 1901 Specifications for Fire Trucks – (www.tapedealer.com) The marking of fire apparatus and emergency vehicles is outlined in the NFPA 1901 recommendation. The application of reflective tape in the form of chevron striping to the vehicle’s rear, sides, and front is covered in the recommendation. The majority of departments are following this as a…
In 2013 the NFPA officially included Ambulance Chevron Striping guidelines to their recommendations for Ambulances operating in the US. The NFPA 1917 manual contains these guidelines. The recommendations are nearly a duplicate from their NFPA 1901 manual for Chevron Striping for Fire Apparatus made official in 2009, with the addition of Battenberg patterns. It is…
Please note that the following is for informational purposes and is only a portion of the FRA 224 regulations related to rail cars. Companies looking to mark their rail cars should do their research thoroughly by looking at the actual FRA code to see if there have been any updates or changes since this article…
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…
