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…
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…
Gate Arm Reflective Tape Requirements – (www.tapedealer.com) Note: This article talks about the MUTCD requirements for gate striping. These would be gates that lead to roads regulated by the Department of Transportation. In 2009’s Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), section 2B.68 outlines how gate arms should be marked. MUTCD rules also apply to private…
MPORTANT NOTE: Every lamp, reflex reflector, and conspicuity treatment (device) must be permanently attached in the location listed below and meet all FMVSS/CMVSS 108 requirements. Any device on the front, back, or sides of the car should have its face perpendicular to the vehicle’s centerline or parallel to it, unless it is photometrically certified at…
USACE – US Army Corp of Engineers Swing Gate and Rolling Chain Link Gate Striping Regulations Note – This article addresses gate striping requirements for gates that fall under MUTCD requirements and are on US Army Corp of Engineers Property. The USACE regulation adds to the MUTCD one and in doing so, makes gates on…
Inland Waterways – Retro Reflective Tape Requirement for Buoys and Navigational Aids In the United States, there are 25,000 miles of inland waterways. The majority of these are in the eastern part of the country. The Great Loop is part of this system and is a 6,000 mile track that takes you from Pensacola Florida,…
During the COVID 19 pandemic, many US cities implemented various regulations designed to allow people to keep distance from each other while at the same time continuing normal daily activities. Dining out is one of these activities. To reduce customer density and allow for distancing, many cities have allowed sidewalk and street seating for restaurants….
