# Reflective Solutions Information — Full Article Knowledge Base Source: https://reflective.info Generated: 2026-05-20 Total articles: 145 This file contains the full text of every published article on reflective.info, organized by category. Each article begins with a level-2 heading followed by its source URL. --- # Basics ## How Long Does Reflective Tape Last Outdoors? — Lifespan Guide by Type _Source: https://reflective.info/basics-of-reflective-tape/how-long-does-reflective-tape-last-outdoors/_ **Updated for 2026.** One of the most common questions we hear from customers is how long reflective tape will last once it's applied outdoors. The answer depends on the type of tape, the surface it's applied to, and the environmental conditions it faces. This guide breaks down the outdoor lifespan of every major type of reflective tape so you can choose the right one for your project. ## Outdoor Lifespan by Tape Type Reflective tape manufacturers rate their products for outdoor durability based on accelerated weathering tests. Here's what you can expect from each type: **Type I — Engineer Grade (~3 years outdoor / up to 7 years for premium versions):** The most economical option. Standard engineer grade tapes are rated for approximately 3 years outdoors. Premium flexible versions like the Nikkalite EG and Oralite 5650 Rapid Air can last up to 7 years due to their improved adhesive and film construction. These tapes use glass bead technology and are ideal for temporary signs, mailboxes, bollards, gates, and non-critical applications where cost matters more than longevity. **Type V — Super Engineer Grade (~7 years outdoor):** A step up from standard engineer grade, super engineer tapes like the Nikkalite SEG use advanced glass bead technology to deliver brighter retroreflection. With an outdoor rating of approximately 7 years, they're suitable for permanent signs in moderate-traffic areas, reflective vehicle graphics, and facility marking where more durability is needed than engineer grade provides. **Type III — High Intensity Prismatic (~10 years outdoor):** High intensity prismatic (HIP) tapes such as the Nikkalite HIM use encapsulated lens or microprismatic technology that delivers significantly more brightness than glass bead films. Their approximately 10-year outdoor rating makes them an excellent choice for highway signs, work zone devices, and commercial vehicle markings that need long-term performance. Nikkalite brand HIP tapes are among the most popular in this category. **Type IV — High Intensity Prismatic (~10 years outdoor):** Similar to Type III but designed with wider observation angles, making the tape visible from more extreme viewing positions. The Nikkalite Type 4 HIP and Oralite 5930 work zone tapes fall in this category. Their 10-year outdoor rating and superior wide-angle performance make them ideal for high-speed roadway applications. **Type V — Metallized Prismatic / Oralite V82 (~10 years outdoor):** The Oralite V82 is a metallized prismatic tape that combines excellent brightness with a 10-year outdoor rating. It's commonly used for DOT-compliant trailer marking, sign sheeting, school bus markings, and applications that demand both high performance and long durability. **Type VIII / XI — Diamond Grade (~12+ years outdoor):** The brightest and most durable reflective tapes available, including 3M Diamond Grade DG3 and Oralite 9900. These microprismatic films are rated for 12 or more years outdoors and are required for critical highway signs and high-speed roadway applications. Their superior wide-angle reflectivity means they perform well even at sharp observation angles where other tapes would appear dim. **Type IX — Fluorescent Prismatic / Oralite V92 Daybright (~5 years outdoor):** Tapes like the Oralite V92 Daybright combine fluorescent color with prismatic retroreflection for maximum visibility in both daytime and nighttime conditions. Their outdoor rating of approximately 5 years is shorter than non-fluorescent films because the fluorescent pigments degrade faster under UV exposure. Despite the shorter life, they are the go-to choice when maximum daytime conspicuity is required — for example, on DOT-regulated trailers, emergency vehicles, and school zones. ## Factors That Affect Lifespan The manufacturer's outdoor rating assumes ideal conditions. In the real world, several factors can shorten or extend the life of reflective tape: **UV exposure:** Tapes in direct southern sun exposure will degrade faster than those in shaded or northern-facing positions. UV breaks down the adhesive and the optical layer over time. **Surface preparation:** Tape applied to a clean, dry, smooth surface will last significantly longer than tape applied to dirty, rough, or oily surfaces. Proper cleaning with isopropyl alcohol before application is critical. **Temperature extremes:** Repeated freeze-thaw cycles can cause tape edges to lift. In extreme heat, some adhesives may soften. Acrylic-based adhesives (Class 1) generally handle temperature extremes better than rubber-based adhesives. **Chemical exposure:** Tapes exposed to salt spray, industrial chemicals, fuel, or cleaning solvents may degrade faster. SOLAS marine-grade tapes are specifically formulated to handle harsh marine environments. **Physical abrasion:** Tapes on vehicles, trailers, and equipment that get washed frequently, scraped by cargo, or hit by road debris will wear faster than tapes on stationary objects like signs or bollards. ## When to Replace Reflective Tape Even within its rated lifespan, reflective tape should be replaced if you notice any of the following: - Visible cracking, peeling, or edge lifting - Significant color fading or yellowing - Reduced nighttime reflectivity (test with a flashlight from 50+ feet) - Delamination (layers separating, especially on metallized films) - Physical damage from impacts, abrasion, or vandalism For DOT-regulated applications like trailer conspicuity tape, maintaining reflectivity above minimum thresholds is a legal requirement. The FMCSA can cite carriers for degraded conspicuity tape during roadside inspections. ## Bottom Line Choose the right tape type for your expected lifespan needs. For temporary projects (1-3 years), standard engineer grade is the most cost-effective. For applications that need 7-10 years, step up to super engineer grade or high intensity prismatic. For permanent installations that need to last a decade or more, invest in diamond grade films. And always remember — proper surface preparation and application technique will maximize the life of any reflective tape you choose. Visit [tapefinder.com](https://www.tapefinder.com) to shop all types of reflective tape, or use our [AI assistant](https://reflective.info/#ri-chat-container) to get a personalized recommendation for your application. --- ## How to Apply Reflective Tape — Surface Prep, Application Tips, and Common Mistakes _Source: https://reflective.info/basics-of-reflective-tape/how-to-apply-reflective-tape/_ **Updated for 2026.** Reflective tape is only as good as its application. Even the brightest, most expensive tape will fail if it's not applied correctly. This guide covers everything you need to know to get a clean, long-lasting bond — from surface preparation to application technique to the mistakes that cause tape to peel, bubble, or fall off. ## Step 1: Surface Preparation Surface prep is the single most important factor in how long your reflective tape will last. Skip this step and you're wasting your time and money. **Clean the surface thoroughly.** Wipe the application area with isopropyl alcohol (IPA) at 50% concentration or higher. Do NOT use household cleaners, Windex, or soap and water — these leave residues that prevent adhesion. For heavily soiled or greasy surfaces (like truck bumpers or industrial equipment), clean first with a degreaser, then follow up with IPA as a final wipe. **Dry completely.** Moisture trapped under the tape will cause it to fail. After cleaning, let the surface air dry for several minutes. In humid conditions, wipe dry with a clean lint-free cloth. **Check the surface condition.** Reflective tape adheres best to smooth, non-porous surfaces. Rust, flaking paint, powder coat in poor condition, and heavily textured surfaces will reduce adhesion. Sand or scrape away loose material before applying. On bare metal, a light scuff with fine sandpaper (220 grit) can improve the mechanical bond. ## Step 2: Temperature Matters Most reflective tape adhesives require a minimum application temperature of **50°F (10°C)**. Below this temperature, the adhesive becomes stiff and won't bond properly — even if it seems to stick initially, it will likely peel within days or weeks. If you must apply tape in cold conditions, warm the surface and the tape with a heat gun or hair dryer before application. Bring the tape indoors for at least an hour before use so it reaches room temperature. Some professional applicators keep tape rolls in their heated truck cab during winter jobs. Ideal application temperature is between **60°F and 90°F (15°C to 32°C)**. In extreme heat above 100°F, the adhesive may become overly aggressive and difficult to reposition. ## Step 3: Application Technique **Peel and position.** Peel back a few inches of the release liner (backing paper) and position the tape where you want it. Do NOT peel the entire liner off at once — the tape will curl, stick to itself, and become difficult to handle. **Apply with pressure.** Once positioned, press the tape firmly with a squeegee, roller, or the edge of a credit card. Apply pressure from the center outward to push air bubbles to the edges. For best results, use a hard rubber roller and apply firm, even pressure across the entire surface. **Work in sections.** For long runs of tape (like DOT conspicuity marking on trailers), apply 12-18 inches at a time. Peel, position, press, then peel the next section. This prevents the tape from stretching or misaligning. **Overlap joints by ½ inch.** When joining two pieces of tape end-to-end, overlap by at least half an inch. Butt joints (where two pieces meet edge-to-edge with no overlap) will separate over time as the tape expands and contracts with temperature changes. ## Curved and Irregular Surfaces Not all reflective tapes handle curves equally. For curved surfaces like bollards, poles, helmets, and vehicle contours, you need a **conformable** tape — one that stretches and molds to the shape without lifting at the edges. **Best tapes for curves:** - **Flexible Engineer Grade** (Nikkalite EG, Oralite 5650 Rapid Air) — very conformable, stretches easily - **Oralite V98 Conformable Prismatic** — high-brightness prismatic tape specifically designed for curved surfaces - **Flexible High Intensity** (Nikkalite Type 3) — stretchable and reboundable, good for surfaces that flex **Tapes to avoid on tight curves:** Rigid prismatic films like standard high intensity (Type 4) and diamond grade tapes do not conform well. They will bridge across curves, creating air channels underneath that lead to edge lifting and premature failure. When applying to curves, use a heat gun to gently warm the tape as you apply it. The heat softens the film and adhesive, allowing it to stretch and conform more easily. Don't overheat — just warm enough that the tape becomes pliable. ## When to Use a Primer Most reflective tapes have pressure-sensitive adhesive that bonds well to clean, smooth surfaces without a primer. However, a primer is recommended for: - **Low surface energy plastics** (polyethylene, polypropylene) — tape won't stick well without a primer - **Powder-coated surfaces** — some powder coats have surface energy too low for direct bonding - **Textured or porous surfaces** — primer fills micro-gaps and creates a bondable surface - **Extreme temperature applications** — primer adds an extra layer of adhesion insurance 3M Primer 94 and VHB Surface Prep are two commonly used products for smooth surfaces. Apply a thin coat, let it dry until tacky (usually 5-10 minutes), then apply the tape. **DAP Contact Cement** is another excellent option, especially for wood surfaces, concrete, and pitted or uneven surfaces where a thicker primer is needed. Unlike thin liquid primers, contact cement fills in gaps, grain, and imperfections to create a smooth, bondable surface. Apply a coat of DAP Contact Cement to the surface, let it dry completely until it is no longer tacky to the touch, then apply the reflective tape on top with firm pressure. The dried contact cement acts as both a filler and an adhesion promoter — the tape's pressure-sensitive adhesive bonds extremely well to the cured contact cement layer. This technique is particularly useful for wooden signs, fence posts, rough-sawn lumber, textured concrete bollards, and any surface with pits or irregularities that would prevent full tape contact. ## Cure Time Reflective tape adhesive reaches approximately 50% of its ultimate bond strength within 20 minutes of application, but **full cure takes 24-72 hours**. During this period: - Avoid washing or pressure-washing the taped area - Don't expose to rain if possible (especially in the first few hours) - Avoid extreme temperatures - Don't peel and reposition — once pressed, the bond has started ## Common Mistakes to Avoid - **Dirty surface:** The #1 cause of tape failure. Always clean with IPA first. - **Cold application:** Applying below 50°F without warming the surface. The tape may seem to stick but will peel within weeks. - **Stretching the tape:** Pulling tape tight during application causes it to want to spring back to its original length, which lifts edges over time. Apply with zero tension. - **Not enough pressure:** Simply laying tape on a surface isn't enough. You must press firmly with a squeegee or roller to activate the adhesive bond. - **Wrong tape for the surface:** Using rigid prismatic tape on a curved bollard, or standard outdoor tape in a marine environment. Match the tape to the application. - **Touching the adhesive:** Oils from your fingers contaminate the adhesive. Handle tape by the edges or wear clean gloves. - **Applying over existing tape:** Always remove old tape completely and clean the surface before applying new tape. Layering tape over old tape creates weak bonds. ## Summary The key to a successful reflective tape application comes down to three things: **clean surface, proper temperature, and firm pressure**. Get these three right and your tape will perform to its full rated lifespan. Skip any one of them and you'll be reapplying sooner than you'd like. For help choosing the right tape for your specific surface and application, use our [AI assistant](https://reflective.info/#ri-chat-container) or browse our full selection at [tapefinder.com](https://www.tapefinder.com). --- ## Independent Studies Demonstrating the Safety Benefits of Reflective Conspicuity Tapes _Source: https://reflective.info/basics-of-reflective-tape/independent-studies-demonstrating-the-safety-benefits-of-conspicuity-tape/_ Conspicuity tape, known for enhancing the visibility of vehicles, has been extensively studied for its safety benefits. These studies, conducted globally, have established the substantial impact that reflective tape can have in reducing accidents, particularly during low-light conditions. ### 1983 Vector Study Conducted over two years with 2,000 trucks (half marked, half unmarked), this study showed: - An 18% reduction in accidents among trucks marked with reflective tape. - The study's results were influential in the creation of the U.S. DOT-C2 Regulations, which standardized the use of conspicuity markings. ### 2000 Darmstadt University of Technology Report Analyzing 2,216 accidents, this research found: - 37% of truck side collisions and 41% of rear collisions in low-light conditions occurred because trucks weren't recognized in time. - In a study of 1,000 test group trucks marked with reflective tape, the unmarked control group had 30 accidents over two years, while only one accident occurred in the test group. ### 1997-1999 Study (NHTSA Report) This study revealed that conspicuity tape: - Reduced side and rear impacts with truck trailers by 29%. - Decreased fatalities or injuries by 44% in dark conditions. ### 2001 US DOT FRA Study on Rail Car Visibility This research focused on enhancing the conspicuity of rail cars: - Participants could distinguish between freight cars and trucks using four patterns. - Vertically oriented patterns were the most distinguishable and less likely to be confused with truck patterns. ### 2003 Dutch Transport Safety Board Report Recommendations from this report included: - Mandatory contour marking of lorries (trucks) in Europe, emphasizing marking at least 80% of each side. - Using white or yellow retroreflective material for optimal visibility. ### The 2004 TUV Rheinland Group Report This study emphasizes the effectiveness of contour marking on heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) in improving their visibility, particularly for car drivers. Key recommendations include: - Equipping the sides and rear of HGVs with contour markings, covering at least 80% of each side. - Using type 3 retroreflective material for markings due to its resilience against soiling and aging. - Applying white or yellow retroreflective materials to lorries and trailers for optimal visibility. - Requiring all new vehicles over 3.5 tons to have contour markings, with a transition period of at least six years for retrofitting existing vehicles. These measures collectively aim to improve the safety and visibility of large vehicles, reducing accidents and improving driver reaction times. ### 2003-2005 NIIAT Study A study conducted by the Scientific Institute of Motor Transport (NIIAT), under the Ministry of Transport's initiative, investigated the effectiveness and economic impact of applying contour markings on heavy-duty trucks, trailers, and buses to reduce accidents. The study included 94 fleet owners, 30,000 vehicles, and covered 63 regions. The results revealed significant improvements: - 67% reduction in accidents - 62% reduction in fatalities - 78% reduction in injuries Overall, the study demonstrated the high efficiency of contour markings in substantially decreasing social and economic damages resulting from accidents. ### 2009 Emergency Vehicle Visibility and Conspicuity Study The study, conducted by FEMA, recommended combining active and passive conspicuity treatments: - Improved lighting systems and retroreflective materials should be used to increase the recognizability of emergency vehicles. ### Hungary Institute of Vehicle Safety Study Analyzing 1,400 car-truck accidents, this study concluded that: - Retroflective markings could prevent 600 accidents annually and reduce night-time accidents by 43%, potentially saving 65 lives every year. ### 2011 UMTRI Report Analyzing accidents from 1987 to 2009, the report found: - Night-time collisions involving heavy trucks declined over 20 years due to mandatory conspicuity laws. - As more trucks employed reflective markings, rear-end and angle collisions reduced significantly. ### 2013 NTSB Report (Independent US Federal Government Agency) This report underscored the importance of conspicuity tape on single-unit trucks: A safety analysis of single-unit truck crashes revealed the following: - **Fatalities:** 9,084 people died in single-unit truck crashes, representing 37% of all truck crash fatalities. - **Collisions:** An annual average of 2,309 crashes involved passenger vehicles hitting the rear of single-unit trucks, and 4,124 crashes involved passenger vehicles colliding with their sides. - **Nighttime Risks:** Side or rear impacts at night were twice as likely to lead to serious injury or hospitalization compared to daytime crashes. - **Visibility Solution:** Conspicuity improvements, like retroreflective tape, would enhance truck visibility in low-light conditions. This tape is affordable and easy to apply. - **Data Errors:** Errors in data used for class 8 truck regulation by NHTSA resulted in an undercounting of single-unit truck fatalities by 20%. - **Recommendations:** The NTSB recommends that the NHTSA require conspicuity markings on newly manufactured single-unit trucks and develop a plan to retrofit existing trucks. Implementing these measures can enhance road safety by significantly reducing crashes and injuries involving single-unit trucks. ### 2015 NHTSA Report In this study: From 1960 to 2012, conspicuity tape on heavy trailers saved an estimated 2,660 people: 1,524 car occupants and 1,136 light truck and van (LTV) occupants. During the specific period of 1983 to 1985, conspicuity tape led to a 21% reduction in accidents in dark conditions and a 16% reduction in daylight conditions. ### 2015 SWOV Report (Institute for Road Safety Research - Netherlands) Retrofitting older trucks with conspicuity reflective tape could prevent 481 crashes, save 3 lives, and reduce 16 serious injuries annually, yielding approximately €1.5 billion (US $1.7 billion) in savings. In the USA, around 82,000 large truck and bus crashes result in serious injuries annually, with 4,000 fatalities—almost 40% occurring at dusk or night. In the EU, about 5,000 people die annually in crashes involving heavy vehicles, with 75% of fatalities being other vehicle occupants. These preventable deaths are often due to poor visibility of truck sides or rears at night. Applying reflective tape to all trucks, trailers, and heavy vehicles would significantly reduce night-time accidents and save lives. Regulations mandating even minimal conspicuity tape retrofitting would offer a benefit-cost ratio of 2:1, providing clear socioeconomic advantages. ### 2023-24 Ohio School Bus Conspicuity Study (Department of Public Safety) Another study in Ohio demonstrated the visual effectiveness of bright chevron panels on school buses during daylight, dawn, and dusk conditions. In this study, a researcher observed a school bus for five days on its route, recording 15 cars passing around the bus illegally at moderate to high speeds while the bus was stopped with its STOP sign, pedestrian safety arm, and flashing lights activated. After confirming this data, highly reflective Fluorescent Orange and Fluorescent Lime Chevron Panels were affixed to the back of the bus. The same bus with the new reflective chevron panel was followed for another five-day period under equivalent weather and lighting conditions. During this second five-day period, only three cars were observed passing the bus illegally, an 80% reduction. Based on the study, it was determined that placing reflective chevron markings on the back of a school bus is a cost-efficient option to enhance visibility to approaching motorists during non-daylight or low-light hours. ### Conclusion These independent studies conclusively demonstrate the safety benefits of conspicuity tape in preventing accidents. The consistent reduction in collisions, fatalities, and injuries indicates the value of enhancing the visibility of vehicles through such markings. Regulatory frameworks that enforce the use of reflective materials, even minimally, could greatly enhance road safety and save countless lives worldwide. --- ## Quick Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Reflective Tape _Source: https://reflective.info/basics-of-reflective-tape/quick-answers-to-frequently-asked-questions-about-reflective-tape/_ 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 email me at steve@reflectivestore.com . **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 1960s, 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. **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 AP1000 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 9900 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 5930 Work Zone films print nicely on wide format Eco Sol, Latex, or UV printers. Acrylic films like Oralite 5900, Oralite 7900 and Oralite 9900 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 5650 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. --- ## 41 Kinds of Reflective Tape That We Stock - Which One is Right for Your Application? _Source: https://reflective.info/basics-of-reflective-tape/20-kinds-of-reflective-tape-that-we-stock-which-one-is-right-for-your-application/_ Our company, Reflective Inc., stocks a large variety of reflective tapes and sheeting. This includes adhesive reflective tapes, sew on, and heat applied. The article below lists every tape that we carry in house and gives a brief summary of what each is used for as well as its characteristics. For most of our tapes, we carry sizes from 1" up to 30", with custom sizes available upon request. For catalogs of other reflective tapes that we sell on a wholesale basis in cases, [click here.](https://reflective.info/category/purchase-oralite-products/) Flexibility, toughness, vividness, color, brightness, and backing types for reflective tapes vary. When choosing which is best for you, these things need to be taken into consideration. All of these things should be taken into account when deciding the kind of tape to employ for your application. Each variety of reflective that our company carries will be briefly covered in this article. This includes our specialty tapes. This article's objective is to assist you in making the best tape choice possible for your project. ## Reflective Tapes for Vehicle Graphics & Similar Applications The films below are in our graphics line of reflective sheetings. This means that the materials are easily CAD or plotter cuttable, and are suitable for vehicle or other graphics. Note that V82 is an ASTM D4956 Type 5 film, so it can also be used for sign applications. **Oralite 5650 Rapid Air Engineer Grade Retro Reflective Tape** - this glass bead reflective film is made for the graphics industry. It is easily CAD and Plotter cuttable and its air release backing makes installation bubble free. Air channels in the adhesive layer allow air to escape from under the film. It has a 7 year outdoor rating and is an ASTM Type 1 reflective sheeting. Orafol produces 11 colors, and we carry the 7 most popular. [Spec Sheet.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/type-1-fleet-engineer-grade-oralite-5650-rapid-air-specifications-sheet/) [Colors.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/oralite-5650-ra-colors/) [Where to Buy.](https://www.tapefinder.com/collections/engineer-grade-5650-rapid-air-reflective-7-colors-oralite) **Oralite 5700 Black Engineer Grade** - Also, a Type 1 sheeting, 5700 is our high end black engineer grade film, but with a standard backing. It utilizes glass bead technology for reflectivity. It is part of our Bright (ELG), Brighter (5700), Brightest (5650RA) category. It is not a rapid air product, but it is still simple to apply, and more affordable. It has a 7 year outdoor rating. To apply, peel and squeegee onto a clean, smooth surface. [Spec Sheet.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/type-1-fleet-engineer-grade-oralite-5700-spec-sheet/) [Colors.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/oralite-5700-colors/) [Where to Buy.](https://www.tapefinder.com/collections/black-reflective-tape-3-grades-bright-brighter-brightest) **Nikkalite Flexible Engineer Grade (ELG)** - This is a popular Type 1 glass bead based film because of the wide variety of colors it comes in, and its ability to conform over extreme surface when applied with a little heat from a hair dryer. It is more conformable than 5650 or 5700 films. It is made in 14 colors, of which we carry the 9 most popular. Application is a simple peel and stick, and the material is very plotter or CAD friendly. Like most engineer grade films, it is rated for a 7 year outdoor life. [Spec Sheet.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/type-1-flexible-engineer-grade-nikkalite/) [Colors.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/nikkalite-elg-colors/) [Where to Buy.](https://www.tapefinder.com/collections/engineer-grade-reflective-tape-flexible) **Oralite V98 Conformable Prismatic Graphics Film** - this is our prismatic, bright, conformable graphics film. It is slightly stretchable. It is easily CAD or plotter cuttable with a 60 degree blade, and is simple to install. V98 is very tough and very bright, about 6 times brighter than engineer type 1. Oralite makes this film in 6 colors, all of which we carry. This film is very popular for fire trucks and emergency vehicles. It is rated for a minimum of 5 years outdoors, and longer for vehicles kept in garages. Reflects at about 750 candelas for white. Also, due to its PVC construction, V98 is easily printable with latex, solvent, and UV printers. Testing a small piece is recommended. Lastly, this is the Oralite film that we use for our custom Reflective Shapes. [Spec Sheet.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/v98-conformable-graphics-film-oralite-specifications-sheet/) [Colors.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/article-colors/) [Where to Buy.](https://www.tapefinder.com/collections/oralite-v98-conformable-prismatic-reflective-tape) **Oralite V92 Daybright Prismatic Graphics Film** - this is Oralite's original single layer, prismatic graphics film for vehicle conspicuity. It is reflective at about the same intensity as V98. V92 is thinner than V98, and flexible, but not stretchable, so it is best for flat, smooth surfaces. It comes in 7 colors, of which we carry 6. It is very easy to CAD cut due to its one layer design. The daybright pattern makes it more vivid in the daytime. Approximately 500 candelas for white. Like V98 it has a minimum 5 years outdoor life. [Spec Sheet.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/v92-daybright-prismatic-graphics-film-oralite-specifications-sheet/) [Colors.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/oralite-v92-colors/) [Where to Buy.](https://www.tapefinder.com/collections/oralite-v92-daybright-prismatic-retro-reflective-tape) **Oralite V82 Type 5 Vehicle Graphics Film** - this is Oralite's Type 5 Prismatic vehicle graphics film that is also certified for delineators and channelizes in traffic. It is the brightest film available anywhere, coming in at ratings exceeding 1400 candelas when tested with a reflectometer. It is a 10 year outdoor rated film, and easily CAD cuttable. Like V92, it is perfect for flat smooth surfaces that do not require comfortability. It has a pattern, but it is very mild. Its main feature is bright reflectivity. We carry all 7 colors that Orafol produces. [Spec Sheet.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/type-5-ultra-bright-metallized-prismatic-oralite-specifications-sheet/) [Colors.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/v82-colors-oralite/) [Where to Buy.](https://www.tapefinder.com/collections/oralite-v82-type-5-ultra-bright-prismatic-reflective-tape) ## Reflective Tapes for Sign Sheeting - ASTM D4956 Typed Films The following films are ASTM Type films designed for use in traffic sign applications. For signs there are Type 1 - Type 11 films. Some types are discontinued. We carry the following. **Type 1 - Engineer Grade** - (See Above) 5650 RA - 5700 - Flexible Engineer Grade. Glass bead based film. Not typically used for signs anymore. **Type 2 - Super Engineer Grade** by Nikkalite - this is an improvement on standard engineer grade film, and to the best of my knowledge, is only produced by Nikkalite Reflective Films. SEG is a high index glass bead based film, and double the brightness of standard engineer grade with the same look and feel. 150 candelas for white. It is produced in 7 colors, and we carry 6 of these. SEG can be CAD cut. It can be used for graphics, but due to color limitations, engineer grade type 1 is more often used for this. This film has a 10 year outdoor rating. A faint star watermark designates that the film is true SEG versus Engineer. SEG is used more for non sign applications now. [Spec Sheet.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/type-2-super-engineer-grade-nikkalite-specifications-sheet/) [Colors.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/nikkalite-seg-colors/) [Where to Buy.](https://www.tapefinder.com/collections/super-engineer-grade-type-2-reflective-tape-seg) **Type 3 - High Intensity Glass Bead Film (standard) **by Nikkalite - this film is the brightest of the glass bead based films. It utilizes enclosed lens technology which basically encloses metalized high index glass beads in small cells to maximize their return of light. Only prismatic films are brighter. Approximate reflectivity is 250 candelas for white. High intensity type 3 is not easily CAD cut and is therefore not generally used for graphics. It is more suited for sign backgrounds or striping applications like with bollards. It does not stretch, but it is thin and flexible. It is made in 7 colors, and we carry the 6 most popular. [Spec Sheet.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/type-3-high-intensity-grade-nikkalite-specifications-sheet/) [Colors.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/nikkalite-ulg-colors/) [Where to Buy.](https://www.tapefinder.com/collections/high-intensity-grade-type-3-reflective-tape) **Type 3 - Flexible High Intensity Glass Bead (conformable & stretchable)** by Nikkalite - this is just like our high intensity glass bead film, but in a flexible, stretchable version. It will conform to uneven surfaces very well. Flex high intensity comes in 3 colors, Orange, Yellow, and White. It reflects at 250 candelas. It is possible to CAD cut, but not commonly used this way. A popular use for this tape is Road Barrels and Traffic Cones due to the materials ability to rebound. This is one of the most versatile films that we carry due to its brightness and conformability. It works on almost any surface. [Spec Sheet.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/type-3-high-intensity-grade-nikkalite-specifications-sheet/) [Colors.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/nikkalite-ulg-colors/) [Where to Buy.](https://www.tapefinder.com/collections/flexible-high-intensity-type-3-reflective-tape-stretchable) (Basic Specs are the same as standard high intensity - only available in White - Orange - Yellow) **Type 4 - High Intensity Prismatic (Similar to Diamond Grade in feel and appearance)** - this is an air backed "Prismatic" film which simply means that prisms are set over an air space which is backed by a white film. This produces a vivid colored retro reflective tape with great reflectivity. About 360 candelas for white HIP. The film is thicker than engineer, SEG, or high intensity films, and feels a little thinner than a credit card. Nikkalite produces 6 colors and we carry them all. The material can be cut with scissors, but is a little thick to easily CAD cut. It is perfect for sign backgrounds and for striping on objects and vehicles. It is also printable. It needs to be applied to a flat, smooth surface. 10 year outdoor rating. [Spec Sheet.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/type-4-high-intensity-micro-prismatic-nikkalite-specifications-sheet/) [Colors.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/nikkalite-him-colors/) [Where to Buy.](https://www.tapefinder.com/collections/high-intensity-prismatic-reflective-tape-type-4) **Type 5 - V82 (AP1000) by Oralite** - see description above under graphics films. **Type 6 - Marathon or Super Bright Roll Up Signs** by Oralite - this is a special non adhesive product that is used for the temporary roll up signs that you see on roadways across the country and around the world. This [article](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-types/quick-reference-reflective-tape-types-backing-classes/) describes tape types and backings. Roll up signs are Type 6 films, with a Class 5 backing. [Spec Sheet.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/type-6-roll-up-work-zone-signs-oralite-specifications-sheet/) [Colors.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/oralite-roll-up-banner-material-colors/) [Where to Buy.](https://www.tapefinder.com/collections/oralite-reflective-banner-sign-material-super-bright-marathon) **Type 8 - Crystal Grade by Nikkalite (compare to Diamond Grade in feel, appearance, and brightness)** - A highly reflective and very tough film manufactured in Japan by Nippon Carbide (Nikkalite) This ASTM D4956 Type 8 film is similar to Type 4 High Intensity Prismatic, but brighter. Carries a 10 year outdoor rating. Air backed prismatic film for vivid colors and high reflectivity. Manufactured in 8 colors, of which we carry the Lime and Red. Other colors can be purchase thought special order. Because it is thicker and acrylic based, it is difficult to CAD cut. Therefore it is mostly used for sign backgrounds, bollards, vehicles, and other striping applications where night time visibility is desired. [Spec Sheet.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/type-8-permanent-highway-sign-sheeting-nikkalite-specifications-sheet/) [Colors.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/nikkalite-crg-colors/) [Where to Buy.](https://www.tapefinder.com/collections/chevron-striping-rolls-red-lime-yellow-nfpa-1901/products/6-crg-type-8-crystal-grade-chevron-tape-rolls-129-99-499-99) **Type 11 - Oralite 9900 Wide Observation Brilliant Reflective (newest and most advanced sign sheeting on the market)** - this film is the latest in retro reflective technology. It is an air back prismatic with deeper specially designed prisms that reflect at wider angles. The main feature of this film is its ability to return higher percentages of light, while producing a wider cone of reflectivity than standard reflective sign sheeting. Oralite 9900 Brilliant Reflective is also printable with most wide format printers. UV, latex, and Eco Solvent ink jet printers are in general, compatible with this material. Testing a small piece is recommended. 9900 is a 12 year rated outdoor film. Like almost all air backed acrylic based reflective films, it is difficult to CAD cut. So it is used for backgrounds, striping, bollards, and applications where extreme reflectivity and wide observation is needed. [Spec Sheet.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/type-11-ultra-bright-wide-observation-sign-sheeting-specifications-sheet/) [Colors.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/oralite-9900-colors/) [Where to Buy.](https://www.tapefinder.com/collections/oralite-9900-wide-observation-type-xi) ## Specialty Reflective Tapes for Specific Applications **V52 "Diamond Plate Pattern" DOT C2 Tractor Trailer Tape by Oralite** - this Red and White alternating prismatic tape is certified for [DOT C2 applications](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-regulations/dot-c2-conspicuity-marking-for-tractor-trailers-federal-fmcsa-nhtsa-dot-regulation/) for trucks in excess of 10,000 pounds, and over 80 inches wide. It is available in a 6" red / 6" white pattern, as well as a 7" white / 11" red pattern. It has an outdoor rating of 5 years. V52 is a single layer monolithic film which means that it will not delaminate like other brands, even when impacted. It reflects at 460 candelas for the white portion of the tape, and 75 for the red. It is a polyester based film. Very thin, and very rugged. [Spec Sheet.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/dot-c2-conspicuity-tape-oralite-v82-v92/) [Colors.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/oralite-dot-c2-tapes-colors/) [Where to Buy.](https://www.tapefinder.com/collections/oralite-red-white-and-solid-white-dot-reflective-tape/products/oralite-v52-diamond-plate-pattern-dot-2-rolls-red-white-solid-white) **V92 "Daybright" DOT C2 Tractor Trailer Tape by Oralite -** this is a red and white (silver) alternating block pattern prismatic DOT C2 tape made for tractor trailer rigs. It is a 5 year outdoor film. It has the daybright pattern which makes it more vivid in the daytime. More white, and more red in color. Night time reflectivity is 460 candelas for the white and 75 for the red. Like our V52 and V82, this is a thin, single layer film that does not delaminate. All feature a strong peel and stick adhesive. [Spec Sheet.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/dot-c2-conspicuity-tape-oralite-v82-v92/) [Colors.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/oralite-dot-c2-tapes-colors/) [Where to Buy.](https://www.tapefinder.com/collections/oralite-red-white-and-solid-white-dot-reflective-tape) **V82 "Type 5" DOT C2 Tractor Trailer Tape by Oralite - **this is our Type 5 DOT tape. It is the brightest in the Oralite line of DOT C2 tapes. It has a 10 year outdoor life. The white on V82 tape reflects at 700 candelas, and the red reflects at 120 candelas. Like all Oralite metallized DOT tapes, V82 is a thin, bright film. V82 will provide the greatest protection against collisions, and the longest sight distance. The adhesive is strong, and is a peel and stick application. V82 has less of a pattern and focuses on nighttime brightness versus daytime vividness. [Spec Sheet.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/dot-c2-conspicuity-tape-oralite-v82-v92/) [Colors.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/oralite-dot-c2-tapes-colors/) [Where to Buy.](https://www.tapefinder.com/collections/oralite-red-white-and-solid-white-dot-reflective-tape) **V82 School Bus Tape "Type 5" by Oralite -** this tape is made from the same AP1000 film that V82 is made from. The difference is that it is a yellow color. It is a thin, single layer tape and highly reflective. The brightest reflective film in the Oralite line of products. V82 school bus yellow tape reflects at 470 candelas. Like all the other AP1000 or V82 based films, a long sight distance is provided which gives other drivers plenty of time to react. This school bus tape has a very mild pattern. [Spec Sheet.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/school-bus-reflective-tape-oralite-v59-v82-v99-specifications-sheet/) [Colors.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/oralite-school-bus-tape-colors/) [Where to Buy.](https://www.tapefinder.com/collections/oralite-school-bus-prismatic-reflective-tape) **V59 School Bus Tape "Vivid Air Backed" by Oralite -** this is an acrylic based air back prismatic tape. It is more vivid than a metallized film. The white is more white and the red is more red. The downside is ruggedness. For most applications this is fine, however, for installs where the tape may be impacted, a metallized film like a V82 or V99 is preferable. It has a 10 year outdoor rating. [Spec Sheet.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/school-bus-reflective-tape-oralite-v59-v82-v99-specifications-sheet/) [Colors.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/oralite-school-bus-tape-colors/) [Where to Buy.](https://www.tapefinder.com/collections/oralite-school-bus-prismatic-reflective-tape) **V99 School Bus Tape "OEM" by Oralite -** this is an OEM film and often the reflective school bus tape you will find on buses coming directly from the factory. It has a hexagon pattern that uniquely identifies it from other films. Like V82, the yellow is more of an amber yellow, but incredibly bright. Seen from thousands versus hundreds of feet away. This film has a 10 year outdoor rating and reflects at 310 candelas. [Spec Sheet.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/school-bus-reflective-tape-oralite-v59-v82-v99-specifications-sheet/) [Colors.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/oralite-school-bus-tape-colors/) [Where to Buy.](https://www.tapefinder.com/collections/oralite-school-bus-prismatic-reflective-tape) **Rail Gate Arm Tape (RGA - R82) by Oralite** - this reflective tape is designed specifically for Automatic and Manual Gate Arms and exceeds all standard and regulations. You will see this tape used at all railroad crossings in the United States, and on most automatic gate arms. Its use is mandated by the [MUTCD](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-regulations/traffic-control-gate-arms-railroad-crossings-reflective-tape-requirements-mutcd/) and the [Corp of Engineers](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-regulations/usace-army-corp-of-engineers-gate-marking-requirements/). RGA comes in a 16" red / 16" white (silver) block pattern. The up and down block pattern designates that traffic must stop, versus go around which is what left and right slanted tapes are for. This tape is an ASTM Type 5 film that reflects at 700 candelas for white, and 120 candelas for red. It is a thin, single layer tape that will not delaminate. Simple peel and stick application. [Spec Sheet.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/rail-gate-arm-reflective-tape-oralite-rga-specifications-sheet/) [Colors.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/oralite-rail-gate-arm-rga-colors/) [Where to Buy.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/rail-gate-arm-reflective-tape-oralite-rga-specifications-sheet/) **FRA Rail Car Tape - FRA-224 (R99) by Oralite** - this is a retro reflective tape made especially for rail cars. [FRA regulations](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-regulations/fra-224-r99-rail-car-marking-regulation/) require that the sides of the cars, as well as the front and back be marked with a certified tape. White or Yellow. We carry both colors and our rolls are Kiss Cut meaning you can peel off 18" sections from the roll. The standard width for rolls is 4". Oralite FRA has a 10 year outdoor rating. White reflects at 600 candelas, and Yellow reflects at 400. [Spec Sheet.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/fra-224-rail-car-reflective-tape-oralite-r99-specifications-sheet/) [Colors.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/oralite-fra-224-colors/) [Where to Buy. ](https://www.tapefinder.com/collections/oralite-fra-224-rail-car-reflective-tape-r99) **1403 SOLAS "Adhesive" Coast Guard Approved Tape -** this is a very special prismatic tape that is designed specifically for marine environments. It has two features that lend itself to demanding surroundings. First is its brightness. SOLAS reflects in excess of 1000 candelas, over 13 times as bright as engineer grade white. This allows it to be seen from thousands of feet away versus hundreds. Second, it has an extra thick, extra strong adhesive backing. This keeps it in place in all kinds of conditions. SOLAS by Oralite has a special Ships Wheel" logo that designates it as genuine SOLAS tape that meets [Coast Guard and IMO specs.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-regulations/uscg-46-cfr-section-164-018/) Be aware that fake SOLAS tapes are prevalent on market places. These are generally glass bead tapes versus prismatic and do not reflect the same distance. Not even close. So for genuine coast guard approved SOLAS, stick with Oralite. [Spec Sheet.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/solas-marine-grade-reflective-oralite-specifications-sheet/) [Color.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/oralite-solas-colors/) [Where to Buy.](https://www.tapefinder.com/collections/solas-coast-guard-approved-marine-reflective-tape-by-oralite) **1403 SOLAS "Sew On" Coast Guard Approved Tape -** this tape is like 1403 SOLAS above, only with a fabric backing. It is designed for sew on applications. It is not available in colors, however, our GP440 is an equivalent film and is available in silver and lime. [Spec Sheet.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/solas-marine-grade-reflective-oralite-specifications-sheet/) [Color.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/oralite-solas-colors/) [Where to Buy.](https://www.tapefinder.com/collections/solas-coast-guard-approved-marine-reflective-tape-by-oralite/products/oralite-reflexite-sew-on-m82-solas-reflective-tape) **1404 SOLAS "Conformable" Coast Guard Approved Tape -** this type of SOLAS is flexible and will stretch. This makes it perfect for applications where conformability is needed, such as on a Zodiac inflatable boat, or a survival suit. It is available only in the standard Silver (white) color and has the same strong adhesive as the 1403. [Spec Sheet.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/solas-marine-grade-reflective-oralite-specifications-sheet/) [Color.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/oralite-solas-colors/) [Where to Buy.](https://www.tapefinder.com/collections/solas-coast-guard-approved-marine-reflective-tape-by-oralite) **V98 Pre-Striped Lime & Red Chevron Striping Tape -** this is a specialty ultra bright prismatic product designed for creating chevron designs or panels on the backs of fire trucks and apparatus. It is [NFPA 1901](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-regulations/nfpa-1901-reflective-chevron-striping-for-fire-trucks-and-apparatus/) compliant. V98 is one of Oralite's most popular films, and being pre printed with lime and red make it especially convenient for striping trucks. The material comes in a Right Hand and a Left Hand slant. To create chevrons you need both slant. LH slants left like a Palm Tree that leans left, and right does the opposite. [Spec Sheet.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/pre-striped-chevron-marking-tape-oralite-v98-specifications-sheet/) [Colors.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/oralite-v98-pre-striped-colors/) [Where to Buy.](https://www.tapefinder.com/collections/pre-striped-chevron-rolls-by-orafol-left-and-right-slant) **P82 Photo Electric Reflective Tape** - this specialty tape is used for photo electric applications where a photo eye needs to detect the film. It is also used for range finder applications. ORALITE® P82 Photoelectric sheeting is a metalized microprismatic sheeting with integrally bonded cube corner elements. The flexible sheeting is not more than 0.008 inches thick and is provided with a clear weather and solvent resistant top coating designed for harsh environments and extended outdoor durability. P82 sheeting has been tested to conform to 900 x 900 brightness. [Spec Sheet. ](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/photo-electric-tape-sheeting-specifications-sheet-p82-p66-ac1000-5900/)[Colors.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/oralite-p82-photo-electric-colors/) [Where to Buy.](https://www.tapefinder.com/collections/oralite-p82-photo-electric-reflective-tape/products/oralite-p82-photo-electric-sensor-reflective-tape) ## Reflective Tapes for Work Zones **Engineer Grade Type 1 Pre-Striped Barricade Tape by Nikkalite-** this is a standard white engineer grade reflective film, with Orange or Red 45 degree stripes printed on it. It comes in Red/White or Orange/White. The ink is applied before the top coat for a long lasting permanent stripe. This reflective material comes in either a Left hand, or a Right hand slant. Also, for the orange white tape, it comes in 6" wide stripes, or 4" inch wide. The 6" wide material is for larger barricades, and the 4" wide is for smaller folding barricades. The white on the tape reflects at 108 candelas, the red reflects at 21, and the orange reflects at 54. This is a 7 year outdoor rated film. [Spec Sheet.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/type-1-engineer-grade-nikkalite-specifications-sheet/) [Colors.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/striped-barricade-tape-colors/) [Where to Buy.](https://www.tapefinder.com/collections/reflective-striped-barricade-tape-red-white-or-orange-white/products/striped-barricade-tape-reflective-engineer-grade-red-white-or-orange-white) **High Intensity Type 3 Glass Bead Pre-Striped Barricade Tape by Nikkalite -** this tape is similar to our engineer grade pre-striped, but made with Type 3 sheeting. It comes in Red/White or Orange/White. Type 3 sheeting encloses glass beads in cells, making the tape more efficient and hence brighter. White/Red or White/Orange high intensity glass bead film reflects at about 3 times the intensity of Type 1 Engineer. This simply means the tape can be seen from further away. High Intensity Type 3 films are rated for a 10 year outdoor life. [Spec Sheet.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/type-3-high-intensity-grade-nikkalite-specifications-sheet/) [Colors. ](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/striped-barricade-tape-colors/)[Where to Buy.](https://www.tapefinder.com/collections/reflective-striped-barricade-tape-red-white-or-orange-white/products/striped-barricade-tape-high-intensity-grade-red-white-or-orange-white) **High Intensity Type 4 Prismatic Pre-Striped Barricade Tape by Nikkalite - **High Intensity Prismatic is brighter and more vivid than glass bead based films. It comes in Red/White or Orange/White. It uses Air Backed Prisms to achieve higher reflectivity, longer sight distance, and more vivid colors. It is an acrylic base film with an outdoor rating of 10 years. This film is used wherever Type 4 specs call for it. It is thicker and feels somewhat like a credit card. It is a good film for a flat, smooth surface. Of the barricade tapes that we carry, this is the brightest at 360 candelas for White, 145 candelas for Orange, and 65 for red. Same peel and stick application as our other adhesive reflective films. [Spec Sheet.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/type-4-high-intensity-micro-prismatic-nikkalite-specifications-sheet/) [Colors.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/striped-barricade-tape-colors/) [Where to Buy.](https://www.tapefinder.com/collections/reflective-striped-barricade-tape-red-white-or-orange-white) **Oralite 5930 Flexible Solid Color Tape for Work Zones (Oralite) -** this tape is based on the same air backed type prismatic film as the 5934 above, but in solid colors. 5934 is a Type 4 retro reflective tape that comes in White, Fluorescent Orange, Fluorescent Lime, and Yellow. As a comparison to other films, White reflects at 360 candelas, Lime at 290, Yellow at 270, and Orange at 115. This is a PVC based, flexible, pliable, softer reflective film. Versus acrylic based ones. It has the same peel and stick adhesive as our other films, and is a very rugged material designed for difficult environments. [Spec Sheet.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/type-4-high-intensity-micro-prismatic-nikkalite-specifications-sheet/) [Colors.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/oralite-5930-colors/) [Where to Buy. ](https://www.tapefinder.com/collections/high-intensity-prismatic-reflective-tape-type-4) **Oralite 5934 "Flexible" Type 4 Prismatic PRE-STRIPED Barricade Tape -** this film is very similar to our Type 4 Prismatic but more durable and rugged. It comes in Red/White or Orange/White. Its PVC construction makes it reboundable and flexible. Due to its use in rugged work zone environments, it is rated for 3 years outdoors. The white in the tape reflects at 500 candelas, the orange reflects at 145, and the red 65. [Spec Sheet.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/type-4-high-intensity-micro-prismatic-nikkalite-specifications-sheet/) [Colors.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/striped-barricade-tape-colors/) [Where to Buy.](https://www.tapefinder.com/collections/reflective-striped-barricade-tape-red-white-or-orange-white/products/4-thru-12-oralite-5934-high-intensity-pre-striped-work-zones-tough-flexible-25-or-50) **Oralite 5934 "Flexible" Type 4 SOLID Color Barrel and Channelizer Tape -** this reflective tape is like our 5934 Pre-Striped tape only in solid colors. The film comes in White, Orange, and Yellow. It is designed to be used on work zone barrels and channelizes devices in these zones. It features a PVC flexible construction and is a prismatic retro reflective tape, meaning it is very bright. It is also reboundable meaning it can be hit and will bounce back to its original shape. White 5934 solid colors reflect at 500 candelas, Yellow is 350, and Orange is 145. [Spec Sheet](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1767/8043/files/oralite-5934-channelizer-barricade-delineation-sheeting-technical-data-sheet.pdf?v=1701491130) , [Colors](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/oralite-5934-colors-solid/) , [Where to Buy.](https://www.tapefinder.com/collections/high-intensity-prismatic-reflective-tape-type-4/products/oralite-5934-channelizer-barricade-and-delineation-retro-reflective-sheeting-4-rolls) **Oralite Traffic Cone Collars -** our traffic cone collars are the wrap around type with an adhesive, peel and stick backing. They are cut from a flexible, conformable, reboundable prismatic reflective material. Reflectivity is similar to V98 at 750 candelas for white. We carry collars for 18" cones, 28" cones, 28" slim cones, and 36" cones. [Spec Sheet.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/v98-conformable-graphics-film-oralite-specifications-sheet/) [Colors.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/oralite-cone-collars-colors/) [Where to Buy.](https://www.tapefinder.com/collections/reflective-traffic-cone-collars-wrap-around-self-adhesive/products/cone-collars-reflective-wrap-around-style-self-adhesive) ## Reflective Garment Trims for Work Zones and Fire Applications **GP020 Sew On Glass Bead Garment Trim by Oralite -** **GP025 Heat Applied (Iron On) Glass Bead Trim by Oralite -** **GP330 PVC Based Prismatic Garment Trim by Oralite - ** **GP440 Prismatic Ultra Bright Garment Trim by Oralite -** **POLICE GP801 Prismatic Garment Trim by Oralite - ** **Checkered GP800 (Blue/Silver & Green/Silver) by Oralite -** **UFR Fire Resistant Utility Fire Garment Trim - ** **FTP-2550 (TO or TL) Fire Garment Trim by Oralite - ** **FTP-2575 (Diamond or Stripe w/ Diamond) Fire Garment Trim by Oralite -** **Marathon or Super Bright Roll Up Banner Material by Oralite** - this is a repeat of a product above in our Typed Films section. Type 6. It is a reflective banner material that is similar to the GP330 film above, but much wider and made to create signs or large reflective grommeted panels. We sell this by the foot, or we can cut it to length and grommet it for you. It is a prismatic material, and reflects at 500 candelas for the white. We have Fluorescent Orange, Fluorescent Lime, White, Yellow, and Fluorescent Pink. [Spec Sheet.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/type-6-roll-up-work-zone-signs-oralite-specifications-sheet/) [Colors.](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/oralite-roll-up-banner-material-colors/) [Where to Buy.](https://www.tapefinder.com/collections/oralite-reflective-banner-sign-material-super-bright-marathon) --- ## What is Retro Reflective Tape? _Source: https://reflective.info/basics-of-reflective-tape/basic-article-6/_ “Retro Reflective Tape” is defined as a thin white or colored film (aka sheeting) that reflects light back to the source of the light using either glass spheres or man made prisms. The film normally adheres to a surface using a self-adhesive peel and stick backing. However, for garments and fabrics, they would have a fabric backing and are sewn on. A large variety of colors are created at the factory by coloring the top coat of the film with a transparent ink. Light goes in white, and returns as the color of the film. (i.e. red, white, blue, green, orange, purple, yellow, gold, black, lime) These colors are used for a variety of applications, with each having their own color. A red stop sign, for example. Microscopic glass beads in a film act as small parabolas that collect light and direct that light back to where it came from. Man made prisms in a prismatic reflective film use tiny man made mirrors placed at angles to each other to bounce the light back. Glass beads are bright, and the films made with them are inexpensive, but micro prisms are much brighter and can be seen from much further away. (Note – “retro-reflective tape” is often shortened to “reflective tape”.) As stated above, reflective tapes come in a variety of colors. They appear as their normal color in daylight, and at night, when reflecting, they are the same basic color, only brighter and lighter. Street signs are one example of an application for colored reflective tape. Stop signs can be seen at night in a red color, and yield signs are yellow at night, and so on. They are also red and yellow in daylight. The ability of reflective tapes to do this is what makes them so useful when it comes to safety on highways around the world. Suffice it to say, the invention of colored retro reflective tapes has been a huge plus for traffic safety. The ability of reflective tape to be made in so many colors makes it useful for applications like signs. Colors visible day and night also make it perfect for school bus marking tape, dot truck tape, orange work zone tapes, traffic cone colors, rail car tape, gate arm tape, and much more. And as mentioned above, each color has a different purpose in traffic, with many applications mandated by the MUTCD or other regulations. For personal use, you can use any color you would like, for whatever you like, for the most part. Reflective tapes also come in different types. The term “type” refers mainly to the brightness of the tape, but also references other characteristics. The large number of applications for reflective tape are what create the need for all the different intensities, types and colors. For example, tractor trailer rigs need a bright red and white alternating tape that can be seen from thousands of feet away. We call this DOT Conspicuity tape and it is normally a Type V film. Life boats and life vests need an ultra bright white tape that can be seen from over a mile away in marine environments. SOLAS tapes meet this need and use the same base film as the Type V material used for DOT trucks. Some SOLAS tapes self adhere, and some, like what you find on life vests, are sewn on. Stop signs in neighborhoods often use basic affordable reflective tape that uses glass beads for reflectivity. This film is referred to as a Type 1 glass bead reflective. However, on interstates, a much brighter and more expensive Type 8 or better prismatic film is required. Generally, required sign distance is what dictates the type of tape used. Our “Tape Types” category goes into more detail about the different types of tapes. --- ## How Does Reflective Tape Work? _Source: https://reflective.info/basics-of-reflective-tape/how-does-reflective-tape-work/_ Reflective tape and sheeting have been making the night time a safer place for over 80 years. During that time, reflective tapes in their various forms have saved countless lives by improving visibility both day and night. Before discussing how retro reflective tape works, it is important to make a distinction between a simple "reflective" surface that bounces light away from itself, and a "retro reflective" surface that returns light back to the source. A mirror is reflective, and a reflective road sign is retro reflective. It is not difficult to understand that mirrors reflect our image back to us. And when a mirror is studied, it is not hard to see how this is accomplished. The more difficult concept to grasp is how a surface can reflect light only back to the source of that light, a phenomenon known as retro reflectivity. To start with, the study of how all of this works is called photo-metrics, or the science of light. This field of science deals with light intensity, geometry (bending), refraction, diffraction, color, luminescence, candelas, electromagnetic radiation, and more. As far as the mechanics of how reflective tape reflects light, it is more about geometry and angles than anything else. As previously mentioned, reflective tape or sheeting (also known as retro-reflective tape) is unique in that it reflects light back to the light source only. Each beam of light that hits the surface is reflected back to only the source of that light, and not anywhere else, which is what makes it so bright.  To clarify, a retro reflective film only appears illuminated for the person with the light source or who is in a direct line between the tape and the source. Often, the light being returned is called the cone of reflectivity and consists of an ever widening cone of light that travels towards and around the light source. As it widens, it also becomes dimmer. Anyone within that cone, facing the returning light, will see it. As an example, consider two people walking parallel down a street with one person on each side of the street. If person “A” has a flashlight and shines it onto a square of reflective tape 200 feet away, the tape will light up for them.  However, in that situation, the tape will not illuminate for person B on the other side of the street because they are not in the cone of reflectivity.  If both person A and person B had flash lights and shined them onto the surface of the tape, both would see it illuminate.  This occurs because the tape contains either glass spheres or man made prisms that collect light, bend it and send it back to the source. The question is, how does it do this?  Here is how it works in an oversimplified way. Imagine for a moment that you are in the very center of a round room, with a rubber ball in your hand.  If you throw the ball towards the wall, it will either come back and strike you or come very close. This is because of the shape of the wall and your proximity.   Reflective tape works in a similar manner by efficiently bending or refracting light. Basically, light enters a glass bead, is bent, bounces off of the back wall of the bead, and is then sent back the same way it came in. Millions of microscopic beads on the surface of a film doing this together provide substantial illumination to a viewer who is in line with the returning light. The diagram below shows how the glass beads do this. Notice how the light always leaves the way it came in. Man made prisms return light in a similar but more efficient way. This would be like hitting a racquetball in to the corner of a court where two walls meet at 90-degree angles. The ball would in most cases strike one wall, then bounce to the adjacent wall, and then back towards you. This is a simplification of what takes place with micro prisms in prismatic reflective tapes, however, it is a good way to envision the process. Because of its efficient design, prismatic tape returns light more like a spotlight, whereas glass bead tapes return light like a flood lamp. Since less light is lost in the conversion, prismatic tapes return more light and appear brighter to the viewer. Less dispersion of light means more light returns to the light source and the viewer, provided they are within the cone of reflectivity or return of light. The diagram below shows how prismatic tapes work. As you can see from the diagrams above, the tapes refract or bend light in such a way that it returns the direction it came in. And it does this no matter what angle a light is shined onto it.  From the overhead view, you can also see that the prisms are arranged so that no matter which way the light comes in, tens of thousands of prisms in the tape will reflect that light back. As light moves and comes in from a different direction, other prisms take over and reflect. The over all effect is that you get a return of light from a variety of different positions. This brings up another unique characteristic of retro reflective films.  In the first diagram above, the example of two people walking down a street, one person had a light and the other person did not.  If both had lights, both would see the tape illuminate for them. For one person, a certain set of prisms all over the tape would be sending light back to them, and for the other, it may be a different set of prisms. This is made possible because of the millions of small prisms that are in a section of reflective sheeting, all set at different angles. Remember, with light you are not just throwing one ball at a surface, you are throwing billions of light particles at it and receiving a large portion of those back. Not all, but plenty to make the surface illuminate for you. The surface lights up so that you see the red reflective background and the white letters that say stop, or the black letters on a reflective yellow background that say bridge out, in plenty of time to stop. Also, because of the positioning of either glass beads or prisms, reflective tape does not have to be perpendicular to the viewers for it to reflect. Light beams can come in at fairly sharp angles and return to the source with no issues. Also, multiple light beams can strike the tape at the same time and all be returned to their respective sources. This is what is happening in the case of automobiles on a highway with their lights illuminating a street sign. All the drivers receive their own return of light. If one driver does not have their lights on, there will be no light returned to their headlights, and the sign will not be illuminated for them the way it is for other drivers with headlights on. The exception to this would be if they were in the cone of reflectivity from a driver in front or behind them. But in this case, the sign would be visible, and then not visible, visible, and then not. Better to have your own light. Lastly, as previously mentioned, to see a reflective surface illuminate, a viewer's eyes must be in line with the returning light. This return of light is often referred to as the cone of reflectivity. If a viewer is within this cone, they see the tape light up. If they are not, the tape seems dark to them. All of this has to do with entrance and observation angles. Both elements of the study of photo-metrics. We have an article on entrance and observation angles that goes into further detail about the geometry of reflectivity. It is in the “Science of Reflectivity” category. --- ## The Invention and History of Reflective Tape _Source: https://reflective.info/basics-of-reflective-tape/the-invention-and-history-of-reflective-tape/_ The need for Retro Reflective Devices that could be seen when struck by light at night came about from the introduction of the car into the modern world. From the beginning, automobiles came with lights. However, simply having lights on a dark road was not nearly enough to assure personal safety and prevent serious accidents. In the beginning, when cars traveled slow, it was not as much of an issue. But as vehicles became more popular and much faster, it quickly became important to mark objects such as guardrails, signs, other vehicles, and the road itself so that drivers could safely navigate roads at night.  You can see the importance of this by simply driving down a dark road that has no reflective elements. You can quickly see that headlights are not enough, especially if you are traveling at a mile a minute or more. A brief history outlining the invention, development, and evolution of retro reflective devices and sheeting is outlined below. (Note - Retro Reflectivity is simply the ability of an object to return light back to the source. Also note that reflective and retro reflective are often used synonymous) **Retro Reflective Devices** 1906 - Reflectors that bent light and returned it came about from inventors working with lenses and studying their light refracting capabilities. The earliest known patent for a device that was referred to as a reflector was granted to a German inventor named Rudolf Straubel in 1906. He gives evidence of earlier devices in his patent application, where he states that his invention is an improvement of A.Beck’s “triple mirror” system.  In his application, Straubel does not specify or make any claims that his invention is for traffic type applications. However, given the development of automobiles at that time, it is probable that he understood the relevance. 1912 - Six years later, a patent was granted to a Robert Venner in the United Kingdom for what he outlined was a method of increasing the night time visibility of signs and word panels. Signs were being used on roads at this point, and the general principle of his invention was to affix glass spheres in grooves or indention's on the surface of a sign, normally the outer perimeter area, so that it would be visible in one or more directions by light reflected or bounced back from the glass spheres to the light source. 1920's - Large glass beads that naturally reflect light back to a driver, began to be used to mark words on signs. The stop sign above is an example. So instead of just marking the edge of a sign, this new method marked the actual words.  The beads were from 10 - 20 mm in size and quite large.  They effectively reflected light back to the source.  Light would enter the large beads, reflect off the backside, and return in a parallel but opposite direction from which it came.  In other words, back to the source of the light. Around this same period, large cube corner reflectors made of glass were also experimented with. Like glass beads, these cube corner reflectors returned light to the source. 1927 - Seven years later, an inventor from the United Kingdom named Percy Shaw patented a device he described as Cats Eyes or Cataphote Reflectors.  This was a great improvement over the glass spheres placed in grooves on the edges or words of signs.  Much like a diamond ring, cataphotes were glass beads placed in a setting. This allowed the manufacturer to control the performance of the reflector, which resulted in better photometrics.  Also, the device or setting that held the large bead made it possible to attach cataphotes to a variety of surfaces.  Mr. Shaw's invention became very popular and was quickly integrated into road markers, signage, and guard rails.  As an example of their importance, during World War II, when automobiles had to operate with low lights during blackouts, cat's eye (Cataphote) reflectors proved to be very valuable at helping automobiles navigate in low light conditions.  Other reflectors also existed at the time, such as plastic and glass cube corner reflectors. However, the Cataphote reflector or Cats Eye outperformed all of these devices in both reflectivity and durability.  Note - Percy Shaw is also credited with the invention of the road marker or road stud which is the reflector that attaches to the road itself. 1928 - Jonathan Cass Stimson, a United States inventor, creates and files for a patent on his cube corner reflector array.  If you look at the original drawings in his patent, you can clearly see that his triple mirror cubed corner prism is the same array used to this very day for a multitude of reflective products.  The reflectors were originally made with glass and then transitioned to plastic, most likely because of ease of manufacture and cost. After filing for his patent, he formed a company called Stimsonite. A name that to this day is very well known in the traffic safety industry.  Stimsonite retro reflectors were widely used on automobile tail lights, highway signs, guardrails, railroad signals, airport runways, marine navigational markers, bicycles, and more.   Stimsonite is also credited with the invention of the modern cubed corner raised pavement markers that we see on roads today. (picture below) These markers are still manufactured by Stimsonite, and still used on roads today.  Note - decades after their original invention and patent, Stimsonite would be the second company in the US to develop prismatic sign sheeting. This invention integrated the prismatic array into a flexible adhesive backed film. Early 1930's - Large glass beads already existed. However, in the 30's, Potters Beads began creating perfectly round, high clarity glass spheres that were a fraction of a millimeter in diameter. Micro spheres. Like the larger beads, when a beam of light entered the tiny glass sphere, it would change direction as it entered, bounce off the backside of the bead, and then bend one more time as it made its way back out of the bead and to the light source.  It would do this no matter which direction the light came in from, and if multiple sources of light were shined on the beads, the spheres would return light back to each source. Microscopic glass beads that reflected light opened up several invention opportunities. All of which changed the world of night time visibility. The tiny beads that Potters Beads created were initially used to light up cinema screens and were later used to add to the surface of painted lines on roadways so that the lines would reflect car headlights and light up a bright white at night. To this day, Potters Beads continues to be the world's largest producer of micro glass beads and their reflective beads are still used for highway lines and in airports (picture above) all over the world. **Retro Reflective Tapes** 1937 -  3m develops a way to integrate micro reflective beads into a pliable, thin, self adhesive material. Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing or 3m hoped to use the film to create stripes on streets and highways, however, because of issues with longevity and adhesion, they changed from trying to create road striping, to trying to make signs reflective at night with a similar film.  The beads in their experimental new film were initially exposed. This provided good reflectivity, but when it rained and the surface became wet, the beads stopped reflecting.  This was a problem, since low light visibility in the rain was paramount.  3m solved this issue by coating the exposed beads with a clear polymer to protect them.  The idea worked, and although reflectivity was reduced by the layer, the film would now reflect in the rain, and would be somewhat self cleaning.  When colored tint was added to the clear polymer, the tapes reflected the color of the tint.  This is how different colored reflective tapes were created.  (Of note is the fact that later, 3m actually did create a road striping tape with their Stamark line of road marking products.) From 1937 - 1947  3m’s new product, which they called Engineering Grade (Type 1) was further developed and improved. At this point in time, engineer grade film consisted of a colored or white top layer, glass beads, a metalized (mirror) backing to give the beads more reflectivity, and an adhesive backing. In 1947, it was brought to market in the UK, and then the US. The new reflective tape or sheeting was quickly accepted and soon almost every sign in the modern world used the company’s new engineer grade sheeting to light the way for drivers. The 3m company would dominate the sign sheeting industry for about 25 years, and as time passed, the engineer grade films they produced were improved through the use of higher index beads and better methods of metallizing the beads so that they reflected better. 1963 - An American company out of Connecticut, Rowland Products (Rowland Brothers) began development of a thin reflective film that used micro prisms instead of beads for reflectivity.  If you go back to 1906, you see that triple mirror reflectors were being experimented with. Then, in 1928, Jonathan Stimson patented an array of these reflectors and created products like road markers. These are like the plastic reflectors that you find on your bike, or on stakes in people's front yards. So it was common knowledge that a cube corner reflector worked and was actually quite a bit more efficient than glass beads. What Rowland Products (later to be called Reflexite) did was combine these small mirrors or prisms with a flexible film. So what 3m did with glass beads and a flexible film, Rowland did with prisms and a flexible film. As stated above, large cubed corner reflectors like what Stimsonite manufactured already existed, but the Roland Brothers of Connecticut invented a way to miniaturize the prisms and integrate them into a thin flexible film.  To accomplish this, man made microscopic prisms, not much larger than a human hair, are embossed (imprinted) onto a clear or tinted polymer, metallized on the back, and then coated with adhesive, which is then covered with a removable release liner.  The small prisms in the film, of which there are millions, are much more efficient than glass beads at returning light making this new reflective film over 5 times brighter than engineering grade and double the brightness of 3m's yet to be launched High Intensity beaded sheeting. Prismatic films are more expensive to make, and more costly to buy, but for applications where viewers need to see the tape from a long distance, this new prismatic sheeting was the perfect solution. The Rowland Brothers invention would be as big an advancement in reflective technology as 3m’s engineer grade tape was 30 years before and would revolutionize the reflective sheeting industry. In 1970, after patenting their technology, they formed the company Reflexite and in 1973 began marketing their micro-prismatic retro reflective sheeting commercially. To this day, Reflexite (now Orafol) remains a leader in the reflective sheeting industry, with their specialty being vehicle conspicuity, work zone sheeting and personal safety. 1971 - 3m launches a new line of glass bead technology tapes known as High Intensity Type 3 the year after Reflexite (Rowland Products) patented their new prismatic films.  This product, also known as encapsulated glass bead sheeting, took glass beads and placed them into honeycomb cells. The beads, instead of being enclosed or surrounded by polymer, were fully exposed beneath a film of very clear plastic with an air layer between the plastic and the beads.  This allowed the high index metallized beads to reflect at their highest possible level, about triple the reflectivity of engineer grade.  As a comparison, today's engineer grade films reflect at about 75 candelas while high intensity film reflects at 250.  (Prismatic films reflect at up to 1000 candelas) Note - 3m's original sheeting, engineer grade, was an enclosed lens film meaning that the glass beads were completely surrounded by polymer.  The release of 3m's high intensity sheeting which used old glass bead technology was an interesting event in that it followed the invention of a much more advanced prismatic film by Reflexite. So an improvement in an old technology was being worked on the entire time that an entirely new way to reflect light with a film was being created. This would be like someone inventing a new horse and buggy, the year after cars were invented. However, since Reflexite did not market their product for signs, 3m's new high intensity film actually did very well. 1970's - During the 1970's Reflexite's prismatic product gained more and more popularity due to its brightness, its single layer design, and the fact that it could be plotter cut. At the same time, some new players came into the market. Avery Products came out with their own brand of engineer grade films to compete with 3m.  In 1975, Seibu, a Japanese company, created a line of glass bead reflective films branded Seibulite and introduced them into the American market. A year later, in 1976, they released the product into United Kingdom markets. 1980's - Stimsonite, the American company who had patented triple mirror prismatic arrays in 1928, and who was also the manufacturer of the most popular raised reflective road marker in the world, came up with their own prismatic reflective sheeting to compete with Reflexite.  This made sense since it was Stimsonite that pioneered prismatic reflectors in the first place. So they basically took their own idea and integrated it into their own branded sheeting. The reflective sheeting they created is actually still around, as you will see below. 1989 - 3m launches their Diamond Grade line of reflective sheeting. This was and is a high quality and very rugged “prismatic” sheeting for signs. Because of their dominance and expertise in the field, their new line quickly became the most popular sheeting for signs. During this time, 3m continued to successfully market their glass bead products for signs and alternate applications and maintained a dominant market share in that product line as well. Bottom line, 3m is very good at marketing their products. 1991 - Seibu is acquired by the Tokyo based company Nippon Carbide. Seibulite reflective films are rebranded as Nikkalite films.   Nippon Carbide begins marketing Engineer Grade films, High Intensity Glass Bead Films, and Prismatic Films worldwide and continue to do so to this day.  Nippon Carbides Nikkalite brand line of products currently consists of a Type 1 Engineer Grade in both a standard and flexible version (see picture below) , a Type 2 Super Engineer Grade which is twice as bright, a Type 3 High Intensity Grade Glass bead line in both a standard and flexible version, a Type 4 High Intensity Prismatic line, and a Type 8 Crystal Grade Prismatic line. Nippon Carbide's Nikkalite line is comparable to 3m's, with both being highly respected in traffic markets around the world. 1999 - Avery Dennison acquires Stimsonite and adds the companies micro-prismatic sheeting to their line of retro reflective tapes, thus filling out their product offering. Of note is that Stimsonite is sold again later to Ennis-Flint, but without the reflective sheeting. Ennis-Flint is in the preformed thermoplastic business and buys the company for their road marker line since their two products go hand in hand. 2006 - 3m introduces Diamond Grade DG3 sheeting, which is very similar to their original Diamond Grade, but brighter and reflective at sharper angles.   2006 to present - Companies continue to make improvements to products, modifying prism arrays, making films more flexible for vehicle applications, and offering different adhesives. 3m and Avery's full cube technology is one example. Update on Engineer Grade - Due to changes in MUTCD regulations, glass bead sheeting is seldom used for highway signs anymore.  However, glass bead films remain very popular for a variety of other applications. ** **A way to look at reflective products is that they never die, they simply have their purpose modified. In any event, Engineer Grade Type 1 continues to be very popular for graphics applications due to its low price point, wide range of available colors and ability to be easily plotter cut.  These features make the film very popular on police cars and emergency vehicles where it is used for striping, letters, and logos.  Engineer grade Type 1 films are great for applications where the viewer is close in, say 300 feet or closer.  For these applications, brighter, more expensive tapes are often not necessary. Update on High Intensity Type 3 glass bead tapes. Although not easily plotter cut, high intensity films are still popular due to the affordable price. They are used on bollard, dumpsters, roll off containers, buildings, vehicles, traffic cone collars, and more. They are unique, in that they reflect at wide observation angles. For medium distance applications, Type 3 high intensity is often all that is needed.   --- ## The History of Reflective Traffic Signs _Source: https://reflective.info/basics-of-reflective-tape/the-history-of-reflective-traffic-signs/_ The Invention (History) of Reflective Signs In the beginning of automobiles on roads and traffic, signs were painted in different contrasting colors, but with no reflective qualities whatsoever. So often they were invisible at night when they needed to be seen the most. The issue was that there was no known way to make the signs more visible without using external lighting and power, which was not practical. Roads needed signs that would light up more and be visible from car lights alone. This need sparked the imagination of inventors, and they set out to find a solution to this problem. One inventor, an American, came up with the initial solution. Percy Shaw, an inventor, developed the Cataphote, also known as glass cats eye reflectors. These small devices marked the beginning of the history of reflective features on signage. In addition to being used on signs, the tiny glass cataphotes were also placed in the middle of roads to increase centerline visibility. As a result of Percy Shaw's invention, stop signs could now be seen and read at night for the first time. Percy Shaw submitted a patent application in 1927 and his invention was approved. His "Cataphotes" quickly gained popularity and inspired a competition to develop more effective nighttime road sign illumination. In other words, once people saw how he did it, they knew they could do it better. [](https://reflectivetape.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/antique-stop-2-768x306-1.jpg) Before Percy Shaw created the glass cataphote, another inventor was already developing a product that would completely alter how well we see objects at night. Rudolph Potters started experimenting with ways to mass produce tiny, perfectly round retro reflecting spheres in 1914—predating the invention of the cats eye reflector. These spherical glass spheres would reflect like a cataphote but be considerably smaller—about the size of a pinhead's ball. Unlike Cataphotes, these beads would not be utilized one at a time. Instead, they would be applied widely to create retro reflective surfaces for large areas. These new micro beads were very popular and were used in various applications. After perfecting the process over many years, Mr. Potter applied for and was granted a patent in 1941 for the method and machinery used to make glass beads. This invention serves as the crucial link between early reflecting signs, which were crude and used cataphotes, and modern signs, which use genuine retro reflectivity along the entire surface of the sign. Initially, reflecting surfaces were made using Potters retro reflective tiny beads in addition to a binder or paint. A couple such examples include road lining and movie screens. Light enters the glass beads, is bent, bounced, and returned to the source, wherever that may be, just like a Cataphote. This is made possible by the bead's spherical and parabolic shape. With the beads bound together and the surface covered, large areas could be rendered reflective as opposed to the Cataphote, which maybe covered a square inch each. All that is required for the beads to function is for their tops to be exposed so that light may enter and depart. When beads are on top of a surface, they make it retro reflective (note: a fully encased bead will not reflect since light cannot reach it). A surface such as this is called an Exposed Bead surface. You see this type of surface today with the reflective garments that workers wear. All of these applications are significant because it was these innovative uses of glass beads that sparked the next discoveries. **History of Today's Reflective Traffic Signs** (From Road Striping to Reflective Signage) Before reflective signage, there were reflective road stripes. Glass beads from Potters Beads were poured onto paint as it was drying to make them retro reflective at night. Before Cataphotes, at night, a stop sign could not be seen. However, the stop bar at the intersection, if it had glass beads on it, could be seen. So this was the first solution to the visibility issue. During this same time, Cataphotes began being used on signs and roadways. So you had a situation from the mid teens into the 30's when small glass Cataphotes or Cats Eyes, and reflective glass beads, provided nighttime visibility for signs and stripes. This was much better than nothing, however, improvements were needed, and those improvement came about in the mid 30's. A 3M engineer named Harry Helzer, was given the responsibility of inventing a new technique for manufacturing reflective center lines on roadways in Minnesota, and this is where the history of reflecting traffic signs as we know them today began. The intention was to create a tape that produced the same result as the popular technique of the period, which involved dropping glass beads into wet paint. Essentially, a roll of road marking tape. Harry Heltzer agreed to take on the task of creating this new product and immediately started working on its design. Keep in mind that he had no intention of creating anything other than reflective road stripes. This was most likely because the issue of seeing signs was solved by Cataphotes. At least somewhat. So since 3m made films, it was reasonable to make a road marking tape. A highway official gave Mr. Heltzer and his team the idea of a glass bead based reflective tape for pavement by suggesting that they embed glass beads into a stripe that could then be applied to a road. This was simple to imagine because glass beads on paint were already widely used. To create such a product, the team's initial task was to locate microscopic, retro-reflective glass beads that could be embedded inside a carrier like a tape. Mr. Heltzer and his team embedded the beads on one side of double-sided tape that has adhesive on the top and bottom. The result was a roll of reflective striping tape. The idea was that the stripe would be attached to a road using the other side. Heltzer's invention did reflect light and leave a reflecting stripe on the pavement. However, maintaining the stripe's adhesion to a chilly Minnesota road and keeping it reflective for an extended amount of time was a challenge. Basically, the product needed to function just as effectively as reflective paint in order to be commercially feasible. The device therefore functioned, but not well enough to be put to use in a business setting. Even though the initial attempt to produce reflective road striping on a roll failed, it did inspire the development of another incredible technology that forever altered nighttime safety. (Note – 3m did not give up on reflective road striping and later on in 1974, patented a product that we now know as[ Stamark](https://pavementtape.com/pavement-tape-articles/history-invention-foil-backed-pavement-marking-tape/). Reflective road stripes on a roll.) [](https://reflectivetape.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/history-reflective-signs-1.png) As can be seen by the patent mentioned above, Harry Heltzer and his group started working on a new innovation with the information and expertise they had obtained from reflective road striping. This new invention would eventually grow into a product known as engineer grade reflective sign sheeting. a product that is still very much in use tody. It was intended to adapt the less successful road stripe design to a sign, where road wear was less of a concern. Whatever the case, the invention initially consisted of a workable, if somewhat primitive, design. Issues included a lack of reflectivity overall, bead contamination, and wet reflectivity, to name a few. The new product's initial versions merely inserted glass beads into a film's surface and left them exposed so they might reflect light. Similar to the road striping product, which had exposed beads on top of double-stick tape.  The film was afterwards attached to a sign. The reflective sheeting did work to some extent, but when dirt or moisture got in between the beads or when it rained, the beads ceased reflecting enough light to be seen. Overall, the brightness was unsatisfactory even with these problems. In summation, early prototypes achieved modest reflectivity, which was considerably lower in the rain or when the sheeting accumulated mud and grime. Although this experimentation was a wonderful start, more advancements were undoubtedly required before it could be used commercially. Heltzer and his colleagues then "went back to the design board" and focused on resolving these problems. They required the tape to reflect in all weather conditions, to be brighter, and they also needed a solution to keep the beads clean. Notation about Glass Bead Reflectivity – A single glass bead will reflect alone on pretty much any surface. When applied in a large area, the apparent reflectivity greatly increases since a multitude of beads are returning light in sync. When on a light colored background they do even better because light is not absorbed by the background. But on a mirrored background, like metallic silver, they reflect incredibly bright. And this is what the team discovered. A base layer or background on a film that was silver in color, similar to what you would find on the back of a mirror, was developed by 3M to maximize the return of light. This silver surface was covered with perfectly spherical glass beads, half of which were buried in the silver and the other half visible. In essence, the glass bead's back became a mirror thanks to the silver backing. Not just any mirror either, as the bead's design allowed for the return of light to its source. In the most basic terms, a retro reflective glass bead with a mirror finish only on the back was developed by 3m. This was an improvement that significantly raised reflectivity. It resolved the brightness problem and partially offset the other problems. But there was still more to be done. After the film had been made brighter, the problem of it not reflecting when it was dirty or damp had to be solved. It was important to keep the beads protected without impeding their ability to reflect. A very thin, transparent polymer layer was placed on top of the film that encapsulated the beads without affecting reflectivity to shield them. This was tricky, but the engineers solved the problem. The tape was now visible even in rain due to the clear coating, which also prevented the beads from collecting dirt. (Note that different colors can be produced by coloring the top coat.) 3m, in 1939, introduced what is commonly known today as “engineer grade” reflective sheeting. The invention for the film was filed with the patent office in 1941, and officially patented and protected in 1943. The patent was titled, “[Reflex Light Reflector](https://reflectivetape.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/heltzer-engineer.pdf)“. Trials of the novel product were conducted first in Minneapolis and subsequently in the UK. Reflective signage created with 3M's new product quickly gained popularity after some time and extensive promotion. It's important to note that the film 3m created was CAD or plotter cuttable, making it simple and practical for the industry to create letters. Engineer grade films from 3M could be used as sign backgrounds with non-reflective lettering added on top for contrast. Alternately, letters may be cut out of the material itself so that they would reflect light on a non-reflective surface. Though the former is more common, both options are effective. The engineer grade films and high intensity sheeting from 3M controlled the market for more than 20 years. The inventions underwent further refinements, and other reflective films with a similar design were also made with the same glass bead technology. Whatever the case, as this fresh and inventive picture gained popularity, signs started to illuminate at night all throughout the nation and the world. **The Introduction of Prismatic Retro Reflective Sign Sheeting** [](https://reflectivetape.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/invention-reflective-signs.png) In the realm of retro reflectivity, 3m wasn't the only corporation or inventor vying for patents. Inventors were experimenting with retro reflective devices employing glass beads and glass or plastic prisms all over the world. In fact, Richard Luce of South Port, Connecticut, applied for a patent for a retro reflective device that didn't employ glass beads in late 1941, three months before 3m received their patent for engineer grade tape. Instead of glass beads, he employed molded plastic reflectors that, by using angled prisms, duplicated the effects of glass beads. You can get a sense of what Mr. Luce was designing by picturing the reflector on your bike or the back taillight reflector on your car. In any case, this was only the start of his research into artificial prisms and reflectors. After receiving his patent in 1947, Luce carried on innovating and creating new and improved techniques for reflecting light. In the state of Connecticut, he subsequently established a business named Luce Reflexite. In 1963, two brothers, Hugh and Bill Rowland, who were also working with prisms and retro reflective devices, bought the rights to develop a new retro-reflective technology from Luce Reflexite. And as it would turn out, the Rowland brothers were working on something innovative that would change the world of night time safety, just as much as 3m’s reflective innovations had.    Note – Bill and Hugh Rowland are two Yale Educated engineers and also brothers. Reflexite was the 19th company they had formed. After turning down an offer from 3m to buy the small company, the Rowland brothers decided to sell it over time to the employees using an ESOP. Orafol merged with Reflexite in 2011. A transaction that netted the employee stock holders 40 million dollars. Today, Orafol's Oralite line of products is the original Reflexite company. Also known as Orafol's Reflective Solutions division. In any event, after securing all the rights , the Reflexite company was formed. They quickly created and patented the worlds first micro-prismatic sheeting or tape, a product that is as much as 20 times brighter than engineer grade films. This meant that signs that before were visible at say 300 feet away, could now be seen from over 3000 feet away. So as traffic moved faster, and roadways became more congested, this was a huge step forward in night time safety on the road. The advantages of such a sheeting are clear, or in the world of retro reflectivity, conspicuous. [](https://reflectivetape.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/reflexite-reflective.png) Reflexite’s first patent was designated as simply “[Retro Reflective Material](https://reflectivetape.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/reflexite-1.pdf)“, and was filed for in September of 1970. A patent for the novel idea was granted in 1972. This new invention would revolutionize the highway sign industry, vehicle conspicuity, and personal safety. Their new product was not only much brighter, it was also incredibly tough and rugged. This made it perfect for both sign applications which were static, vehicle conspicuity applications which were much more dynamic, and personal safety like garment trims, which are very dynamic. In other words, Reflexite’s new retro reflective film was bright, flexible, versatile, and tough, unlike anything the industry had ever seen. Numerous further retro reflecting films from Reflexite were patented; and with each iteration, these films improved in reflectivity, vividness, daytime visibility, and adhesion. Reflexite chose to concentrate on vehicle conspicuity since 3m still had a firm grip on the sign sheeting business. As a result, it swiftly overtook 3m as the world's leading producer of prismatic conspicuity tapes for vehicles.  Mainly due to the fact that their product was single-layered, bright, thin, and CAD-cuttable, and it did not delaminate.  Observing what Reflexite had created, 3m patiently awaited the patent to expire before releasing their Diamond Grade reflective sign sheeting. In 1993, they submitted a patent application for their DG sheeting, and they were granted it in 1996. Due to Reflexite's emphasis on vehicle conspicuity and 3m's strong marketing capabilities, they were able to convince the sign industry to transition to their new prismatic films very quickly. So although Reflexite sheeting never replaced the sheeting used on signs throughout the world, their invention made it possible. It's noteworthy that after working for many years in the retro reflective sheeting sector, Reflexite developed a line of retro reflective films specifically for signage in 2010. This was just before their merger with Orafol. The product was called High Intensity Prismatic or Oralite 5900. It is a vivid air back prismatic that exceeds all ASTM D4956 Specifications for Type 4 sign sheeting. They followed this product up with their 5930 and 5935 High Intensity Prismatic work zone reflective films, also Type 4 rated tapes. A year later, Type 9 Wide Observation Sheeting and Type 11 Brilliant Grade Sheeting were made available by Orafol in Europe. These two items are now marketed in the US as sheeting for traffic signs, together with the 5900 series. As far as the future goes, given that sign laws have been changing and brighter films are now required across the nation, it is expected that more advanced films will continue to be pushed for traffic signage. As an example, the MUTCD has already eliminated ASTM D4956 Type 1 (engineer grade) as an option for street signs and for all practical purposes, has increased reflectivity requirements to a Type 4 Prismatic sheeting or better. Technically a Type 2 or Type 3 film can be used for certain applications, however, it is not likely that very many municipalities or road agencies will use older technology glass bead sheeting such as type 2 or 3 for new signs.  So he timing for the addition of sign sheeting to Orafol's broad portfolio of reflective films is ideal. [](https://reflectivetape.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/mutcd-sign-regulations.png) As it stands right now, 3m is the leader in sign sheeting with their Diamond Grade films. However, they are not without competition. Avery, Nikkalite, and of course Oralite are also in the race and are actively competing for their part of a nearly 3.5 billion dollar market for sign sheeting alone. The key will be in the development and marketing of new Type 9 and Type 11 retro reflective films.  --- ## What is the Brightest Reflective Tape? _Source: https://reflective.info/basics-of-reflective-tape/what-is-the-brightest-reflective-tape/_ One question that we have a lot of customers ask is, what is the brightest reflective tape? This is a common question, since often people associate the brightest tape with the best tape. But the fact is, the brightest tape is not always the best for an application. There are other characteristics of reflective films, such as cost, color, flexibility, adhesion, observation angle, and longevity. All of these factors should be taken into consideration when purchasing a reflective tape for your application. So to answer the question of brightness, the most reflective tape would be an AP1000 film from Oralite. This film is used for Oralites M82 SOLAS marine tapes, their V82 vehicle graphics films, D66 printable prismatic, AR1000 abrasion resistant channelizer tape, and M82 Marine colored films for navigation. These products all differ in function, but are all based on the AP1000 film. Specifically, a white (silver) SOLAS tape would be the brightest of all, coming in at over 1000 candelas consistently, and up to 2000 candela's in some tests. It is truly the brightest of the bright reflective tapes, which is why it is preferred by the industry for coast guard and marine applications. Offshore rescue operations often require extreme sight distance visibility, and SOLAS more than meets that requirement. With that being said, a White AP1000 reflective tape is not always the best product for your application. For example, if a surface has a compound curve that you are trying to cover, you would want to opt for a flexible film like a V98 Conformable Prismatic by Oralite, or a Type 3 Flexible Engineer Grade film by Nikkalite, or even a Nikkalite Flexible Engineer Grade. These films are not as bright as AP1000, however, they are still very bright and will actually work on a curved surface. The point is, if a film is not able to be applied to a surface, brightness would not make a difference. For closer in traffic applications, often a wide observation reflective tape is often needed. Wide observation films light up from lights that are off to one side a little, making them visible faster. In other words, the viewer's eyes and the light source can be further away from each other with these films. Films like Nikkalite High Intensity Type 3, High intensity Type 4, and Oralite 7900 Brilliant Grade all meet wide angle specs and work well for ground mounted road signs, bollards, traffic cones, barricades, and similar applications. Engineer - Super Engineer - High Intensity - High Intensity Prismatic - V98 - AP1000 (V82) - SOLAS Note - in the image above, the two films on the left appear a golden. By themselves, when photographed alone, they are more white. Below, you will find a listing of reflective tapes from least bright to brightest. Pay careful attention to the other characteristics besides brightness that can be considered when purchasing a tape for your application. **Flexible Engineer Grade Type 1** Engineer grade type 1 retro reflective sheeting uses glass beads for reflectivity. It is a thin, flexible, stretchable material and is made in a one fused together layer which prevents delamination. Engineer grade comes in the widest variety of colors and is the most cost efficient and most popular of reflective tapes. EG is used in a wide variety of applications where viewers will be closer to the tape when it needs to be seen at night. Bollards, building corners, fences, or gate tape applications are examples. Engineer grade comes in a standard and flexible grade. A flexible grade will stretch and mold over surfaces more than the standard and is used in applications where conformability is important. If you have a rough, uneven surface to mark, then this is the tape you would want to use. Flexible Engineer Grade is designed for striping, and also to be plotter cut into letters, shapes and numbers and is widely used on emergency vehicles and signs. It is often used in conjunction with brighter background films so that both colors are reflective, but a 3:1 contrast is still achieved. Because EG and Flex EG are glass bead tapes, they disperse light in a wide angle which is good for close in applications. Type 1 Engineer is recommended for applications where the viewer is within 50 yards of the tape. The estimated brightness of this grade in the different colors measured in candelas is as follows: - White – 70 to 108 candelas - Yellow – 88 candelas - Green – 28 candelas - Red – 21 candelas - Blue – 12 candelas - Black – 10 candelas - Gold – 78 candelas - Orange – 54 candelas Note – there are a variety of other colors in this grade. The main ones are listed above. **High Intensity Grade Type 3 Reflective Tape** High Intensity Type 3 tape is made by laminating layers together. High index glass beads (brighter) are contained in little honeycomb chambers with an air space above them. This type of film construction makes for a brighter tape. Although still thin, this tape is a bit stiffer than engineer grade and does not stretch at all like its sister material Flexible High Intensity (see below). It is great for smooth surfaces and is about 2.5 times brighter than standard engineer grade. This film is used in applications that require a viewer to see the tape from a medium distance. It is more expensive than an engineer grade tape, but less expensive than prismatic tapes. High intensity type 3 also disperses light in a wide angle. This, combined with the tapes increased reflectivity makes it light up quicker for the viewer than other films. Plotter cutting this film into letters and shapes is not recommended with high intensity in that is difficult for the blade to cut. This tape is very popular for creating sign backgrounds, wrapping bollards, marking loading docks, making gates reflective and other similar applications. Recommended for applications where the viewer is within 100 yards of the tape or in areas where there is competitive lighting. Remember, areas that are well lit at night, require a brighter tape to be seen. - White – 250 candelas - Yellow – 170 candelas - Green – 45 candelas - Orange – 100 candelas - Red – 45 candelas - Blue – 20 candelas **Flexible High Intensity Grade Type 3 Reflective Tape** Flexible High Intensity Type 3 Tape is a flexible, stretchable version of our standard high intensity tape. This film is for work zones, but can be used in other applications.  It is available in three colors, white, yellow and orange, and is designed to be used on traffic cones and road barrels, however, it is used in other areas where a bright, stretchable, conformable tape is needed.  For example, hard hats have an uneven convex surface and most tapes will not conform. Nikkalite high intensity flexible will. Note - we have this in a standard and flexible version. Standard will not stretch, but the flexible version will. - White – 250 candelas - Orange – 100 candelas - Yellow – 170 candelas **Non Metalized Micro-Prismatic Reflective Tape – Type 4 (also known as high intensity prismatic HIP) Oralite 5900** Non Metalized or Air Backed micro-prismatic tape is made by laminating a layer of prismatic film with no mirror coating onto a honeycomb grid and white backing. It is similar in construction to high intensity glass bead tape but with the air space below the prisms. (air backed micro-prismatics) The white backing makes the tape more vivid in color. Type 4 prismatic is a little more expensive than high intensity but less expensive than a metalized micro-prismatic would be. This is due to reduced construction cost for the air backed films. These tapes perform best if applied to a smooth surface. Type 4 prismatics are visible from much farther away than high intensity or engineer grade glass bead tapes and are good for applications where the viewer is farther away from the tape. Say beyond 100 yards, like in faster moving traffic. - White – 360 candelas - Yellow – 270 candelas - Red – 65 candelas - Orange – 145 candelas - Green – 50 candelas - Blue – 30 candelas **Metalized Micro-Prismatic Reflective Tape – Type 5 – Oralite V82 (AP1000)** Metalized micro-prismatic reflective tape is the highest level of films when it comes to durability and reflectivity. This type of tape is molded into one layer, which means you never need to worry about it delaminating. This is especially good when the tape is being used in a dynamic or rugged environment where it may be impacted or abused by day to day activities. DOT trucks are an example. With a single layer micro prismatic film, you can beat it up and it still reflects. V82 or AP1000 films are made by coating the back of a micro-prismatic layer with a mirror coating and then applying adhesive and a release liner to the back. It is more expensive to make but well worth it for the longevity in rugged environments. Because it is a single layer film, it can also be plotter cut into letters and shapes. This material can be used for all applications as well as those where the viewer is far in excess of 100 yards from the tape. In most cases, this reflective tape can be seen from over 1000 feet away, depending on how large of a sheet is used. More surface area equals greater visibility. This makes it excellent for highway and other applications where the tape will be shining through snow or rain. - White – 750 candelas - Yellow – 525 candelas - Red – 130 candelas - Green – 130 candelas - Blue – 55 candelas **V92 Daybright - Metalized Prismatic Reflective Tape – (comparable to type 5)** Oralite V92 Reflective Tape by Orafol is similar to V82 only less expensive and slightly less bright when it reflects. It has a colored grid that makes it more visible in the daytime. V92 can also be plotter cut. **Oralite V98 Conformable Reflective Tape by Orafol – Metalized Prismatic – (comparable to type 5)** V98 is designed for vehicle graphics and is also cuttable on a plotter. I have found it to be the easier to cut than the V82 or V92 films.  It is a little thicker and has a slightly more rubbery texture. It reflects at 750 candelas for white.  It is very popular for striping emergency and utility vehicles. **Oralite SOLAS Marine Grade Reflective - Metalized Micro-Prismatic Tape** Oralite SOLAS reflects at over 1000 candelas. It bears the ship's wheel logo that designates it as real SOLAS coast guard approved film. It also has 5 mils of adhesive on the back instead of 2.5 mils for adhesion to more difficult surfaces. SOLAS is available only in white/silver. It has a greyish silver look in the daytime but is bright white at night. It can be seen from over a thousand feet away in good and bad weather conditions. It is based on a modified AP1000 film. The sister film for SOLAS that is in colors is the AP1000 film with 5 mils of adhesive made for marine navigation. Sometimes called M82-1545 or V82-1545. --- ## Reflective Versus Retro Reflective Tape - What's the Difference? _Source: https://reflective.info/basics-of-reflective-tape/reflective-versus-retro-reflective-tape-whats-the-difference/_ If you can see an object, it is technically reflective since it is bouncing light to your eyes. For a surface to be reflective, it simply has to throw or bounce back light from its surface without absorbing all of it. Most objects use scattered or diffused reflectivity where light is scattered everywhere. A mirror would be a good example of a specular reflective surface. Retro reflective surfaces are reflective like a mirror, but with one added characteristic. These surfaces return light back to the source of the light and no where else. Reflective tape or reflective road markers are examples of this. I talk about mirror reflectivity and retro reflectivity in another article. But in summary, they are two completely different types of reflectivity, with completely different applications. A stop sign and the mirror on your bathroom wall operate by bouncing light, but they are obviously very different. So if you shine a light on a reflective surface like a mirror, the light will bounce and leave the surface at a different angle. This is because mirrors are designed with a completely flat reflective surface that does not distort light. By shining a light on a mirror in your home you can easily test this phenomenon. You can also note that you can see yourself in a mirror, whereas you cannot see yourself when you look at a piece of reflective sheeting. So although both reflect light, they are very different. If you shine the same light on a retro reflective surface, the light returns only back to the source of the light. If you shine multiple lights at a mirror, the beams will bounce to multiple other locations. The retro reflective surface will return each beam of light back to the source of the light. So a mirror redirects light, and a retro reflective surface returns light. The simple explanation for how retro reflective surfaces work is that they bend light in such a way that it always exits the surface the way it came in, which is back to the light source. The diagram above shows how this works for reflective prismatic surfaces. Man made prisms bend and bounce the light so that it is directed back to the source. These man made cubes are a part of brighter reflective tape, and all road markers. The image below shows a glass bead reflecting in the same way. Glass bead reflective surfaces are bright, but not as bright as prismatic surfaces. Light enters the microscopic sphere, is bent, and then exits the way it came. This is similar to prisms but less efficient. So in summary, both a mirror and a sheet of reflective tape are reflective, but only the tape is retro reflective. A disco ball and a road marker are both reflective, however, only the road marker is retro reflective. So they are similar, but distinctly different. Our article on the different better mirrors and reflective tape goes into more detail about this phenomenon. --- ## Glass Bead Versus Micro Prismatic Retro Reflective Tapes _Source: https://reflective.info/basics-of-reflective-tape/glass-bead-versus-micro-prismatic-retro-reflective-tapes/_ What Sets Prismatic Reflective Tape Apart from Glass Bead Tapes?  Glass bead tapes and prismatic tapes are the 2 types of reflective tape available on the market today. The first reflective tapes used glass bead technology and were invented by 3m in the 30's. Then Reflexite invented micro prismatic tape in the 1960s. It is interesting that even though prismatic tapes have been around for over 50 years, they have not replaced glass bead tapes entirely.  This is due to the fact that both have characteristics that, in certain circumstances, make them desirable. Glass Bead Reflective Tapes To bend and reflect light back to the light source, glass bead retro reflective films use small glass spheres. Glass spheres reflect light less efficiently than prisms because of the imperfections and curved surfaces in the beads. Because of this, glass bead tapes are about 30% efficient.  This inefficiency can problematic for certain long sight distance applications.  But even though glass bead retro reflective tapes are less bright, they have at least four distinct advantages over prismatic tapes. First off, reflective tapes using glass beads are substantially more affordable due to manufacturing being less complicated. Second, the majority of glass bead tapes can be easily cut using CAD software and a plotter, allowing you to make reflective signs and graphics by cutting out letters, numbers, and designs from the film. Third, glass bead engineer grade type 1 tape is available in the largest color palette, giving users more choices that any other reflective film. Fourth, glass bead tapes return light at broader angles. In contrast to prismatic tapes, which are more like light spot lights, glass bead tapes are similar to flood lamps. This is depicted in the diagram below.  The diagram above shows you that glass bead tape scatters light more than prismatic tape. This explains why it loses brightness as you move farther away. The greater angle of dispersion may, however, be advantageous at close ranges. Let's take the case of a firefighter who is equipped with high-intensity glass bead tape. When someone shines a light in his direction, the tape will light up for both the person shining the light and, if you are somewhat close, for you as well. The fireman's tape also rapidly illuminates as the beam draws closer to him. Again, this is a result of light dispersion. For close-up situations, a lot of people prefer high intensity glass bead tape.  Prismatic is always preferable for long distance applications. This is due to the fact that a prismatic tape can be seen for over a thousand feet or more, while a glass bead tape is visible at a distance of only a hundred or so yards. Glass bead reflective tapes can be divided into two categories. A typical engineer grade or type 1 tape is the first, reflecting at around 75 candelas for white. It can be found on automobile tags, stop signs, speed limit signs, emergency vehicle striping and graphics, among other things. This tape is the most widely used. High intensity, often known as type 3 tape, is the second kind. In a honeycomb pattern, this tape encloses beads with a higher index. White high intensity tape reflects at a light level of about 250 candlepower. Both road barrels and traffic cones often use this type of tape. Prismatic Reflective Tapes As much as 80% of the light that is directed at prismatic film is returned. Because of this efficiency, it is more visible than glass bead tapes from farther away. Prisms are more efficient since the mirrors are flat rather than curved. Due to the tape's increased focus, the light it emits can travel further, thus increasing visibility. Prismatic tapes are required for long distance applications like DOT-regulated trucks or coast guard search and rescue retro reflective films. Prismatic tape comes in a variety of grades, ranging from type 4 to type 11. Close in, the many varieties don't necessarily differ greatly from one another to the human eye, because they are all so bright. The difference becomes apparent as you move farther away from the tape. Oralite SOLAS coast guard authorized tape from Orafol is the brightest reflective tape. In search and rescue operations where the lost individual may be a thousand or so yards away, a micro prismatic tape like SOLAS is vital. The majority of prismatic tapes are thick, and have a hard acrylic surface.  This makes CAD cutting difficult. Oralite  metallized prismatic tapes are an exception. Metallized Prismatic films, invented by Reflexite (now Oralite), have just one thin layer. Two benefits result from this. First off, unlike tapes that are thicker and made in multiple layers, these tapes won't delaminate. Second, a vinyl cutter/plotter can be used to cut these films using CAD software just like glass bead tapes can be cut. The benefit of this is substantial. Compared to normal glass bead graphics, prismatic graphics can be seen much further away, giving this film a clear advantage in certain situations. Color choices are more limited though. The following is a short list of the different types of prismatic tapes: DOT C2 Tape, FRA Rail Car Tape, SOLAS Coast Guard Tape, School Bus Tape, Chevron Reflective Striping, and Sign Sheeting. In conclusion, both glass bead and prismatic tapes have their applications and will remain relevant and useful for many years to come. --- ## Understanding Distinctions Between Fluorescent and Retroreflective Materials _Source: https://reflective.info/basics-of-reflective-tape/understanding-distinctions-between-fluorescent-and-retroreflective-materials/_ From a safety or visibility perspective, it's essential to prioritize safety items, and among them are fluorescent and retroreflective materials. While both serve the common goal of drawing attention to enhance safety, they each exhibit distinct characteristics. Here, we'll highlight key differences between fluorescent and retroreflective materials. And of particular note is that retro reflective materials can also be fluorescent, as is seen by the images in this article. In the image below, for example, both materials are fluorescent and reflective. ### Fluorescent Materials Fluorescent materials set themselves apart from retroreflective counterparts by absorbing invisible ultraviolet light from sunlight. Special pigments within these materials then release the absorbed UV light as more visible light. This is similar to glow in the dark material. However, with fluorescence, light is re-released immediately, whereas photo-luminescent films release the light over time. So fluorescence is much more vivid and visible. This phenomenon occurs specifically in areas with natural light. Even in environments with limited natural light, fluorescent materials appear significantly brighter compared to non-fluorescent materials of the same color. They exhibit heightened brightness, especially during the transition from daylight to dusk or dawn, and offer excellent contrast against various backgrounds. ### Retroreflective Materials In contrast, retroreflective materials redirect light back toward its source, enabling drivers to perceive the reflected light from the material worn by an individual. This type of material excels in environments with subdued lighting. While retroreflective materials can reflect light in daylight, their performance is not as effective. Unlike fluorescent materials, they lack contrast in bright daylight conditions, making them less suitable for optimizing visibility in well-lit environments. In other words, straight reflective tape in standard colors is highly visible at night due to contrast. But in the daytime, fluorescent colors are more visible. ### **Materials That Are Both Fluorescent and Retro Reflective** The pictures in this article show films that are both Retro Reflective and Fluorescent. This enables the users of these films to enjoy the best of both worlds when it comes to visibility. Fluorescent Reflective Films are more visible in the daytime, and highly visible at night when reflecting. Lime Fluorescent is the most popular and is used extensively on fire apparatus across the country and around the world. ### Summary Understanding these distinctions is crucial for selecting the appropriate material based on the lighting conditions prevalent in a particular workplace. Whether prioritizing enhanced visibility in natural light or low-light settings, choosing between fluorescent and retroreflective materials depends on the specific safety requirements of the work environment. Sometimes a basic reflective material is all you need, and often a fluorescent color will suffice. But for the ultimate in visibility, it's nice to know that fluorescent reflective offer both. --- ## Which Reflective Tape is Best for Your Application? _Source: https://reflective.info/basics-of-reflective-tape/which-reflective-tape-is-best-for-your-application/_ Twelve Types of Reflective Tape - Deciding Which One is Best for You. Introduction Reflective tapes vary in brightness, flexibility, conformability, adhesion, durability, vividness, and color. These are all factors to weigh when choosing a reflective tape to use for your particular application. This article will discuss each type of "standard solid colored reflective tapes" that Reflective Inc. carries. (Our "specialty reflective tapes" such as DOT, FRA, RGA and Pre-striped Tapes will be discussed in a separate article.) The purpose of this post is to help you select the retro reflective tape that is best for your specific job. Choosing the right reflective tape involves weighing all factors which include the surface the tape will be applied to, the light dispersion (wide or narrow) and brightness needed, the colors that best fit the application, and the distance the tape needs to be seen both day and night. **Definitions** Retro Reflectivity - the ability of a tape to bounce or return light back to the source of the light.  Glass spheres or prisms collect light, bend it, and send it back the way it came. Some return a wide cone of reflectivity, and some return a narrower one.   Light Dispersion - the width of the returning beam of light from a retro reflective surface. Some tapes reflect in a tight beam that extends out a great distance, and others reflect in a wider beam and can be seen closer in at greater angles from the source of the light. Candelas - A unit of measurement used to compare the brightness of retro reflective surfaces.  The candela is the unit of luminous intensity in the International System of Units. It measures luminous power per unit solid angle emitted by a light source in a particular direction. More candelas = brighter tape. Photometrics - The scientific measurement of the brightness, intensity, or other properties of light. CAD or Plotter Cuttable - a tape that can be cut into strips, letters, designs or shapes by a computer controlled design program and a plotter.  A blade is used by the plotter to cut through the film and leave the release liner (wax paper backing) intact. Chromaticity or Vividness - the quality of color, independent of  how bright or reflective an object or film is.  Involves factors such as saturation, or color intensity.  In basic terms, this is how much a color stands out in normal light.   Self Adhesive - Having an adhesive backing protected by a release liner until ready to be applied.  Also called Peel and Stick.  All of our tapes, unless designated as "Sew On" are self adhesive or peel and stick. **Types of Reflective Tape** **1. **[**Flexible Engineer Grade (Type 1)**](https://reflectivestore.com/all-products/ols/categories/flexible-engineer-grade-type-1-8-colors-nikkalite) - A highly conformable, thin reflective tape. This is our most popular and affordable reflective tape. It is also available in the most colors and widths. These films use glass beads for reflectivity. There are several reasons for the films popularity, especially among sign shops. First, engineer grade is an "enclosed lens" film which means that the glass beads in the tape are completely surrounded by polymer.  This means that the tape can be cut either by an exacto, scissors, or a plotter, and the edges do not need to be sealed. Cutting has no adverse effect on the edges of an enclosed lens film. This makes engineer grade perfect for graphics applications and sign shops. Type 1 films also thin and have no pattern, just a nice smooth solid color which also makes engineer grade popular for vehicle graphics and signs as well as thousands of other applications. In our online stores, we carry a special "Flexible" Engineer Grade which features a polyester topcoat that makes it much more flexible, conformable and stretchable than "Standard" Engineer Grade.  This characteristic makes the tape perfect for graphics applications where films need to mold over uneven surfaces or wrap around very tight diameters. For example, fire department use Flex EG films to wrap their tools for easy identification. Engineer grade film reflects at about 75-85 candelas and returns light at broader angles than prismatic tapes. (Floodlight vs Spotlight) Because of this wide dispersion of light, engineer grade returns about 1/3 of the light back to the actual light source with the rest being dispersed around the target. This causes the film to light up quicker than prismatic tapes and makes it visible at wider angles. The offset is that since light is spread out, it dims out quicker at a distance. Engineer grade tapes are therefore recommended for close in applications where the viewer will be within 300 feet of the tape.  - Most popular film, low cost, simple to apply, and durable. Outdoor rating of 7 years. - Bright colors with no pattern. Single-layer film.  Will not delaminate. - Very flexible due to a special polyester top coat. Thin. Conformable. Stretchable. - Easily Plotter cut into graphics, letters, numbers, logos, and shapes. - Available in TEN colors - White, Red, Yellow, Blue, Green, Orange, Gold, Lime, Violet and Black (black reflects bright gold) - Often used for bollards, gates, buildings, lift gates, signs, cars, boat graphics, etc.. - Available in 1", 2", 3", 4", 6", 8", 12", and 24" widths. - Brightness (WHITE) 75-85 Candelas Great visibility at medium to short distances. **2. **[**Super Engineer Grade (SEG) Type 2**](https://reflectivestore.com/all-products/ols/categories/super-engineer-grade-type-2-6-colors-nikkalite) retro reflective Tape is a thin, flexible film that is similar to engineer grade. Ultra high index beads create a reflectivity coefficient of 150-185 candelas versus 75 - 85 for standard engineer grade. This tape has the same smooth, even colors with no pattern. A faint star watermark about every 4 inches designates the tape as SEG, and is only visible close up. SEG looks and feels like Engineer Grade but is twice as bright. It is slightly thicker than Engineer, but barely.    SEG is not quite as flexible as Flexible Engineer Grade but will conform some. If you want a brighter tape, and your application surface is relatively flat, SEG will work for you.  If you need a very moldable and stretchable tape, stay with Flexible Engineer Grade. Due to the higher index glass beads in SEG, it returns more light back to the light source than engineer-grade tapes. About 45% of received light is returned to the source, with the rest returned around the light source. - Slightly more expensive than engineer grade but much brighter and similar in feel and function. - Great for sign backgrounds, bollards, boats, traffic control devices, vehicles, bikes, commercial equipment, motorcycles, and more. - Suitable for medium to close in applications (up to 500 feet) where a brighter tape is desirable. - Wide angle of reflectivity. Lights up quickly and easily. - Very durable with an all-weather outdoor rating of 10 years. 3 years longer than engineer.   - Available widths: 1, 2 and 4 inch. Six colors - red, white, blue, green, yellow, orange - Mildly conformable. **3. ****[High Intensity Grade Type 3 (Standard Version)](https://reflectivestore.com/all-products/ols/categories/high-intensity-grade-type-3-6-colors-nikkalite)** is a thin retro reflective sheeting that uses high index glass beads for reflectivity, but in a different configuration. In this type of high performance glass bead tape, high index beads are condensed into honeycomb cells and backed with a metallic surface. This is referred to as an encapsulated lens retro reflective film versus an enclosed lens like in EG and SEG films. The resulting tape is more than triple the brightness and efficiency of engineer grade and double the reflectiveness of super engineer grade. Available in six colors. This retro reflective sheeting is widely used for traffic control, bollards, boats, watercraft, cars, trucks, motorcycles, and much more. Durable and weatherproof with an outdoor rating of 10 years. For dynamic applications, edge sealing this tape helps with longevity. CAD or plotter cutting is not recommended for this film. Colors - White, Orange, Red, Yellow, Blue, Green.   Widths available - 1", 2", 4", 6", 8". **4. **[**Flexible High Intensity Grade Type 3 (Flexible Version)**](https://reflectivestore.com/all-products/ols/categories/flexible-high-intensity-type-3) Reflective Tape.  A highly conformable, thin film, that is just like standard high intensity glass bead tapes but with a flexible top coat that allows the tape to stretch and bounce back after an impact.  Designed for highly dynamic work zone applications on objects such as traffic cones and road barrels, but is also great for other similar applications that need a bright, flexible, stretchable tape. Very durable with an outdoor rating of 10 years. (Note - durability is less in a work zone where the tape is subject to abuse.)   Just like flexible engineer grade,  Flexible High Intensity Type 3 will wrap around very small diameters without any lifting. Flexible high intensity is also incredibly bright.  Of all the tapes in our stores, this is the most versatile, mostly due to its brightness and ability to stick and conform to almost any surface. **Colors - White, Orange, Yellow.** **Widths: 1",  2", 4", 6" inch.** **5. **[**Nikkalite High Intensity Micro-Prismatic Type 4 (HIM)**](https://reflectivestore.com/all-products/ols/categories/high-intensity-prismatic-type-4-6-colors-nikkalite) is an acrylic based rugged air backed prismatic reflective film made by Nippon Carbide.  It is one of three air backed films that we carry in our online stores.  Because it is an acrylic based film, it is stiffer and less conformable. However, it has a long 10 year outdoor life. Like all acrylic based films, it is best installed on a flat surface. Air backed reflective sheeting is different from metallized films. For metallized films, a prismatic array is coated with a mirror backing to create a thin, highly reflective tape. Air backed films are a little different. They use the same prismatic array. However, instead of a metallized backing, they use a white backing that is separated from the prismatic array by a thin layer of air. This produces a more vivid color in the daytime. Because of their layered construction, air backed films are thicker. As a general rule, air backed films are used for static applications like signs, whereas metallized films are used for dynamic applications like stripes on vehicles. For most applications, they are interchangeable. Just keep in mind that air backed products are thicker than metallized ones. Air backed films are a little thinner than a credit card, and metallized films are about as thick as two sheets of paper. Because this Type 4 High Intensity tape reflects using micro prisms instead of glass beads, it returns about 65% of the light back to the light source. Colors available are White, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, and Red.  This tape is bendable, but does not stretch.  It wraps well around large diameters but not small ones.  A 2 inch pipe would be the minimum radius recommended for this tape. Best for flat, smooth surfaces where a very bright and vivid tape is desired. HIM Type 4 reflective film can be used to mark loading docks, dumpsters, bollards, automatic and manual gates, poles, buildings, truck tailgates, barricades, trailers and vehicles not regulated by the DOT, etc... Can be used in an unlimited variety of applications. - High Intensity ASTM D4956 Type 4 Micro Prismatic Air Backed. Rated for 10 years outdoor service life. Resists chipping and cracking. - 1", 2", 4", 6", 8".  30' and 150' rolls available in our online stores. - 5-6 times brighter than standard engineer grade film.  Meets or Exceeds all federal and state specifications for ASTM D49656 Type 4 sheeting. - Air Backed Micro Prisms are encapsulated in a honeycomb design which produces a more "vivid and "brighter" retro-reflective tape.  Edge sealing will extend the life of air backed films. However, this is not required. - Stiffer, more substantial tape, like a credit card. Easy to handle and work with. Thickness is equal to "5 SHEETS" of standard typing paper. Great tape for flat, smooth surfaces. - Resists chipping and cracking. - Strong pressure-sensitive peel and stick adhesive. Easy installation. Remove the release liner and stick to a clean, dry surface with no compound curves and press on with a soft cloth or squeegee. **6.[ Oralite 5930](https://www.tapefinder.com/collections/oralite-5930-work-zone-reflective-tapes)**  This is an ASTM D4956 - Type 4 film with a Class 1 adhesive backing. (peel and stick)  PVC construction makes it very rugged and long lasting in difficult environments like work zones.  5930's air backed prismatic design makes it brighter and more vivid than comparable reflective films. Oralite 5930 (ASTM D4956 Type 4) films come in White, Standard Yellow, Fluorescent Lime, and Fluorescent Orange. This film is weatherproof and features a permanent adhesive that is aggressive enough to adhere to low energy plastics and other surfaces. The difference between 5930 Type 4 and HIM Type 4 above is that HIM is an acrylic based film made for static applications where the tape will not be abused. 5930 is designed for dynamic environments where the tape may endure more rugged treatment. The flexible PVC composition resists cracking, conforms to mild curves, and is rugged. HIM prismatic also comes in more colors. Oralite 5930 High Intensity Prismatic work zone reflective tape is UV or Screen Printable. This reflective tape is different from standard acrylic Type 4 material in that it is softer and more reboundable.  It is also much more resistant to chipping and cracking.  It conforms much better than acrylic.  It is more impact resistant, which makes it great for dynamic and rugged applications. This rugged material would be a film you would use for applications where activities around the object or surface you are applying the tape to might bump or impact the tape. 5930 will hold together when other tapes would be damaged and lose their integrity. So it is a very bright tape, that reflects at a relatively wide angle, that can take rough treatment and continue to perform. **Applications**For short- to medium-term outdoor applications; excellent adhesion to low energy plastics**Reflective Technology**Prismatic Air Backed**Thickness**18 mils thick**Adhesive**White, permanent adhesive**Durability**5 years**Print Compatibility**Screen printing & UV printing**Available Colors**White, Yellow, Fluorescent Orange, Fluorescent Lime**Available Widths** (in inches)1" , 2" , 4" , 6" , 12" , 24"**Available Lengths**25' and 50' rolls**Certifications**Meets ASTM D 4956 specifications for Type IV, Class 1 retroreflective sheeting **7. **[**Oralite V92**](https://reflectivestore.com/all-products/ols/categories/v98-conformable-prismatic-7-colors-oralite) Daybright Series Prismatic Reflective Tape is our most affordable "Metallized Prismatic" reflective tape.  It is about as thick as two sheets of paper. Our customers appreciate it's low profile and prefer it over thicker more bulky tapes. Like all Oralite films, it is thin and flexible. (V92 is not stretchable)  This is an enclosed lens micro prismatic tape that utilizes efficient prisms to bounce light back to the source. Because of its construction, V92 is excellent for CAD or Plotter cutting. Graphics, letters, logos, numbers, and more can be easily cut from this film and applied to vehicles and other surfaces. Edges do not have to be edge sealed. A special Day Bright pattern makes V92 films more vivid and colorful day and night. Due to its highly effective return of light, V92 and other prismatic tapes are visible from thousands of feet away versus hundreds for standard reflective glass bead tapes. Daybright tapes return around 80% of the light back to the source. V92 by Oralite is also rugged and weather-resistant with an outdoor rating of 5+ years. Popular for marking loading dock areas, bollards, posts, buildings, gates, factory entrances, power boxes, barricades, lawn equipment and mowers, landscaping trailers, tractor trailer rigs, emergency vehicles, school buses, police cars, fire trucks, and more. Because it is designed for vehicle graphics, it is not a typed film.  However, it would be equivalent in brightness to a type 4 film. - Thin easy to use film.  Thickness equal to about "2 SHEETS" of standard copy paper. - Colors Available - White (silver), Blue, Red, Green, Orange, School Bus Yellow - Widths Available from our online stores - 1", 2", 3", 4", 6" (Note-wider tape returns more light) - Max Reflectivity (Color White) - 460 Candelas - Enclosed prismatic lens technology. Very durable. No edge sealing needed. - 5 times brighter than standard glass bead tapes. - Weather-resistant and outdoor rated for 5+ years. - Visible from great distances.  Can be seen from over a thousand feet away. - CAD or plotter cuttable into graphics, letters, numbers, symbols. **8. **[**Oralite V98**](https://reflectivestore.com/all-products/ols/categories/v98-conformable-prismatic-7-colors-oralite) Retro Reflective Conformable Prismatic Reflective is our most popular reflective tape for marking fire trucks and apparatus, vehicles, and more. It is a PVC based reflective film and very easy to plotter cut. Using V98 and a plotter, you can create a myriad of reflective graphics. No edge sealing needed due to the enclosed lens construction. Oralite V98 is bright when reflecting, and because of its unique pattern, (same as our daybright V92 film), it is also vivid in daylight.  It will wrap around tighter radius's and conform due to its softer, more flexible construction, and its single layer construction means it will not delaminate. - Very popular tape among fire departments. Red and Lime are the most popular for Chevron Striping. - Micro-Prismatic PVC based Reflective Material that is 7 times brighter than standard engineer grade. Softer feel than V92 or V82 films. - Single layer construction. Won't delaminate and come apart like other reflective films. Keeps reflecting even after being struck or impacted. No edge sealing needed when CAD cutting. - Thickness equal to "4 SHEETS" of standard typing paper. - 5 - 7 year outdoor service life depending on conditions and UV exposure. Vehicles kept garaged will experience a longer life for graphics. - Reflects out thousands of feet away versus hundreds with standard engineer reflective tapes. - Repositionable Adhesive. Builds more and more adhesion over time. End holding power is the same as standard adhesives. - Used to mark emergency vehicles, fire trucks, boats, pipes, bollards, helmets, ambulances, loading dock areas, poles, dumpsters, gates, barricades, tractor-trailers, and much more. - Sold on our sites in WHITE, GREEN, BLUE, RED, FLUORESCENT LIME, SCHOOL BUS YELLOW AND FLUORESCENT ORANGE. - Available from our online stores in 1", 2", 4", 6", 12" and 24" rolls. Chart above shows typical candela readings. **9. **[**Oralite V82**](https://reflectivestore.com/all-products/ols/categories/v82-type-5-prismatic-reflective-7-colors-oralite) Prismatic Type 5 Reflective Tape is our brightest Oralite product besides SOLAS. (which is based on a similar film platform)  V82 or AP1000 film is often described as SOLAS in colors due to its incredible brightness and beautiful colors. It is safe to say that this film is the brightest in the world.  It is an ASTM D-4956 Type 5 film meaning it can be used for sign sheeting.  However, it is most popular for high-viz applications where the tape needs to be seen for thousands of feet away.  Examples of these types of applications would be traffic delineators and channelizers, emergency vehicles, fire trucks and apparatus, search and rescue, marine use, bollards, heavy equipment, etc.  V82 is very thin and very bright.  It does not stretch but will wrap around bollards and pipes very well.  For pipes, a good guideline for a minimum diameter is about 2 inches.  For smaller pipes use our Flexible High Intensity Tape.  - ASTM D-4956 Type 5 Reflective Sheeting.  AP1000. - Brightest colored film in the Oralite (formerly Reflexite) Line. - Based on the AP1000 film which is the brightest reflective sheeting in the world. - Single-layer construction which means it will not delaminate like other films. - Thin easy to use film. Thickness is equal to "2 SHEETS" of standard typing paper. - 10 year outdoor service rating. All weather film. - Thousand foot plus visibility. Versus hundreds with standard reflective tapes. - 2.5 mil strong adhesive.  Remove release liner, apply, and press on with a soft cloth. (Clean dry smooth surface is best) - Used for marking EMT vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances, bike helmets, motorcycle helmets, hard hats, loading dock areas, bollards, wooden poles (on wood, add a staple to secure), dumpsters, gates, barricades, tractor-trailers, and more. - Available on our sites in White, Blue, Standard Yellow, School Bus Yellow, Green, Orange, and Red. - We carry Oralite V82 in 1", 2", 3", 4", 6" and 24" wide rolls. - Very similar to our SOLAS tape but in colors. Note - Chart shows minimum reflectivity needed for type 5.  Actual for V82 (AP1000) is much higher. Up to 2000 candelas for white in some tests. **10. **[Nikkalite Crystal Grade Type 8](https://www.tapefinder.com/collections/chevron-striping-rolls-red-lime-yellow-nfpa-1901/products/6-crg-type-8-crystal-grade-chevron-tape-rolls-129-99-499-99) Prismatic Reflective Tape is our top of the line air backed prismatic film. We carry red and yellow CRG as striping for fire trucks and apparatus.  It is thick, very durable, and incredibly bright.  CRG is a "Super High Intensity" class of prismatic sheeting that meets the requirements of ASTM D 4956, Type VIII. It has high retro reflectivity characteristics at both long and medium distances.  Crystal grade is about the thickness of a credit card but a little more flexible. It is best suited for flat or slightly curved surfaces with no complex curves.  This film is ideal for highway signs, barricades, roll off containers, bollards, dumpsters, construction equipment, loading dock areas and more. Lastly, this is an acrylic based film which gives it dimensional stability and a long vivid 10 year outdoor life. Photo-Metrics - Like other prismatic films, Crystal Grade (CRG) utilize man-made micro prisms for retro-reflectivity.  This technology is much more efficient than glass beads and produces films that reflect 4 - 10 times brighter. With a prismatic array, approaching light reflects efficiently and most of the light is reflected back to the source.  Reflective micro prisms in CRG material use three reflection planes that constitute the reflective element of the film.  These prism faces are positioned at 90-degree angles to each other, providing incredibly efficient light return within the element. - CRG reflective is the toughest, brightest and most vivid air backed prismatic tape that we carry. - Meets or exceeds ASTM D5956 Type 8 Requirements for Traffic Sign Backgrounds. - Available in Red and Yellow rolls. (6" x 30 foot or 6" x 150 foot) - 10 year all weather outdoor rated film. - Used where extreme sight distance visibility is required. **11. **[**Oralite SOLAS**](https://reflectivestore.com/all-products/ols/categories/solas-marine-tape-coast-guard-approved-oralite) (safety of life at sea) is a marine grade tape and is our brightest reflective film.  It is available only in a white (silver grey) color. SOLAS is a rugged marine grade tape designed for off shore applications. It bears the Coast Guard required SOLAS logo which is a ships wheel. Oralite SOLAS tapes comply with U.S. Coast Guard Specification G-Sec-393A for use on Maritime Aids to Navigation. (M82-1545 FD1403 and FD1404 Type) Oralite SOLAS is visible from about a half mile away, which is crucial, in that it is used for search and rescue applications where an individual or lifeboat needs to be seen from long distances away with spotlights. SOLAS high-performance marine tape is silver grey color in daylight and reflects a hot bright white at night. It is not meant to get attention in the daytime. However, at night it is the brightest tape on the market by far.    Oralite SOLAS is manufactured for harsh outdoor environments.  As a comparison to other films, SOLAS returns more than 90% of light back to its source.  This film is 8-mils thick, flexible, UV-stabilized and weather-resistant. Both 1403 and 1404 adhesive SOLAS tapes feature 5 mils of very strong adhesive.  This allows the tape to adhere to rougher surfaces than a normal tape would.  The surface still needs to be clean, dry and as smooth as possible. However, the extra adhesive helps when applying to difficult surfaces. SOLAS can be adhered to nylon fabric surfaces. However, they will not survive a washing. A survival suit is an example. Adhesive SOLAS comes in two types,1403 and 1404.  1403 SOLAS is a thin flexible film but does not stretch.  It is used on hard surfaces.  1404 SOLAS is also flexible but is thicker and more pliable.  It will stretch and rebound.  It is used for applications on flexible surfaces like survival suits or zodiac inflatable boats. SOLAS is used for all types marine type applications, such as increasing the visibility of life jackets, ring buoys, survival suits, rain suits, lifeboats, buoys, channel markers, etc. on the water. Basically, anything on a boat or ship that needs to be seen in an emergency. Popular land applications are backpacks, jackets, horse trailers, traffic control devices, cargo trailers, automobiles, bicycles, motorcycles, snow poles, helmets, hard hats etc.. Comes in 1, 2, 4 and 6 inch widths. Can be cad cut into letters, numbers, shapes and more. For applications where conformability is desired, use 1404. SOLAS by Oralite also comes in a sew on type. It is the 1403 film on top, backed with fabric. It is surprisingly flexible, just like a strip of fabric. The material can be either hand or machine sewn and when secured to a garment, can handle many wash cycles. Cold water gentle, cool dry. Gentle cycles. Sew on SOLAS is popular for jackets and rain suits both on and off the water. This film is especially popular with motorcyclists for its extreme sight distance and flexibility. The sister material to SOLAS in look and feel would be Oralite V82 (AP1000) films, described above. Although V82 is not SOLAS, it is similar and is often thought of as SOLAS in colors. - Maximum Reflectivity 1000+ Candelas - Weather-resistant film designed for harsh environments. - Visible from over 3,000 feet - Plotter Cuttable into letters, numbers, symbols - 5 mils of aggressive adhesive. - Available in a 1404 flexible, 1403 for flat surfaces and a 1403 sew-on. Oralite SOLAS Marine Reflective tape **12. **[**Black Oralite 5650 Rapid Air Engineer Grade**](https://reflectivestore.com/all-products/ols/categories/5650-rapid-air-engineer-grade-blk-wht-oralite) Reflective Tape - black in the daytime and bright white** when reflecting at night.  Brighter than the Nikkalite brand of black reflective and a little more expensive.  This film is popular for shadow or ghost chevron stripes which are popular on police cars and some emergency rescue vehicles.   5 mils thick with air channels in the adhesive layer that allow the user to apply the film and then press out any bubbles.  Hence the name, Rapid Air.  You will find more specifics below. - 5 Mil thick fleet engineering grade reflective with clear re-positionable, solvent based, permanent adhesive. Rapid Air Egress technology to facilitate easier application and minimal bubbles. - Developed for high quality vehicle graphics applications including letters, graphics, logos and markings.  Black and white are often used for Shadow graphics on white or black vehicles.  Per the chart below, white reflects at 100 candelas, and black reflects at 35. - 7 year outdoor durability, and clean removable for up to 4 years. - 89lb poly coated silicone paper release liner. - Meets or exceeds Federal Specifications ASTM D 4956 Type 1 - Wet applications are not recommended and Rapid Air backing makes them unnecessary. - Print compatibility: Eco Solvent, Solvent, UV, and Latex. 5650 Oralite Rapid Air Black Reflective Tape I hope this information has been helpful. With so many reflective tapes available, it is often difficult to determine which is best for an application. I recommend first considering whether the tapes will stick and conform to your surface. Flat surfaces can use any tape, but curved surfaces often need conformable, stretchable tape. Secondly, I recommend selecting the color that you would like for your application. Choose a color that conveys the message that you are trying to project. One that will contrast well with your surface, so it can be easily seen day and night. Finally, determine how far away viewers will be when they need to see the reflective tape. Some tapes work well for close in applications of say 300 feet or less. And some work well out beyond a thousand feet. Wide angle prismatic tapes offer the best of both worlds by providing a bright return of light at a wide observation angle. If you have any questions or need a sample, contact me using the link above. --- ## Is Applying Reflective Tape on Your Vehicle Legal? _Source: https://reflective.info/basics-of-reflective-tape/is-applying-reflective-tape-on-your-vehicle-legal/_ First and foremost, this article is not legal advice. If you are concerned about the legality of anything you are doing to your vehicle, consult your local law enforcement office and any other agencies that you deem necessary. The information below is what I know to the best of my knowledge. This question of whether reflective tape is legal on a vehicle is asked quite often and in general the answer is no, it is not fundamentally illegal to put reflective tape on your vehicle. The fact is that it would not be logical for a state or municipality to make it illegal to try to improve the visibility of a vehicle or towed trailer, when the goal is to reduce accidents and collisions. And if a proposed law was brought before a legislative branch or council, this is what would be discussed. With that being said, applications of reflective tape or anything else that would increase danger, could possibly be the subject of a regulation, ordinance, or law. So outlined below are three exceptions to this answer that you should be aware of. First, it is illegal in virtually all states and municipalities to apply so much tape to a window (front, back, or side) to where visibility is impeded. This should be an obvious issue to avoid, but people can get carried away to the point where they actually increase their chances of getting in an accident. So it is possible that in your area, reflective tape on your glass may be considered illegal. Second, placing red reflective tape right up against your tail lights can cause confusion to a driver behind you in that they may believe that you are engaging your brakes when you are not. DOT regulations talk about avoiding red reflective tape around brake lights. Whether or not your local law enforcement agencies would see this and ticket you depends on that office. But suffice it to say, avoiding putting bright reflective tape right up against your tail lights is advisable. Also, it is advisable to avoid bright white reflective tape on the rear of your vehicle, or bright red on the front. This is to prevent oncoming drivers from mistaking the front of a vehicle for the back and vice versa. The object of reflective tape on a vehicle is to call attention to other drivers of your presence, not create confusion. Third, and probably the most serious, is the impersonation of a law enforcement officer. This is rare, but there are individuals who attempt to apply graphics, reflective and otherwise, that make their vehicle look like they are law enforcement officers. You can see how this would be a problem, and many municipalities have laws that prohibit this. How to avoid this issue should be self-explanatory. So, when applying reflective tape or graphics to your vehicle, do it to improve both your safety, and the safety of other drivers. Think about how the tape is going to make you more visible, and also how other drivers will perceive it. Commercial vehicles often apply visibility enhancement films, and to the best of my knowledge, this is almost always a good thing. ATT vehicles use the Orange and Lime block reflective panels. Many DOT vehicles use a chevron pattern like fire departments use. A standard passenger vehicle normally uses a simple reflective stripe across the lower back, or lower sides of the car to lower the chance of rear and side collisions. Cities and counties often use a chevron or Battenberg reflective panel, but in a different color combination so that they are not mistaken for fire trucks or ambulances. In any event, whether you are trying to make a personal or commercial vehicle more visible day and night, simply use common sense and make sure you are lowering the possibility of an accident, not increasing it. For more information, take a look at our other articles on this site. --- ## Reflective Tape - Five Adhesive Backing Classes _Source: https://reflective.info/basics-of-reflective-tape/816/_ **Adhesive Backing Classes** For reflectivity photometrics, retro reflective tapes are rated 1 - 11.   This is all relative to the front or reflecting side of the tape.  The opposite side of the tape is also important and is broken down into 5 basic adhesive backing classes.   The list below outlines the 5 types. Class 1 - Self Adhesive Backing (Standard Temperatures) - This adhesive backing class is pressure sensitive for application to hard surfaces. Installation does not require heat, solvent, or any other prep for installation onto a smooth, clean surface. It is a simple peel, stick, and press on procedure. This class of backing is the most common one by far. Class 2 - Heat Applied Adhesive Backing (Heat Press Applied) - This adhesive backing is an adhesive that is activated by applying heat and pressure simultaneously to the material while it is on a substrate. This is normally accomplished with a heat press machine. The temperature necessary to form a durable permanent bond shall be a no less than 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Until heat is applied to a substrate, Class 2 material should be repositionable under normal conditions with the substrate at temperatures not more than 100°F without damaging to the material. Class 2 materials can have perforations so air can escape in heat-vacuum laminators, but the perforations must be such that when the sheeting is printed, they do not cause noticeable blemishes. Class 3 - Self Adhesive Backing Class (Repositionable) - This adhesive backing class is a repositionable low-tack pressure sensitive adhesive that needs no heat, solvent, or other preparation for adhesion to clean, smooth surface or substrate. It shall be able to be repositioned at temperatures no greater than 100°F (38°C) without damage to the material. Class 4 - Self Adhesive Backing (Low Temperature) - This adhesive backing is a low temperature, pressure sensitive adhesive, formulated for cold temperatures that allows application at temperatures down to + 20° Fahrenheit (−7° Centigrade) without the need for heat, solvents, or other prep for installation on smooth, dry, clean substrates. Class 5 - Non Adhesive Backing Class - (For Roll Up Signs & Products) This type of backing is non adhesive and is commonly found on sheeting used for products that are self supporting such as slip on traffic cone collars, temporary roll-up warning signs on stands, and reflective post bands. --- ## Mistakes Made Applying DOT C2 Truck Tape That Cause Accidents, Injuries and Fatalities _Source: https://reflective.info/basics-of-reflective-tape/mistakes-made-when-applying-dot-c2-tape-that-cause-accidents-and-fatalities/_ In an effort to reduce accidents involving large commercial trucks and other vehicles, the application of DOT C2 red and white (silver) reflective tape to trucks was mandated by federal law in 1992. This was a very important step forward in preventing accidents, injuries, and fatalities from collisions between large trucks and smaller vehicles. Although the red and white (silver) tape is visible in the daytime, its main purpose is to provide increased safety and visibility at night when reflecting back to an oncoming car's headlights. This increase in visibility allows smaller vehicles more time to react and avoid a potential accident. To be clear, tractor trailers present a particular danger to smaller cars for two main reasons. First, they are large and relatively immovable, which means that an impact is much more severe than with an object with less mass. Impacting a truck with a small car would be like hitting a brick wall in that the car would absorb almost all the impact energy. Compare this to hitting a dumpster with your car where the container absorbs roughly the same amount of impact as the car. Secondly, because of its distance off of the road surface, an automobile can easily go under a truck and either sheer off the top portion of the car, or get trapped underneath. So seeing the truck, and stopping in time, is critical. Shown below is a chart from the MUTCD that outlines how many feet are needed to react and stop a vehicle. It demonstrates the importance of visibility as a component of accident reduction. The farther away a driver can see an object, the more distance they have to stop. And when it comes to large trucks, seeing them from the greatest distance possible is paramount. **Effectiveness of Properly Applied and Cared For DOT C2 Tape** - Before we discuss mistakes made in applying and maintaining DOT C2 tape, let's look at how effective it can be when it is fresh and properly applied. An extensive study was completed by the NHTSA back in 2001 regarding DOT tape. This was 8 years after the law mandating it went into effect. The object of the study was to determine how effective the tape was at preventing accidents and fatalities. The study is older, however it is very relevant since it was done within a decade of the period in which trucks were not required to be marked with reflective tape. It is based on an analysis of 10,959 crash cases involving large trucks. Below is an excerpt from the abstract / summary section of the report. Quote - The tape is quite effective. It reduced side and rear impacts into trailers in dark conditions (including "dark- not-lighted," "dark-lighted," "dawn," and "dusk") by 29 percent. In "dark-not-lighted" conditions, the tape reduced side and rear impact crashes by 41 percent. Tape is especially effective in reducing injury crashes. In dark conditions, it reduced side and rear impacts that resulted in fatalities or injuries to drivers of any vehicle by 44 percent. - End Quote **Conspicuity - To clearly understand this issue, it is important to remember why trucks are marked with bright alternating colored reflective tape to begin with. To be clear, the object of marking a truck is "Conspicuity", which is defined as the property of being clearly discernible. The state or quality of being clear or bright; brightness; conspicuousness. In other words, conspicuity goes beyond just being able to see an object. For example, in daylight or with our car headlights, we see a variety of objects all around us or ahead of us. But just because something can be seen, does not necessarily make it conspicuous. To be conspicuous, a particular object must be clearly discernible when compared to other objects around it. Just as camouflage makes an object blend in, conspicuity makes it stand out. Bright, contrasting colors are considered to be conspicuous, especially when there is no competition for visibility. At night, to be seen, these colors would also need to be retro reflective, which means the colors reflect back to the source of light. But reflectivity is not necessarily enough at night to make something conspicuous. There must also be contrast of different colors, so that the object you are trying to make conspicuous stands out from other lights or reflective surfaces. An example would be traveling down a city street at night. As you observed what was in front of your vehicle, you would see many white lights from other car headlights, street lights, and street signs. So one more section of white reflective tape on a truck would not necessarily get your attention. But if that section of tape alternated in color from red to white, that would get your attention, because it is different from everything else you are seeing. In other words, your eyes see it, your mind registers it as different from everything else you are seeing, and you take action to avoid it if necessary.** The purpose of this article is to call to attention circumstances that can prevent DOT C2 reflective truck tape from accomplishing its intended purpose. Or rather, mistakes that can be made by trucking companies or drivers that can lead to unnecessary accidents, injuries, or fatalities. Some of these involve placement, and some relate to the age, condition, or type of tape. By understanding how these issues affect performance and visibility, they can be avoided so that all drivers are safer. Old, Dirty or Delaminated Tape - tape that is delaminated or old and hazy reflects less than new tape. A tape that reflects 600 candela's when new, can slip to 400 candelas just from age. Dirt and grime on the tape further reduce its reflectivity. Delamination is also an issue with air backed prismatic tapes that have been impacted. Once a tape begins to come apart, water, dirt, and grime find their way behind the tape, and when this happens, the tape performs poorly in those areas. It may still reflect, however, the maximum sight distance for the film will diminish greatly, depending on how old, hazy, or delaminated the tape is. And with only part of the tape reflecting, it can confuse a driver. Versus a long, continuous run of bright alternating red and white reflective. The image of the truck below is a perfect example of dirty tape that reflects at almost zero candelas and provides almost zero protection. Also, note that on this truck the tape that is applied is old, and applied so high, most cars headlights will not hit it. To make matters worse, this is a tanker truck carrying hazardous materials, making it one of the most dangerous classes of vehicles on the road. Tape Placed Too High on a Truck - automobile headlights in standard driving mode purposefully shine low to keep from blinding other drivers. Because of this, DOT tape needs to be placed as low as possible. And even when placed low, drivers often only get full reflectivity from far back, since their headlights have widened over distance. (see diagram) Up close, lights almost always hit under the tape, which produces very little return of light. Because of this phenomenon, the opportunity to see the tape is normally when a car is out at least 300 feet away or further. So if tape is applied too high, say on the side of a tanker, it is possible that approaching drivers would never see the tape reflect at all. Low as possible placement is critical to prevent collisions. Note - there are areas on the truck that are lower, where additional DOT tape can be installed. This would greatly increase visibility for lower passenger and sports cars. Note - As an example, in the picture below, tape has been applied to the machine that hangs off the back of the truck. If you look closely, you will notice how it is brighter than the tape on the side of the truck bed. This is because it is lower, and more in the line of the headlights of a car. So, as previously stated, the lower the tape, the better it can be seen by approaching cars. And when cars and other trucks see it, accidents are avoided. Also, on the truck below, notice that there are other places where tape could be placed. Below the driver's door, and on the frame of the truck below the existing bed tape. These applications would make the truck much safer at night. And the cost would be less than $20. Tape Placed at an Angle Versus a Proper Vertical Application - DOT C2 tape reflects best when it is perpendicular to a light source. A perfect perpendicular beam would be considered a zero entrance angle and would produce the highest return of light to the source. When a tape is angled towards a light source, it performs less efficiently. It will still reflect, but at lower percentages. For example, DOT C2 tape on a tractor trailer rig that is placed at a 30 degree angle, will lose about 20% in reflectivity for the red, and 40% for the white portion of the tape. It will still reflect, and may still appear bright, but from a long distance, it will be diminished in brightness. So, if it gets an approaching driver's attention at 1000 feet when installed properly, this may be reduced to 700 feet when installed improperly. This difference may not seem significant, but when you consider that it takes about 820 feet for a car traveling 75 miles per hour to stop, it can be catastrophic. If you combine an improper application with dirty or weathered tape, conspicuity is reduced even further. Below is an excerpt from a study that was done by SAE International, analyzing the performance of reflective tape at different entrance angles. From the current study, it was determined that the entrance angle and the observation angle affected the performance of all of the retroreflective tapes, with lower performance at higher entrance angles and/or observation angles. It was also determined that the white retroreflective tape had higher performance than the red retroreflective tape for every tape type tested. Finally, it was determined that the performance of the tape decreased when measured through the windshield of the vehicle, versus from outside of the vehicle. Counterfeit DOT Tape that is not compliant with NHTSA / FMCSA Requirements - Online marketplaces sell DOT made in other countries that is often quite a bit cheaper than tapes made in the USA. This can present a problem in that many of these tapes are not truly DOT C2 compliant. They are [counterfeit](https://reflectivex.com/retro-reflective-dot-articles/the-dangers-of-counterfeit-retro-reflective-dot-c2-truck-tape/) or knock off tapes. Often these tapes are not bright enough to comply with photometric requirements, which means that even when brand new, the tapes do not reflect bright enough to provide conspicuity. In other words, non-compliant tape that just says DOT C2 tape may look official, but it does not perform like it should. What this can mean is that a car approaching a truck outfitted with counterfeit tape may not see the tape in time to avoid an accident. Picture what would happen if a car is approaching a stalled truck that is partially blocking a highway at a speed of 70 miles per hour. If the DOT tape on that truck is not compliant, and does not meet photometric requirements, the car's driver may not see the truck until he is 300 or fewer feet away. Since it takes a car traveling 70 miles per hour approximately 700 feet to stop, the outcome would be catastrophic. Skipped Area of a Truck (no DOT tape in required areas) - one common error is to skip certain areas of a truck thinking that enough tape has been applied, or that that area is not important. To be clear, all areas required by law to be marked should be marked. Failure to do so leave that particular area vulnerable to accidents. The picture below shows a truck with no tape whatsoever on the Mansfield Bar or Under-ride bar. This is especially important since it is meant to reduce rear end collision fatalities and injury. To explain, this bar is meant to prevent cars from going underneath the truck in the event of a collision. Its low placement also provides an excellent location for reflective tape in that it is in line with car headlights. The tape placed higher up tends to disappear from view as cars get in close, but the tape on the lower bar would not. So having it completely missing from the truck creates an unnecessary hazard. See our article in the Science category above for more information on entrance and observation angles. Another common issue with missing tape is not marking the sides of the truck with enough DOT C2 red and white tape. 50% is the minimum. (100% is optimal) Often, when striping the sides of trucks, installers come across rivets or seams that make applying the tape more time consuming, so they simply skip these areas. Or, in an effort to save money and time, they use less tape than is required. Doing this creates blind spots for drivers at night that approach the vehicle. It also returns far less light to the driver's eyes than a fully marked truck. As the less conspicuous an object is at night, the higher the probability of an impact. Going Above and Beyond Minimum Requirements Most trucking companies choose to only meet the minimum requirements when it comes to reflective safety for their trucks. This is fine, just remember to keep your tape clean and in good condition so that it does not fall below standards and put others in danger. However, if you choose to go beyond the minimum requirements, there are some options. First, DOT C2 simply means dot tape that is 2 inches wide. DOT C3 and C4 are also available and provide 50% or 100% more return of light. In some areas, this width fits fine, and in other areas only a 2" will fit. But wherever wider certified tape is used, visibility increases. Also, certified tape can be placed in lower areas and even under the truck box. This provides a better entrance and observation angle for approaching cars. You don't have to use a great deal of tape, but everything helps. Reflective graphics are often used as both a safety measure, and for advertising. This lights up a large portion of the side and/or the back of the truck trailer and/or cab. Definitely gets other drivers attention. Outlining the Truck One very effective measure that takes just a little more effort is to outline the silhouette of a large truck with reflective tape. This allows an oncoming driver to correctly identify the object he is seeing in the distance very quickly, often twice as fast. The tape used to outline the truck can be the same prismatic grade tape as the red / white DOT C2 tape used, or a less expensive type. It does not have to be a red and white alternating pattern. And it does not have to be a solid outline. Just a block of tape every few feet will work. For more information on analyzing and preventing truck accidents, go to [reflectivex.com](https://www.reflectivex.com) --- ## Clarifying Conspicuity Tape Requirements for Straight Box Trucks _Source: https://reflective.info/basics-of-reflective-tape/clarifying-conspicuity-tape-requirements-for-straight-trucks/_ **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 not seen where it is required on smaller straight trucks. Also, is DOT C2 tape allowed on smaller trucks? **Answer:** To the best of my knowledge, reflective red and white DOT C2 tape or reflectors, known as conspicuity treatment, are not mandatory for single-unit box trucks. FMVSS 108 is a regulation for Tractor Trailer Rigs. Single-unit trucks or box trucks are not covered by this regulation. An effort began within the NHTSA in 2015 to add single-unit trucks (straight trucks) to the regulation via an update to FMVSS 108; however, it appears as though this effort was closed due to the inability of the NHTSA to show sufficient effectiveness to warrant the cost. (See PDF letter at the bottom of this page). This article is intended to bring clarity to the often-confusing requirements for conspicuity tape on straight trucks (box trucks), particularly in the context of the requirement on semi-tractors and trailers, which are similar vehicles. **FMVSS 108 as it Pertains to Tractor-Trailer Rigs** The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 108: Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment outlines the requirements for conspicuity treatments, specifically for manufacturers of new truck-tractors, trailers, and semi-trailers. These requirements apply solely to trailers exceeding 80 inches in overall length with a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 10,000 pounds, manufactured on or after Dec. 1, 1993, and truck-tractors manufactured on or after July 1, 1997. For location requirements of conspicuity treatment on truck-tractors and trailers, refer to Section 5.7, Conspicuity Systems in FMVSS 108, part of Title 49 (Transportation) Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 571. FMVSSs are minimum performance standards that all motor vehicles for public highway use must adhere to, issued and maintained by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a DOT entity. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), another DOT entity, oversees the development, revision, and enforcement of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). These regulations apply to commercial motor vehicle operators in interstate commerce, covering aspects such as commercial driver’s licenses and equipment requirements found in 49 CFR Part 393 – Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation. In essence, motor vehicle manufacturers are responsible for complying with NHTSA standards and regulations, while motor carriers (end users) are accountable for meeting FMCSRs. **Similar Voluntary Treatment for Single-Unit Trucks** Installation of a conspicuity treatment on a single-unit truck is permissible as long as it doesn't interfere with the required lighting in FMVSS 108, Section 5.1.3, which states, “No additional lamp, reflective device, or other motor vehicle equipment shall be installed that impairs the effectiveness of lighting equipment required by this standard.” Also, avoid large amounts of white reflective in the rear of a truck and large amounts of red in the front, as this can confuse oncoming drivers. If you choose to add conspicuity to your single-unit truck, it would be our recommendation that you follow the conspicuity guidelines for larger semi-trucks. This will give you context as to how much and where to apply the retroreflective tape. We also recommend using only a branded certified DOT C2 from a reputable seller. Consult FMVSS 108, Section 5.7, for location and reflective material requirements. NHTSA emphasizes the importance of a vehicle's visibility, and compliance with Section 5.7 ensures adherence to Section 5.1.3. As an optional item, not mandated by FMVSS 108. In closing, to the best of our knowledge, the DOT C2 treatment required on larger tractor-trailer rigs is not mandatory on single-unit trucks; however, adding this treatment to a truck shows due diligence and will be helpful in preventing collisions. And in the case of an accident, it shows due diligence. [pdf id='3250'] --- # Science ## How Micro Prismatic Retro Reflective Tape Is Made _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-technical-articles/how-metalized-micro-prismatic-reflective-tape-is-made/_ Prismatic retro-reflective tapes are extremely bright, extending visibility to thousands of feet, surpassing the few hundred feet that older glass bead reflective films are capable of. They were invented by Reflexite in the 1960s by incorporating a cube corner prismatic array with sheeting made of polyester or acrylic. The result was an ultra-bright retro-reflective tape that outshined all existing reflective tape at the time. These ultra-bright prismatic films are manufactured by large machines in a factory setting. The machines utilize a stainless steel embossing roller with the negative of a prismatic cube corner array pattern on its surface to emboss a prismatic design onto the back of an acrylic or polyester film. This roller is the key component in the production of this product and is normally proprietary in its design. During production, films are heated and rolled over this special roller under pressure. A smooth roller is on top, and the embossing roller is on bottom. This process results in a film that is transparent on the front so light can pass through, with prisms embossed onto the back for reflectivity. While the back of the film might look matte, the interior side of each prism is highly reflective. Thus, when light hits the film's transparent top surface and enters the prism array, it is reflected back. The embossed films are then colored through inking or screen printing and prepared for the final stage, which involves adding a backing. Prismatic films come in two varieties, metalized and air-backed. Both films use the same prismatic array, however, the back side of the prisms are treated in two distinctly different ways. The first method is called metalizing. This is a process by which the backs of the prisms are coated with a metal mirror finish, very similar to what you would find backing a mirror in your home. Metalized retro-reflective films are thin and flexible (bend easily). They are used in more dynamic applications where they may be subject to rougher treatment. One such application is a DOT regulated tractor-trailer rig. The second method of backing an embossed prismatic film is fusing a white film to the back and leaving air space between the film and the backing using various shaped cells. This is called an air-backed prismatic film. These types of films are more vivid in the daytime due to the absence of a silver metalized backing. They are very bright, but not as bright as some of the brighter metalized films. Air-backed retro-reflective sheeting is very popular on highway and road signs due to its long outdoor life and wide angle of reflectivity. After the prismatic top layer is backed with either a metalized coating or a white film with an air layer, an adhesive layer is applied. The adhesive will have a release liner that is pulled away when the reflective tape is installed. Different tapes use different types of adhesives, but generally, they are all similar. Some are for cold climate applications, some are repositionable, some are thick for rougher marine surfaces, and some are standard. Once the adhesive layer is applied, the sheeting is rolled from master logs onto cores in smaller amounts. At this point it can be slit into different widths. Widths range from 1 inch up to 54 inches. Narrow rolls are for striping vehicles, bollards, boats, ships, and other objects that need to be seen at night. Wider rolls are for signs. Note - Prior to applying the adhesive layer, some rolls are screen or ink jet printed with stripes. An example would be DOT C2 tape for trucks, RGA gate arm tape for railroad crossing arms, and diagonally striped tape for barricades and the backs of fire trucks. In Summary, here are the basic steps to making retro reflective prismatic sheeting - - A sheet of acrylic or polyester is created. - A prismatic array is embossed onto the back of the film. - The back is either metalized or covered with a white film. - An adhesive layer is applied to the back. - Any needed stripes or patterns are applied. (this step can also take place before the adhesive layer is applied) --- ## Air Backed Non Metallized versus Metallized Reflective Tapes _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-technical-articles/481/_ 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, you are seeing a metallized backing on a sheet of glass.  In fact, the only difference between a sheet of smooth glass and a mirror is the metallized coating. Engineer Grade glass bead films, being the first reflective sheeting invented, are always metallized films, meaning the beads sit in a layer of thin aluminum which acts as a mirror finish. If you peel the release liner from engineer grade, you can see the silver finish. This enhances their ability to reflect light. On top of the beads is a layer of colored or clear polymer. All of these layers are fused together to form one layer that will not delaminate. It is because of this that you can cut engineer grade with an exacto, scissors, or a plotter, without having to worry about intrusion from the elements.  Engineer grade is also an enclosed film which simply means the beads or reflective elements are completely covered by a protective polymer. When it comes to brighter prismatic films, they come in two varieties, metallized and non-metallized (air backed).   Reflective films like a Nikkalite High Intensity Micro Prismatic, or an Oralite 5900 Type 4 are air backed films. This means that a colored prism array in the form of a sheet, sits on top of a white backing or sheet. Between these two films is a layer of air. This setup provides for excellent reflectivity and color vividness without the need for a mirror backing. The main drawback of this design is durability in rugged environments. Since the two layers are sandwiched together, they can separate, especially when impacted. Air backed films are simpler and less expensive to make, so they are more cost effective for applications like signs. So in summary, air back non metallized films perform well where they will not be abused or impacted. They are not as rugged as enclosed lens metallized films. (One exception to this rule is Oralites 5934 reboundable series of prismatic tapes. They feature a very rugged top coat which provides quite a bit of protection for the prism array.) Metallized films are more complicated to produce, and generally cost a little more. But they are rugged. The original films made by Oralite (formerly Reflexite) were and are metallized, bonded into one layer, nice and thin, and patented.  Because they are one layer, they can be CAD cut into letters, shapes, etc..   Also, when they are cut, it is not necessary to seal the edges since there are no layers for water to seep between, or to delaminate and come apart. This makes them rugged and gives them their ability to take a beating and not only stay in one piece, but continue to reflect as well.  This continues to be a big feature of Oralite (formerly Reflexite) films.  You can literally beat them with a hammer, and they will still reflect and stay together. So the bottom line is, for applications in dynamic rugged environments, choose a single layer metallized retro reflective tape. Soon after Oralite came out with prismatic reflective tape, other companies began making prismatic films in a different way, without the mirror backing.  These films were called non metallized or air backed prismatic. Films designed this way were less expensive to manufacture, and could be sold at lower prices.   It was found that a micro-prism, if sitting on a layer of air, backed by a layer of white, would reflect just about as well as a metallized prism.  So these other companies began producing air backed films, mainly for signs.  The new films worked well for signs, since that application was static and not dynamic.  In other words, the films would not be treated roughly while on a sign post 6 plus feet in the air.  Air backed films are also nice and vivid in the day, and plenty bright at night.   This is because there is no silver colored backing altering the colors.  So the yellow stays nice and vivid.  The same yellow in a metallized film would lean more towards an amber color.  The reflected color would be the same, but the daytime color would be a little different. (see photo above for comparison) Below is a list of differences between Metallized and Non Metallized films. - Metallized films are fused into a single layer and do not delaminate.  Non Metallized films consist of two main laters and can delaminate, especially in rough conditions. - Metallized films are thin and low profile.  Non Metallized films are about twice as thick. (higher surface profile) - Metallized films are thin, so they bend easily and wrap around smaller diameter tubes.  Non Metallized films are stiffer like a credit card and do not wrap well around small diameters. You can wrap a V82 metallized film around your finger, but you could not do this with a 3m Diamond Grade film. - Metallized films like Oralite V98, V92, V82 can be CAD cut by a plotter.  Non Metallized films are difficult to CAD cut due to how thick they are and how hard the surface is to cut into. Also, the two layers create cutting difficulty. - Because of the silver backing, metallized films are not as vivid as WHITE, YELLOW, and ORANGE.  Non Metallized (air backed) films are more vivid and more visible in daylight.  Both are about the same reflecting at night. - Metallized films do not require edge sealing when cut since they are bonded into one layer.  Non Metallized films should be edge sealed to protect exposed edges. Otherwise, water and weather can seep in between the layers. Not sealing allows the edges to become a little cloudy, but no more than 1/8" around the perimeter. *Note - to be clear, the layers in a metallized reflective tape are fused together in the manufacturing process so that they do not separate.  So there are layers. However, they are welded together to create a single layer.  If you look at the picture below, the airspace layer with the little bridges on the non metallized film (bottom of picture) is where delamination would occur. In closing, metallized and non metallized films both have a valuable purpose in the vast industry of traffic and personal safety.  One is not necessarily better than the other. However, for different applications, each have their advantages.  I normally explain it as metallized films are great for vehicle graphics and dynamic (rugged) applications like DOT trucks, and non metallized films are excellent for signs (static applications). --- ## Reflective Tape (Sheeting) Entrance and Observation Angles _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-technical-articles/reflective-tape-sheeting-entrance-and-observation-angles/_ 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 larger.  Many readers look past these metrics without understanding what they are, or their importance as it pertains to reflective performance.  The purpose of this article is to explain what these two terms mean, and to explain why they are important when it comes to photo-metrics and light return.  **Entrance Angles for Reflective Sheeting** An Entrance Angle is the angle at which a beam of light enters a sheet of retro reflective sheeting. Light hitting a section of sheeting at a perfect perpendicular angle is considered a "0" degree entrance. As an example, light from car headlights entering a sign at the same height as the lights, directly in front of the car, would be hitting at a perfect right angle and would be a “0” degree entrance angle. In regular traffic conditions with signs along the side of the road, from a long distance away, the headlights of an automobile would strike a post-mounted sign at a fairly low entrance angle.  Then, when the vehicle got closer to the sign, and it was off to one side, the angle of entry would increase.  As you can see from the diagram below, an entrance angle is measured by the number of degrees from the perpendicular to the beam of light. Typical retro reflective sheeting can reflect up to an approximate 60 degree entrance angle from the perpendicular. If the angle is above that, the glass beads or micro prisms in the sheeting begin to be ineffective.  To test this, walk around a sign, continuously shining a light on the surface.  When your beam is hitting the sign squarely, it will be bright.  However, as you get closer to your beam becoming parallel (off to one side) to the reflective sheeting, you will see less return of light and then no reflection.  That is due to the entrance angle being too sharp.  Lower entrance angles result in better reflectivity. However, observation angles are much more important. **Observation Angles for Reflective Sheeting** An Observation Angle is always quoted along with the entrance angle when describing the reflective performance of a retro reflective film.  It is generally a very small number.  It refers to the difference between the entrance angle and the eyes of the person viewing the sign or retro reflective sheeting.  So basically, it is the difference in angle between the beam of light going from headlights into the film and the beam of light returning to the eyes of the driver.  To be concise, an observation angle is NOT measured from the perpendicular to the film, instead it is from the entrance angle. So, because of this, observation angles change for different vehicles.  As an example, the observation angle for a person in a compact car would be narrow. However, for a person in a tractor-trailer rig, the observation would be much greater. This is because the eyes of the truck driver are a greater distance from their headlights than the eyes of the compact car driver.  So, the closer a person's eyes are to the source of light going to the reflective film, the lower the observation angle will be, and the more the tape will illuminate for them. The diagram below shows how observation angles differ for automobiles versus trucks.  As stated previously, observation angle changes depending on how far the viewer's or driver's eyes are from the headlights of the car, truck, or whatever the light source may be.  Look carefully at the diagram below, and you can see that for trucks, the observation angle is generally much more, which creates a reduction in the amount of returned light they can see, especially close in.  This is because the greater distance is placing their eyes at the outer perimeter of the cone of reflectivity. Wider observation angles present a challenge for traffic departments responsible for road signage, because in traffic, every vehicle must be able to clearly see signage.  Several reflective tape manufacturers, in an effort to remedy this issue, have developed wide observation retro reflective sheeting. Wide observation sheeting allows for observation angles to be wider, thus keeping signs bright for more traffic. Oralite 7900 Wide Observation and Oralite 9900 All Observation films are two examples. These reflective tapes are brighter to begin with, and spread out light a little more so that viewers at higher angles can see the film illuminate.   With this technology, the cone of reflectivity is broader, yet still bright. Example of wide observation technology - imagine you have a flashlight with a pencil beam. When you shine that light, it only hits a small area. If you shine it into a crowd of people, because it is a pencil beam, only a few will see the beam. Now suppose you brighten that beam and adjust it, so the light is spread out. Sort of like turning a spot light into a flood light. Now the light hits more people. And more people see the light. So the question is, why don’t all tapes spread out the light like wide observation films.  The reason is that for some applications, tapes need to be seen from a very long way away, like in marine environments where search and rescue are actively searching for a person. For that situation, tapes with tighter observation angles and longer sight distance are used.  Oralite M82 FD1403 or 1404 SOLAS tapes would be an example of this. These types of films are generally not used for sign sheeting. So, in summary, the entrance angle is the angle that light strikes the surface of the sign, with zero being perpendicular or straight on.  The observation angle is the angle that the viewer's line of sight is from the entrance angle, or beam of car light.  The farther the viewer's eyes are from the light source, the greater the observation angle.   If a person held a light on their nose, the observation angle would effectively be zero. --- ## Chromaticity (Color) of Retro Reflective Tape _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-technical-articles/chromaticity-of-retro-reflective-tape/_ 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 that all people, no matter what their culture or language, understand and can communicate with. Color is one of these universal languages. At traffic lights around the world, drivers stop on red and go on green. For signs, drivers understand yellow as caution, red as stop, white as a speed limit, blue as a rest area, and green as informative.  The color as well as the shape of the sign convey a message before we see what is written on it. And as we are guided by all of these shapes and colors, we are safer. In the area of reflective sheeting and road signage, consistent color is critical.  It is for this reason that in the United States, reflective films used on signs must meet stringent ASTM standards for color, along with many other metrics.  This is because a yellow yield sign in Wyoming needs to be the same color as a yellow yield sign in Texas, and a red stop sign in New Jersey needs to match the color of one in Nevada.   Note – For uniformity, sign shapes are regulated and mandated by the Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices.  Color, reflectivity and other attributes (standards) are specified by the American Society for Testing and Materials.  ASTM sets standards, and other organizations such as state DOT’s require adherence to those standards.  This is all done for safety and consistency. So the question is, why such stringent color requirements? The reason is that people respond to color, and since the human eye is so sensitive, even slight differences in color are noticeable.  So if a yellow on one yield sign is different from another, a person will detect the difference.  And if the differences are substantial enough, one sign may be disregarded automatically by the human brain. Make a stop light more orange instead of red, and not everyone will stop.  This is because much of color recognition in traffic is automatic or subliminal.  So color is important in the reflective sign industry. Note – to test your sensitivity to color, look for cars that have been repainted after an accident.  If only a door was damaged and repainted, you will often be able to see a slight difference in color, even though the body shop made great efforts to match it.  Or in your home, when you have colors matched at Home Depot and then go to touch up a room, you will see a difference and often have to paint an entire wall to get a match. The human eye is that good at detecting differences. The colors of sign sheeting are measured in terms of Chromaticity.  As stated above, chromaticity is defined as an objective, numerical indicator of the quality of a color that stays consistent without regard to the light that illuminates it.  In other words, it is the quality of color of an object, independent of brightness, defined by two coordinates.  Color science uses chromaticity coordinates (see image above) to explain and quantify how we determine different colors.  It breaks down colors into numbers, or metrics.  These coordinates identify colors, and make them reproducible with consistency.  Consistent chromaticity confirms that an object emits the color that needs to be seen by a person, and for devices like signs, these standards are very specific. For reflective sign sheeting to be approved for use on roads, interstates, and highways, certain specifications must be met.  Daytime Chromaticity (color), Nighttime Chromaticity (color), Weatherability, Reflectivity, Adhesion, Shrinkage, Specular Gloss, and Solvent Resistance are some of these specifications.  Of these, Chromaticity is one of the more important metrics, along with reflectivity. Because of all these requirements, sign sheeting must be tested for compliance before it is approved.  This assures that all reflective films, regardless of the manufacturer, fall within certain parameters.  So whether a sign is sheeted with Retro Reflective film from Avery, Orafol, Nikkalite, or 3m, they will look almost exactly the same. How Chromaticity is Measured Chromaticity is a made up of two measurements. One is hue, and is described as the property of colors by which they can be perceived as ranging from red, yellow, green, and blue, as is determined by the dominant wavelength of the light. These colors can be quantified in terms of the wavelengths that create them, and for uniformity, wavelength can be objectively measured and quantified. The other measurement that goes into chromaticity is “colorfulness”. Colorfulness is the attribute of visual perception according to which the perceived color of an area appears to be more or less chromatic. This just means that color is dependent on more than the wavelengths of light that are being reflected to the human eye. It also depends on the intensity of the light falling on the surface that is reflecting it.  During tests for chromaticity for sign sheeting, a constant level of a certain kind of light is maintained for uniformity. So how do they keep tests consistent with each other? When testing Chromaticity, a “CIE D65 Standard Illuminant” compliant light source must be used.  It simulates the color of sunlight on a slightly hazy day.  4 tests are required and the results of each are recorded to qualify a material to meet ASTM color specification standards. Eye Sensitivity The perception of color by the human eye is the one factor that engineers have no control over.  The perception or recognition of color begins when light hits the retina, which contains photoreceptors called rods and cones. Rods are more sensitive and are responsible for low-light or night time vision. Cones are not as sensitive as rods and are responsible for our day time and color vision.  As light strikes the photoreceptors in the human eye, a nerve impulse is sent to the brain, which interprets the light according to its color. Note – Numerous studies have shown that Fluorescent Lime is seen by the human eye more predominantly than other colors. It has also been shown that Lime and Red together provide the best contrast and result in the quickest recognition.  This is why you see lime and red reflective striping used on the backs of fire apparatus and emergency vehicles. Summary In summation, color chromaticity standards and shape assure that people recognize the intention of a sign both day and night, prior to being able to read what it says.  Both the shape and color of the sign assist in making this happen.  It is for this reason that all 50 states require conformance to ASTM color and reflectivity standards when it comes to reflective sign sheeting. Not all reflective tapes have to meet these stringent standards, only sign sheeting.  Other tapes are used for a variety of other purposes, such as vehicle conspicuity and marine safety.  For these tapes and applications, other regulations often apply that regulate their color, pattern, etc.. --- ## Scattered, Specular, and Retro Reflective - Different Types of Reflectivity _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-technical-articles/scattered-mirror-and-retro-reflective-different-types-of-reflectivity/_ 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 bounces off of a surface instead of being absorbed into it.  Lighter colored objects reflect the majority of light that hits them, and darker objects absorb most of the light. White reflects it all, and Black absorbs it all.  As previously mentioned, this phenomenon of partial reflection and partial absorption of light is what gives the world color, light, texture, and beauty. There are three basic types of reflectivity.  Scattered, Specular, and Retro. "Scattered or Diffused Reflectivity", is what makes up the majority of reflectivity in our world. We see this in both nature and in artificial objects. An apple would reflect this way, and so would a car. "Specular or Mirror Reflectivity", is when most of a beam of light reflects off of a surface and bounces back either in the direction it came from or in another direction, depending on the angle of the surface. We see this in nature and also on man-made surfaces like mirrors. Finally, there is "Retro Reflectivity" which is where light reflects or bounces only back to the light source.  This type of reflectivity is mostly man-made, but can also be seen in the eyes of an animal such as a deer or cat. **Scattered Reflectivity ** This is the most common type of reflectivity and a characteristic that almost every object except matte black surfaces have in common.  As previously stated, white reflects all colors, and black reflects none.   Objects that are white reflect the most light and as they change in color towards black, they reflect less.  Note - If black reflects no light, how do we see it?  The answer is that the black surface either has gloss to it and reflects light off of its surface like a mirror, or that we see it because of contrast with its surroundings. It is normally a little of both. Which is sort of how we see all colors. Contrast reveals the edges of shapes and allows us to see in three dimensions. We refer to this type of reflectivity as diffused or scattered because when light hits this type of surface, it bounces off and goes in multiple directions.  So if I shine a light on a yellow wall, I see the light and so does a person across the room from me. In other words, the wall lights up for everyone in the room.  The downside to scattered reflectivity is that it is not intense, since the received light is being reflected back to multiple places. This is not a problem in daylight where the sun or artificial lighting indoors is the source of light. But at night, it is an issue. **Mirror Reflectivity** We are all familiar with mirrors and how they reflect our image back to us in the morning.  We also know that if we hold the mirror at an angle, we can see what's behind us, like the mirrors on our automobile.  The mirror is a very effective reflective surface in that it does not scatter light to multiple sources.  Instead, it redirects almost all the light back to one particular spot. And it does this with great clarity.  Lights from a city reflecting off of a calm bay are an example of a mirror in nature. Smooth versus rough water is a good example of the difference between specular and scattered reflectivity. City lights reflecting off a rough lake would be scattered reflectivity. The same lights reflecting off of a perfectly smooth lake would be an example of specular or mirror reflectivity. One scatters the light, and one mirrors it. Another thing mirrors can do, besides change the direction of light, is intensify it.  A concave mirror, for example, can collect light and tighten it into a more intense beam, while at the same time sending it in a totally different direction.  A convex mirror can do the opposite.  With a mirror, almost all light is reflected, with very little absorbed by the surface.  It is for this reason that mirrors are used in telescopes and lasers.  If a mirror that was in a laser absorbed light, it would burn up in a matter of minutes.  But since it reflects virtually all the light, the mirror stays cool. Mirrors in lasers are also an excellent example of the redirection of light in perfect clarity with little loss of intensity.  Again, mirrors can be natural or artificial. **Retro Reflectivity** Retro comes from a Latin word meaning backwards. For example, a person that is retro might want to return to the 80's or 90's.  In the sense of reflectivity, retro means that light is bounced back to where it came from, hence the term retro-reflectivity. When this type of reflectivity was discovered, man made retro reflective surfaces were created, and night time suddenly became a much safer place. Retro is different from mirror and diffused reflectivity because of what happens to the beam of light that strikes the surface.  As stated before, diffused or scattered reflective surfaces send the light back in all directions, so although the surface can be seen, it is not necessarily bright.  Mirror reflectivity sends all the light back in one direction only, just not necessarily back to the source. But retro reflectivity sends light back only to the light source. Retro is different in that within reason, no matter what position the surface is in, and which direction the light is coming from, as long as a person is in line with the surface and the light, they see a bright return of light.  A beam of light is always sent back to its source and, in addition, there can be multiple beams and multiple returns.  For example, 50 cars can be driving down a highway, and a retro reflective sign will reflect light back to all of them.  And because automobiles send out a fairly wide beam of light, the entire retro reflective surface lights up.  If the surface is the background for letters like with a road sign, all drivers will be able to clearly read it. Man made retro reflectivity is created in two ways. One is through the use of perfectly round glass spheres that take in light, bend it, and then return it. The other method is through the use of prisms that also bend light and return it. Prismatic arrays are much more efficient than glass beads. Metallizing beads or prisms enhances reflectivity by giving them a mirror finish at the back. **More about Glass Bead Retro Reflectivity - History** In the early 1930's, inventors at Potters Beads found that perfectly round glass spheres or beads had the ability to take in light, bend it, reflect it, and return it back to the source of that light. Regardless of which direction the light came from, the beads would collect it and reflect it back. Originally, Potters Beads were used to make lines on roads reflective, but later, engineers at 3m found ways to laminate the beads into flexible films, thus creating the first reflective tapes or retro reflective sign sheeting.  They also found that by letting the light pass through a colored transparent sheet on its way to and from the glass bead, a color could be created.  This led to the invention of multiple colors of reflective tape and would result in a huge breakthrough in traffic safety.  Now, signs covered with reflective film would be visible at night in color.  To this day, glass beads continue to make road lines light up, and continue to make engineer grade and high intensity grade reflective tapes reflect.  Glass bead films constitute Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 retro reflective films. **More About Micro Prismatic Retro Reflectivity - History** In 1963, the Rowland Brothers, owners of Rowland Products invented what we now know as prismatic reflective sheeting. This invention consists of small micro mirrors arranged at angles to one another, in such a way so that when light enters, it is bounced and sent back to the light source.  The basic process of reflecting light is very similar to glass beads, but much more efficient.  Comparing the two, glass bead films return around 40% of received light to the source versus 90% for prismatic films.  As a result of this increase in efficiency, micro prismatic films can be up to 10 times brighter than glass bead films and seen from much further away. So as such, prismatic films are assigned different applications that glass bead films could not fulfill. SOLAS marine reflective is one example. For ocean rescues, visibility needs to be thousands of feet instead of hundreds. A reflective tape that is type 4 or above would be prismatic by design. In any event, the invention of prismatic reflective films vastly improved night time safety for drivers. Signs sheeted with a prismatic reflective tape could be seen from many times the distance away, providing much more response time for drivers. Prismatic reflective tapes on vehicles themselves prevent collisions by making the vehicles visible for thousands of feet way. Far in excess of the distance needed to avoid an accident. In any event, Rowland Products became Reflexite, and later Reflexite became Orafol Americas. Orafol continues to be a worldwide leader in reflective sheeting and markets their tapes under the Oralite brand. The company carries both vehicle reflective films, and reflective sign sheeting.   --- ## Definition of Conspicuity - Elements of Visibility _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-technical-articles/definition-of-conspicuity-elements-of-visibility/_ 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 or bright; brightness; conspicuousness. In other words, making something stand out, so it is easily seen or clearly visible. The simple fact is that collision reduction can be accomplished through increased conspicuity. Simply stated, we tend not to accidentally hit things that we can clearly see. If you have ever tripped over something or walked into an object at night in your home, it is almost always because you did not see it. So making objects, vehicles, people, buildings, and other objects visible, or conspicuous, reduces accidents. When talking about visibility, it is important to emphasize that we are talking about objects being visible to the human eye.  Once an object or surface is clearly visible to the eyes of an alert individual, they can make adjustments to avoid it. We do this constantly as we drive, but if an object is not clearly visible, we are not able to adjust.  So the goal in conspicuity is to make formerly difficult to see objects, conspicuous or highly visible, hence reducing accidents and collisions. Give the eyes and mind information to work with, and they will. First, it should be noted that collision avoidance is of the utmost importance both day and night, and in both clear and severe weather conditions.  So, as we assess how to reduce accidents, we need to focus on improving visibility 24 hours a day in all weather conditions.  For all conditions, color, contrast, shape, size, and brightness play a part in the conspicuity of an object.  At night, in order for these characteristics to be seen, retro reflectivity is crucial. This type of reflectivity is the ability of an object to return light back to the light source such as a car’s headlights or a spotlight. Without retro reflectivity, color, shape, size, and brightness are non-existent in nighttime conditions. In other words, if an object is invisible, then its shape, how large it is, and color mean nothing. If you have ever navigated down a ship channel such as the intra-coastal waterway, you will remember that navigational markers are large, uniquely shaped, and made with bright colors.  When it is dark, an additional characteristic or feature allows the navigational markers to continue to keep you safe.  That is retro reflectivity.  Markers are sheeted with reflective material that can be seen for thousands of feet away so that all the characteristics of conspicuity that help maritime navigators in the daytime are also available to them at night.  The only additional item needed at night is a bright light pointed in the direction of the marker. Which you will notice, tug boats, commercial vessels and ships have. On land, the same basic conditions are seen on highways and interstates.  You will notice that highway signs are shaped uniquely, positioned high, and constructed with different specific colors of retro reflective sheeting. This assures that they are clearly visible day and night.  All of these things make road signs conspicuous and keep us where we need to be as we travel along America’s highways, streets, and interstates. So the question is, how can other objects and surfaces be marked to make them easily visible to the human eye? Countless studies have been done on visibility and safety, and it has been established that to be easily seen by the human eye, Color, Contrast, Luminance, Motion and Shape are key.  All of these factors affect conspicuity and are often what trigger recognition of an object and hence precipitate decisions on how to avoid it.  All the factors listed, when implemented properly, assure the best possibility of a person seeing an object and avoiding it. In short, all of these factors harness the power of human vision and our ability to detect objects. Visibility and the Human Eye The average human has an approximate 130 degree field of vision. Our central field of vision is where we see detail. This central field of vision makes up only 5% of our total 130 degree field. Our peripheral vision accounts for the rest. For our central field of vision, color is a big factor and helps us identify objects and make decisions involving these objects. However, color alone is not sufficient to locate or distinguish objects or surfaces in our peripheral field of vision.  To detect objects in this area, we need contrast, motion and luminance as well as color. The human eye by itself is an extraordinary creation.  The fact that it can relay information to our brains at the speed of light is not only amazing, but also very useful.  According to research by Rochester Institute of Technology in New York, the human eye distinguishes color and luminance through two types of photoreceptor cells, cones and rods. Cones are more concentrated at the center of the eye in our central field of vision, while rods are more concentrated towards the outside or our periphery. Cones discern color and detail, and rods are more sensitive to changes in luminance, contrast or movement. Finally, rods require less light to function and are more efficient at night. (source – RIT Center for Imaging Science – 2018) By design, our eyes are well suited for day and nighttime visibility, provided they are offered something to detect.  Offering the human eye the visual input it needs both day and night is the goal of visibility enhancement and accident reduction.  The design of our eyes enables us to take in information both a focal level (directly in our line of sight) and a peripheral level (outside of our focal field of vision).  As previously stated, motion and changes in luminescence are detected better by our peripheral vision and color and detail are detected better in our line of sight.  So, when all the characteristics of conspicuity are engaged - Color, Contrast, Luminance, Motion and Shape - we give our eyes and brain everything we need to detect objects within our 130 degree field of vision, and make adjustments in time to avoid danger. Elements of Conspicuity Luminescence Luminescence is defined as the summed emission of visible light by a substance, object, or material.  In other words, it is how vivid or bright something is overall. When we say that something is illuminated, we are talking about the element of luminescence.  A standard object reflects day and night using scattered or diffused reflectivity. This is what all objects are able to do except for mirrors that use specular reflectivity. In the case of retro reflectivity, we are interested in the visible light reflected from an object’s surface to the human eye at night when a retro reflective surface is struck by light. Because retro reflective materials reflect much more light at night than standard surfaces, they are much more illuminated at night than other surfaces. In both scattered and retro reflectivity, the luminance of a surface depends on how much light strikes an object, and how much is reflected or bounced back both in the day and night. As this light is returned and enters the human eye, both the rods and the cones in the eye detect the surface’s brightness, and we are able to make decisions based on this information. Contrast (Luminance Contrast) Contrast, or Luminance Contrast, is defined as the difference in the luminance or brightness of two colors. It can be two colors side by side, or one color in front of a dark or bright background.  An example is a road sign with a white background and dark letters. The white background makes the dark letters more visible through contrast.  This phenomenon is applicable for both day and night conditions, so daytime brightness / contrast and night time brightness / contrast should both be considered in marking a surface for conspicuity. As you read this article, it is the cones in your eye that let you see the detail and the contrast of the light background and dark letters. This contrast, and the sharpness of the letters, allows you to see and read the words.  As you read the words on the page and focus on them, you will notice that you are also taking information in from your peripheral vision. This peripheral information is coming from the rods in your eye. If, while you are reading this sentence, something moves off to one side of you, you will notice it.  Also, if there is a bright color with contrast that is out of the ordinary in your periphery, you would see that even more. In other words, an object with sharp contrast and bright colors in your periphery would draw your attention away from the words, to the object. At night, with retro reflective sheeting, the color and retro reflective characteristics of the sheeting both play a role in how visible the sheeting is when reflecting light. Because retro reflective surfaces light up much more than surrounding objects, they create much more contrast. And within a reflective surface there may be two colors which also provide contrast between themselves. Both reflective, but in different colors and brightness. The back of a fire truck with lime and red striping is a good example. In the daytime, the lime and red contrast with each other. At night, the two colors also contrast, and the entire reflective array contrasts itself with everything that surrounds it. So at night, when your lights hit it, the back of a fire truck is more visible than in the day. The reflective intensity of retro sheeting depends on its type. (type 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, or 11)  For example, a prismatic reflective material (type 4 or above) will be about 5 times brighter than a standard glass bead engineer grade (type 1) material.  So at night, both color and reflective film type affect visibility.  Because of this, for marking objects that need to be seen a long way away, we recommend a prismatic tape over the less intense tapes because of the increased visibility and contrast that they provide. You can learn more about the different reflective tape types by reading our article – RETRO REFLECTIVE SHEETING GUIDE – ASTM D4956 TYPE 1 – 11 So summarizing, in the day, almost all surfaces will return light using scattered or diffused reflectivity, including retro reflective surfaces. In the day, for all surfaces, color is the main component in how bright or visible it is. At night, however, things are different. A regular object will light up when struck by light using the same scattered reflectivity. However, a retro reflective object, sheeting, or tape will light up much more. This is because it is designed to return light to the source, hence making it much brighter than its surroundings. This also creates great contrast. Color Colors are determined by which specific wavelengths of light are bounced from a surface to the human eye.  These wavelengths or combinations of wavelengths create what we know as hue or color. Let’s begin with the most visible colors, fluorescents. Fluorescent Colors – Based on numerous studies, colors such as Fluorescent Lime and Fluorescent Orange are considered to be the most conspicuous colors during the day and in low light conditions. When reflecting, they appear as either a bright yellow or bright orange. Fluorescence is more their daytime characteristic. These special colors are more conspicuous in both the primary and peripheral fields of vision. The main fluorescent colors are lime and orange.  Fluorescent lime is commonly seen in school zones and fluorescent orange is seen in work zones. Fluorescent colors are especially visible at dawn or twilight when the ultraviolet light from the sun is present in greater proportions or ratios than in full sunlight. *Definition of Fluorescent – the emission of light by a substance that has absorbed light or other electromagnetic radiation. It is a form of luminescence.  Fluorescence makes a color look as if it is glowing.* Standard Red, Orange and Yellow are also conspicuous colors.  It is common to mix a fluorescent color with a standard color to achieve more contrast. The most common is a mix of standard red and fluorescent lime. Fluorescent Orange mixes well with green and blue. More on Contrast Brightness or luminance is important, but contrast is also beneficial for objects to be visible or conspicuous, especially at night.  If you applied fluorescent lime or standard yellow reflective tape on the back of a truck, it would definitely be more noticeable against the dark background of the vehicle.  However, by adding a contrasting color, such as red, orange, or blue, to the actual reflective panel or alongside it, you would greatly increase visibility in both the periphery and primary fields of vision. In other words, two colors, especially when reflective, side by side or integrated with each other, draw more attention than a single color. An example of this is the Red and Silver (white) DOT C2 tape on the sides of trucks. Also, the Lime and Red tape on the backs of fire trucks. (see picture above) And finally, the Red and Silver (white) tape on rail road crossing arms. In these examples, two contrasting colors make the tape more noticeable. So, in summary, color is good, but color with contrast is much better. Red is often used with fluorescent lime yellow as a contrast color and is very effective because both colors are conspicuous and bright, and together they provide the recommended 3 to 1 contrast.  The most visible reflective panels would be red and fluorescent lime, or orange and fluorescent lime.  I would lean a little towards the lime/red because of the contrast. Darker reflective colors like blue and green also provide a 3 to 1 plus contrast ratio, and I personally like those combos. The bottom line is that, at some point, it becomes a matter of personal preference. The picture below shows some sample contrast ratios. Fluorescent lime and red will give you a 3 to 1 contrast ratio. (Very good because both colors are considered highly visible / conspicuous) Fluorescent lime and fluorescent orange will give you a 2 to 1 contrast ratio. (ok) Fluorescent lime and standard orange will give you an approximate 2.5 to 1 ratio. (ok) Fluorescent lime and blue will give you an approximate 7.5 to 1 ratio (ok – high contrast – but blue has lower candelas) Fluorescent lime and green will give you an approximate 3 to 1 ratio. (ok)  Shape The shape of an object or a unique design on a surface has a definite effect on how well it can be seen. This holds true for reflective panels. Panels with 45 degree stripes get more attention, as do Battenberg panels.  Angles that we are not used to seeing make an object more conspicuous.  If angles are combined with bright colors that contrast each other, in a size that is large enough to get our attention, we would have near perfect conspicuity.  All that would be needed is motion, and if we are approaching a well-marked object, or if it is passing by, we have that characteristic as well.  Again, the back of a fire truck is a good example of this. Summary If you compare a Dark Brown Delivery truck to a Bright Yellow one, you can immediately see how a difference in just a simple color can affect visibility. One you see easily, one you don’t. A bright yellow truck with lime and red reflective tape on the sides and back would be even more visible or conspicuous. This is just an example to contrast the best and the worst scenarios. However, as a general rule, to be seen, is to be safe. --- ## Difference - Reflectivity, Refraction and Diffraction of Light _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-technical-articles/the-difference-between-reflectivity-and-refraction-of-light/_ 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 is the bending of light as it passes though a medium, while reflection is the return of that light. Diffraction is the process by which a beam of light is spread out as a result of passing through a narrow aperture or across an edge. In diffraction, light is both spread out, and its direction is changed. Reflection = Bounce Light. Refraction = Bend Light. Diffraction = Bend and Spread Light. Reflection, refraction, and diffraction change the direction of light, but in different ways. A mirror, like the one on your car or in your master bath is an example of reflectivity. The distortion of a pencil in a glass of water, a mirage in the desert, or light through a glass lens, are examples of refraction. The sun behind a cloud and the rays that result are an example of diffraction. What happens to light when you shine it on a mirror is reflectivity. What happens to light when you shine it through a glass of water is refraction. What happens to light when you shine it through an aperture or the edge of a solid object is diffraction. Here are some examples of Reflection and Refraction: 1. Mirror (reflection) 2. High gloss surface (reflection) 3. Oil in a glass bottle (refraction) 4. Light beams around a cloud (diffraction) 5. Telescope Lens (refraction) 6. Shiny aluminum foil (reflection) 7. Light shining through a small hole (diffraction) 8. Glass Prism (refraction) 9. Glass of water with a fork in it (refraction) 10. Sheet of Glass (refraction) Retro Reflectivity is a form of reflection that returns light from a surface, but only back to the source of the light. Refraction is a part of reflectivity in that bending light is an element of that process. Diffraction is not a part of retro reflectivity, but is a part of the manipulation of light. --- ## Types of Luminescense - Fluorescence, Photoluminescence, Bioluminescence, Phosphorescence, Etc.. _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-technical-articles/types-of-luminescense-fluorescence-photoluminescence-bioluminescence-phosphorescence-etc/_ **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 stick containing an encapsulated chemical solution, initiating a reaction when mixed. An example is bioluminescence, where living organisms, such as the jellyfish aequorea victoria, produce light through the reaction of luciferin with oxygen catalyzed by the enzyme luciferase. **Phosphorescence** Phosphorescence denotes a material's ability to absorb energy from a light source (e.g., flashlight) and emit light even after the source is removed. Objects exhibiting a glow in the dark effect absorb and store energy from a flashlight, re-emitting it as light when the flashlight is turned off. **Fluorescence** Fluorescence is the emission of light by a material when exposed to light. Unlike phosphorescence, fluorescence ceases once the light source is removed. Materials exhibiting fluorescence emit light only while exposed to the radiation source. **Crystalloluminescence** Crystalloluminescence occurs during crystallization, with light suggested to emanate from small cracks in the crystal. For instance, the crystallization of potassium iodide and KCL exhibits luminescence in specific regions. **Electroluminescence** Electroluminescence involves the production of light due to the passage of an electric current or an electric field. Examples include cathodoluminescence, occurring when electrons collide with a luminescent material. Electroluminescence uniquely converts electric energy directly into visible light. **Radioluminescence** Radioluminescence entails the generation of optical photons through the interaction of ionizing radiation with matter. Tritium-excited luminous paints on watch dials exemplify this phenomenon. **Thermoluminescence** Thermoluminescence refers to the emission of light from certain minerals and crystalline materials upon heating. Quartz or calcite, having previously absorbed energy, re-emit light in this process. **Photoluminescence** Photoluminescence involves a molecule absorbing a photon in the visible region, exciting an electron, and subsequently radiating a photon as the electron returns to its ground state. Examples include fluorescence and phosphorescence, distinguished by the rapidity of photon emission. **Bioluminescence** Bioluminescence is the production and emission of light by a living organism. Bioluminescent creatures are found throughout marine habitats, from the ocean surface to the deep seafloor. **Mechanoluminescence** Mechanoluminescence is light emission resulting from any mechanical action on a solid. It can be produced through ultrasound, or through other means. --- ## What is Fluorescent Reflective Tape? _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-technical-articles/what-is-fluorescent-reflective-tape/_ 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 tape, with the distinction that, in fluorescent materials, all the absorbed light is released simultaneously, and no light is stored. This phenomenon makes the color layer highly visible during the day, especially under natural or UV light. It's important to note that standard colors of reflective tape are visible and vivid in the daytime, but they do not match the visibility of fluorescent colors. Fluorescent colors, due to their unique characteristics, are particularly conspicuous. Additionally, fluorescent reflective tape incorporates reflective elements, usually micro prisms, that become illuminated when exposed to artificial light sources at night, such as vehicle headlights. These reflective elements reflect light back to the source. As seen in the picture below, the two rolls on the left are fluorescent, while the two on the right are not. For most viewers, the fluorescent colors are more visible. The combination of fluorescent and reflective qualities makes this type of tape highly effective for applications where visibility is crucial, such as in work zones, construction areas, school zones, and on emergency vehicles. The primary function of fluorescent colors, often in shades of orange, yellow, or green, is to enhance daytime visibility, while nighttime visibility is facilitated by the retroreflective characteristics of the film. In other words, fluorescence is mostly a daytime visibility enhancement characteristic. Fluorescent reflective tape is commonly used on vehicles, bicycles, helmets, safety gear, signage, and other surfaces to improve visibility and reduce the risk of accidents in various settings. The specific materials and manufacturing processes can vary, but the overall goal is to create tape that stands out both in daylight and when illuminated by artificial light sources. --- # ASTM Types ## Quick Reference - Reflective Tape ASTM Types & Backing Classes _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-types/quick-reference-reflective-tape-types-backing-classes/_ Quick Guide to ASTM D-4956 Sign Sheeting Types and Adhesive Backing Classes –  There are nine **types **and five **classes **of retroreflective sheeting. Types are determined by conformance to the retro-reflectance, color, and durability requirements (as listed in the standard) and may be of any construction providing that those requirements are met. Common references for each type of retro-reflective sheeting are: Retro Reflective Sheeting Types (ASTM D-4956) - (Note - For comparison, candela ratings are based on a .2 observation angle/-4 entrance angle) - Type I - Engineering Grade (Glass Bead Technology) (75 Candelas for White)
 - Type II - Super engineer grade (Glass Bead Technology) (140 Candelas for White)
 - Type III - High-intensity Glass Bead (Glass Bead Technology) (250 Candelas for White)
 - Type IV - High-intensity Micro-Prismatic (360 Candelas for White)
 - Type V - Super High Intensity Sheeting for Delineators (typically a thin metalized film - rugged and incredibly bright) (700 Candelas for White - up to 2000 Candelas for .1/-4 observation)
 - Type VI - Elastomeric retroreflective sheeting without adhesive - Roll up Sign Material (160 Candelas for Pink) - Type VII - Discontinued and Replaced by Type 8 Sheeting.
 - Type VIII - Retroreflective sheeting typically manufactured as an unmetalized cube corner Micro-Prismatic retroreflective element material. (700 Candelas for White)  - Type IX - Retroreflective sheeting typically manufactured as an unmetalized cube corner Micro-Prismatic retroreflective element material. (380 Candelas for White) - Type X - Discontinued and Replaced by Type 8 Sheeting.  - Type XI—Retroreflective sheeting typically manufactured as an unmetalized cube corner Micro-Prismatic retroreflective element material. (580 Candelas for White) Adhesive backing classes - - Class 1 - Pressure-sensitive adhesive (no heat or solvent) - most common
 - Class 2 - Adhesive activated by heat and pressure - Class 3 - Repositionable low-tack pressure-sensitive adhesive  - Class 4 - Low-temperature (-7°C) pressure-sensitive adhesive - Class 5 - Non-adhesive backing (i.e. roll up signs) --- ## Non Typed Films : FRA-RGA-SOLAS-DOT C2-V92-V98-P82-V99 (non sign applications) _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-types/non-typed-films-fra-rga-solas-dot-c2-v92-v98-p82-v99-non-sign-applications/_ Retro reflective films that are typed by ASTM D4956 Standards are specified that way because they are used as sign sheeting. (backgrounds for highway and road signs) These include ASTM D4956 Type I - XI. There are some crossovers such as V82 School Bus tape that can be used as Type 5 sign sheeting, or on a bus. Also, RGA Rail Gate Arm tape is rated as a Type 5 film. But for the most part, retro reflective tape for Non Sign Applications is not typed. Examples are outlined below. **FRA 224 R99 Rail Car Tape** - This film is used to mark rail cars. It comes in a school bus Yellow and white color, in 4 inch widths. It would be the equivalent of a Type 5 film. **RGA (Rail Gate Arm Tape)** - This red and white (silver) alternating block style tape is specifically made for gate arms, control arms, and other such devices. It alternates at 16" of each color. It is a crossover film and is actually specified as a Type 5. It is made using AP1000 film, which is what V82 is made from. **SOLAS Marine Tape** - SOLAS, which stands for safety of life at sea, is a very special type of reflective tape. It is the brightest of all reflective films with a candela rating far exceeding 1000. There is not a brighter film that I know of on the market. The only thing that would reflect brighter would be an actual mirror. Since it is for ships, boats and marine lifesaving gear, it is not ASTM typed. However, it is closest to a Type 5. **DOT C2 Conspicuity Truck Tape** - DOT tape comes in several types. It is always red and white (silver), and comes in both a 7/11 and 6/6 pattern. The five types that Oralite manufacturers would be the V42, V52 (diamond plate pattern), V92 Daybright Pattern, V82, and V59. V42, V52 (diamond plate pattern), V92 (daybright) are all equivalent to a Type 4 film in brightness. V59 is a Type 4 film, and V82 is a Type 5. **V92 Daybright** - V92 conspicuity in colors is used for graphics applications on vehicles. It is equivalent to a Type 4 in brightness. But much thinner. **V98 Conformable Graphics Film** - V98 graphics film is a conformable, flexible film used for graphics on vehicles just like V92 is used. The difference is that V98 stretches a little and V92 does not. V98 is equivalent to a Type 4 sheeting in brightness. V98 pre-striped red and lime is the same. **P82 Photo Electric Tape** - P82 is a photo electric film used for sensors in automated environments. It is a non polarized metallized film. It is equivalent to a Type 5 film. **V99 School Bus Tape** - This film is an OEM retro reflective tape used by bus manufacturers. It features a unique hexagon pattern. It is equivalent to a Type 5 film. **V59 School Bus Tape **- This is an air backed more vivid school bus tape and is another crossover film. It is a Type 4. --- ## ASTM D4956 Type 1 - Engineer Grade Reflective Tape _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-types/astm-d4956-type-1-reflective-tape/_ Type 1 (Engineer Grade) - Highway Signage, Construction Zone Devices, Traffic Delineators Type 1 (Flexible Engineer Grade) - Vehicle and Other Graphics (Enclosed Lens - Glass Bead Type) D4956 Type I Retro Reflective Sheeting - Available in both standard and flexible versions. Medium intensity retro reflective sheeting is normally referred to as an “engineering grade”.  This is a very common and popular film, and is available in a multitude of colors.  Engineer grade is the original reflective tape developed by the 3m company. They created the film in the 30’s and filed for a patent in 1940. Type 1 tapes are used in both commercial and consumer applications.  In commercial applications, EG is used for permanent highway signage, construction zones, emergency vehicle graphics, bollards, building lettering, truck lettering, and traffic delineators. (As brighter films have come onto the market, engineer grade is used less for signage and more for other graphics related applications.)   Engineer Grade Type 1 is an enclosed lens film which refers to glass beads that are completely surrounded by a flexible polymer. Because of this type of construction, these types of films can be cut on a plotter without effecting reflectivity at the edges or damaging the film, hence their popularity for graphics. Type 1 engineer grade and Type 2 super engineer grade are the only two films considered to be enclosed lens films that can be used in this way. The flexible version of engineer grade is the most common film for cutting letters, logos, and graphics.  After cutting, edges DO NOT have to be sealed. Engineer Grade is very visible at night, and is quite bright. However, Type 2 - 11 films are brighter. As you can see from the list below, more colors are available in the flexible version, due to its intended use for graphics. Photo-metrics for Type 1 Sheeting (minimum coefficient of reflection in candelas) Observation Angle : positive .2 degrees / Entrance Angle : negative .5 degrees - White - 80 (standard and flexible) - Yellow - 50 (standard and flexible) - Orange - 25 (standard and flexible) - Green - 9 (standard and flexible) - Red - 14 (standard and flexible) - Blue - 4 (standard and flexible) - Brown - 2 (standard and flexible) - Black - 10 (flexible version only) - Lime - 70 (fleet marking grade) - Violet - 12 (flexible version only) - Ruby Red - 18 (flexible version only) - Lemon Yellow - 70 (flexible version only) - Dark Red - 14 (flexible version only) - Sky Blue - 12 (flexible version only) --- ## ASTM D4956 Type 2 - Super Engineer Grade Reflective Tape _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-types/astm-d4956-type-2-super-engineer-grade/_ Type 2 (Super Engineer Grade) - Highway Signage, Construction Zone Devices, Graphics and Traffic Delineators (Enclosed Lens - Glass Bead Type) ASTM D4956 Type 2 Retro Reflective Sheeting - Medium High Intensity retro-reflective sheeting is designated as “super engineer grade”. This film is double the brightness of type 1 engineer grade. Common commercial applications for this reflective film are permanent highway signage, graphics, construction zone devices, and traffic delineators. Like Type 1, Type 2 SEG is an enclosed lens glass-bead retro reflective sheeting. It is also CAD or plotter cuttable like engineering grade, only brighter. (Note - SEG is not as conformable as the flexible version of engineer grade type 1, but works fine for flat surfaces.) After cutting, edges DO NOT have to be sealed. Super engineer grade is available in all the basic colors listed below, but not in as many colors as Flexible Engineer Grade film since it is mainly used for traffic applications. SEG had a small faint STAR watermark every so often on the face of the sheeting which designates it as Type 2. Otherwise, it would be difficult to tell it from a Type 1 film in daylight. Photometrics for Type 2 Sheeting (minimum coefficient of reflection in candelas) Observation Angle : positive .2 degrees / Entrance Angle : negative .4 degrees - White - 150 - Yellow - 110 - Orange - 65 - Green - 30 - Red - 34 - Blue - 10 - Brown - 8 --- ## ASTM D4956 Type 3 – High Intensity Reflective Tape _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-types/astm-d4956-type-3-high-intensity-reflective-tape/_ Type 3 High Intensity - Highway Signage, Construction Zone Devices, and Traffic Delineators Type 3 Flexible High Intensity - Reboundable applications like Traffic Cones, Zodiac Boats, Banners. (Encapsulated Lens - Glass Bead Type) ASTM D4956 Type 3 Retro Reflective Sheeting - A high-intensity glass bead reflective film used for permanent highway signage, construction zone devices, bollards, gates, traffic cones and traffic delineators. An “Encapsulated Lens” glass bead retro-reflective material, meaning that individual glass beads are encapsulated in cells and more exposed to incoming light. High Intensity Type 3 films also use higher index beads. The result is a film that is three times as bright as engineer grade films, and about double the brightness of Type 2 SEG films. Another feature of High Intensity Type 3 tapes is their ability to reflect at wider observation angles. New tapes by 3m and Orafol feature this wide observation angle characteristic. However, long before these tapes were invented, there was High Intensity Type 3. What wide observation means is that there is a wider cone of reflectivity that is bounced back from the surface. So a viewers eyes can be further away from a light source and still see the tape. Also, because of advanced optics, the beads are brighter, so it can be seen from further out. So if you use high intensity on bollards for example, when you pull into a parking lot where the bollards are, they light up quicker than if they were sheeted with engineer, or even some prismatic tapes. So for close applications of say 100 yards, it is hard to beat high intensity films for brightness, and wide observation angle performance. High Intensity is available in a standard and flexible version. The "Standard Version" has an acrylic top coat which enhances longevity but results in a stiffer, less stretchable film. The Flexible Version has a polyester top coat and will stretch and conform to uneven surfaces. It is also reboundable, so it can be used for traffic cones and road barrels. While the flexible version of this material can be CAD cut, it is normally not used this way, since cutting the film exposed the edges of the cells that are filled with glass beads. After cutting, edges SHOULD be sealed to protect the edges. Photometrics for Type 3 Sheeting (minimum coefficient of reflection in candelas) Observation Angle : positive .2 degrees / Entrance Angle : negative .4 degrees - White - 300 - Yellow - 200 - Orange - 120 - Green - 54 - Red - 54 - Blue - 24 - Brown - 14 --- ## ASTM D4956 Type 4 – High Intensity Prismatic Reflective Tape _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-types/astm-d4956-type-4-high-intensity-prismatic-reflective-tape/_ Type 4 (High Intensity Prismatic) -  Highway Signage, Construction Zone devices, and Traffic Delineators Type 4 Sheeting —A high intensity prismatic retro-reflective sheeting. This sheeting is an Unmetallized Microprismatic retro-reflective element (also known as Air Backed) material. This means that the prisms in the film are not given a mirror finish on the back. Instead, they are backed with a layer of air, and then a white backing below that. This makes the tape colors more vivid than metallized reflective films. Designed to replace high intensity Type 3 films in traffic, by replacing glass beads with brighter prisms. Typical applications for this material are permanent highway signing, construction zone devices, bollards, vehicle conspicuity and delineators. HIM is not plotter cuttable due to the thick acrylic top coat which is almost as thick as a credit card. Plotter blades have a difficult time piercing this hard surface. So this retro reflective film is used as a background material for signs, or as a standalone reflective solution for bollards, vehicles, buildings, containers, dumpsters, and other surfaces that need to be clearly visible at night. Photometrics for Type 4 Sheeting (minimum coefficient of reflection in candelas) Observation Angle : positive .2 degrees / Entrance Angle : negative .4 degrees - White - 500 - Yellow - 380 - Orange - 200 - Green - 70 - Red - 90 - Blue - 42 - Brown - 25 - Fluorescent Lime - 400 - Fluorescent Orange - 150 --- ## ASTM D4956 Type 5 – Traffic Delineator & Channelizer Reflective Tape _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-types/astm-d4956-type-5-traffic-delineator-chennelizer-reflective-tape/_ Type 5 (Metallized Micro Prismatic) - Traffic Delineators and Channelizer Retro Reflective Tape (Enclosed Lens Prismatic) Type 5 Retro Reflective Prismatic Film - A super-high intensity prismatic retro reflective sheeting and the brightest of all retro reflective films. This film is a metallized micro-prismatic retro-reflective element material, and is commonly used for traffic delineators, channelizers, DOT C2 tape, Rail Gate Arm Tape, FRA tape, and a variety of other applications where a thin, very bright tape is needed. Although the term Enclosed lens was originally used for glass bead tapes, Type 5 metallized films also enclose the reflective elements completely, which in this case are prisms. And just like enclosed lens glass bead films, Type 5 films can be plotter cut with no need to seal the edges. Due to the polymer that surrounds and protects the prisms, when cut, there is no adverse effect or decrease in film life at the edges. Note - Type 5 is the only prismatic tape constructed in a single layer. The term metallized refers to a silver aluminized mirror finish that is applied to the backs of the prisms. (versus a white backing for non metallized air backed films) This mirror backing allows the tape to reflect very brightly and maintain an ultra thin construction. It is the closest tape to pure mirror reflectivity. Oralite AP1000 by Orafol is the only known Type 5 film, and tests out at well above 1000 candelas. This is brighter than any other known retro reflective tape. Type 5 is the only metallized prismatic film in the list of Type 1 - 11 films listed in this article, and is only manufactured by Orafol. It is often used in non sign applications due to its brightness, ability to be CAD cut, and its ultra thin rugged design. Photometrics for Type 5 Sheeting (minimum coefficient of reflection in candelas) Observation Angle : positive .2 degrees / Entrance Angle : negative .4 degrees - White - 700 - Yellow - 470 - Orange - 280 - Green - 120 - Red - 120 - Blue - 56 Comparison Photo - Air Backed versus Metallized Films --- ## ASTM D4956 Type 6 - Roll Up / Temporary Retro Reflective Signs _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-types/astm-d4956-type-6-roll-up-temporary-retro-reflective-signs/_ Type 6 - Retro Reflective Sheeting with No Adhesive for Temporary Roll Up Signs, Warning Signs, Traffic Cone Collars, and Post Bands Type 6 Retro Reflective Sheeting - A flexible elastomeric high-intensity prismatic retro-reflective sheeting without adhesive. This sheeting is typically a PVC vinyl based micro-prismatic reflective material. It is made so it can be rolled up and stored without damaging the retro reflective components within the film. Type 6 reflective sheeting is commonly lettered and used when roadwork is underway or an emergency situation necessitates temporary signs along the roadway. Common colors are lime or orange. Also available in white. Uses are temporary roll-up warning signs, white traffic cone collars, and post bands. Photometrics for Type 6 Sheeting (minimum coefficient of reflection in candelas) Observation Angle : positive .2 degrees / Entrance Angle : negative .4 degrees White - 500 Yellow - 350 Orange - 125 Green - 60 Red - 70 Blue - 45 Fluorescent Lime - 400 Fluorescent Orange - 200 --- ## ASTM D4956 Type 7 – Highway Signs, Construction Zones, Delineators (discontinued) _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-types/astm-d4956-type-5-traffic-delineator-chennelizer-reflective-tape-2/_ Type 7 - Highway Traffic Signs, Construction Zone Devices, and Traffic Delineators (Discontinued - replaced by Type 8 & 11 sheeting for signs and Type 5 sheeting for zone devices and delineators) Type 7 Reflective Sheeting - An ultra high intensity prismatic retro-reflective sheeting having the best retro-reflectivity characteristics at LONG and medium road distances. (brightest highway sign film, along with Type 8) as per the reflectivity values of Table 1 at 0.1° and 0.2° observation angles) This sheeting is normally an air backed unmetallized micro-prismatic material. Common applications for this sheeting are (or were) permanent traffic/highway signage, construction zone devices, and traffic delineators. Type 8, Type 11 and Type 5 films now fill these applications. Type 5 is thinner, more rugged, and brighter. Photometrics for Type 7 Sheeting (minimum coefficient of reflection in candelas) Observation Angle : positive .2 degrees / Entrance Angle : negative .4 degrees White - 750 Yellow - 560 Orange - 280 Green - 75 Red - 150 Blue - 34 Fluorescent Lime - 600 Fluorescent Orange - 230 --- ## ASTM D4956 Type 8 - Traffic Sheeting , Construction Zone Devices, Delineators _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-types/astm-d4956-type-8-traffic-sheeting-construction-zone-devices-delineators/_ Type 8 - Highway Signage, Construction Zone Devices, and Traffic Delineators (more commonly used sheeting than type 7) Type 8 Retro Reflective Sheeting - Super high intensity prismatic retro-reflective sheeting having the highest retro-reflectivity characteristics (along with Type 7) at LONG and medium road distances. (see RA values of Table 2 at 0.1° and 0.2° observation angles) This sheeting is normally an unmetallized air backed micro-prismatic material. Typical applications for this material are permanent traffic signage, construction (work) zone devices, and highway delineators. Photometrics for Type 8 Sheeting (minimum coefficient of reflection in candelas) Observation Angle : positive .2 degrees / Entrance Angle : negative .4 degrees White - 700 Yellow - 525 Orange - 265 Green - 70 Red - 105 Blue - 42 Fluorescent Lime - 560 Fluorescent Orange - 210 --- ## ASTM D4956 Type 9 - Wide Observation Angle Retro Reflective Sheeting _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-types/astm-d4956-type-9-wide-observation-angle-retro-reflective-sheeting/_ Type 9 - Wide Observation Angle Prismatic Sheeting - Highway Signage and Other Uses where wider observation angles are required. Type 9 Retro Reflective Sheeting - Very-high-intensity retro-reflective material having the highest retro-reflectivity characteristics at SHORT road distances as determined by the RA values of Table 3 at 1° observation angle. This sheeting is normally an air backed unmetallized microprismatic reflective film, made into wide rolls for signs, or slit into narrow rolls for other applications. Typical applications for this material are permanent highway signing, construction zone devices, delineators. Other applications are bollards, fences, gates, building, poles, vehicles, trailers, etc.. Anywhere wide angle reflectivity is required. Photometrics for Type 9 Sheeting (minimum coefficient of reflection in candelas) Observation Angle : positive .2 degrees / Entrance Angle : negative .4 degrees White - 380 Yellow - 285 Orange - 145 Green - 38 Red - 76 Blue - 17 Fluorescent Lime - 300 Fluorescent Orange - 115 --- ## ASTM D4956 Type 10 - Highway Signage, Construction Zone, Delineators (discontinued) _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-types/astm-d4956-type-10-highway-signage-construction-zone-delineators/_ Type 10 - Highway Signage, Construction Zone devices, and Traffic Delineators (Discontinued - replaced by Type 8 & 11 sheeting for signs and Type 5 sheeting for zone devices and delineators) Type 10 Retro Reflective Sheeting - An ultra high intensity reflective material having the highest retro-reflective characteristics at medium road distances as determined by the table below at 0.1° and 0.2° observation angles. This sheeting is commonly an unmetallized prismatic air backed reflective material. Applications for this material were permanent highway signing, construction zone devices, and delineators. Photometrics for Type 10 Sheeting (minimum coefficient of reflection in candelas) Observation Angle : positive .2 degrees / Entrance Angle : negative .4 degrees White - 560 Yellow - 420 Orange - 210 Green - 56 Red - 84 Blue - 28 Fluorescent Lime - 450 Fluorescent Orange - 170 --- ## ASTM D4956 Type 11 - Super High Intensity, Wide Observation Angle Highway Signage _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-types/astm-d4956-type-11/_ Type 11 - Super High All Observation Angle Efficiency Highway Signage - Overhead Signs Type 11 retro reflective sheeting is manufactured as an unmetallized cube corner micro-prismatic air backed retro-reflective material. This super-high efficiency sheeting is designed to perform best at both medium and short sight distances. This and its wide angle of view-ability makes Type XI a very adaptable sheeting that municipalities and state agencies can use to improve road safety.  A typical use for Type 11 sheeting would be overhead signs on interstates. However, since it is a wide observation film, it can also be used for all the applications of a Type 9 sheeting. Its high performance eliminates the need for external lighting, which results in considerable cost savings on maintenance and energy.  Type 11 retro reflective sheeting is the very latest in reflective technology and is quickly being adopted across the country for Highway Signage. Photometrics for Type 11 Sheeting (minimum coefficient of reflection in candelas) Observation Angle : positive .2 degrees / Entrance Angle : negative .4 degrees White - 580 Yellow - 435 Orange - 200 Green - 58 Red - 87 Blue - 26 Fluorescent Lime - 460 Fluorescent Orange - 175 --- # Colors ## Nikkalite EG - Colors _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/nikkalite-eg-colors/_ Nikkalite Engineer Grade Type 1 (EG) - Color Chart – [Contact Us](https://reflective.info/contact/) for more pictures if needed. --- ## Nikkalite ELG - Colors _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/nikkalite-elg-colors/_ Nikkalite Flexible Engineer Grade (ELG) Type 1 - Color Chart – [Contact Us](https://reflective.info/contact/) for more pictures if needed. --- ## Nikkalite SEG - Colors _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/nikkalite-seg-colors/_ Nikkalite Super Engineer Grade (SEG) Type 2 - Color Chart – [Contact Us](https://reflective.info/contact/) for more pictures if needed. --- ## Nikkalite ULG - Colors _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/nikkalite-ulg-colors/_ Nikkalite High Intensity (Glass Bead) Type 3 - Color Chart – [Contact Us](https://reflective.info/contact/) for more pictures if needed. --- ## Nikkalite HIM - Colors _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/nikkalite-him-colors/_ Nikkalite High Intensity Prismatic Type 4 - Color Chart – [Contact Us](https://reflective.info/contact/) for more pictures if needed. --- ## Nikkalite CRG - Colors _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/nikkalite-crg-colors/_ Nikkalite Crystal Grade (CRG) Prismatic Type 8 – Color Chart – [Contact Us](https://reflective.info/contact/) for more pictures if needed. --- ## Oralite V82 - Colors _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/v82-colors-oralite/_ V98 Color Chart – [Contact Us](https://reflective.info/contact/) for more pictures if needed. [pdf id='1955'] --- ## Oralite V92 - Colors _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/oralite-v92-colors/_ V98 Color Chart – [Contact Us](https://reflective.info/contact/) for more pictures if needed. --- ## Oralite V98 - Colors _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/article-colors/_ V98 Color Chart - [Contact Us](https://reflective.info/contact/) for more pictures if needed. [pdf id='1937'] --- ## Oralite 5650 RA - Colors _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/oralite-5650-ra-colors/_ Oralite 5650 Rapid Air Engineer Grade Color Chart – [Contact Us](https://reflective.info/contact/) for more pictures if needed. [pdf id='1988'] --- ## Oralite 5700 - Colors _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/oralite-5700-colors/_ Oralites' 5700 engineer grade films come in 8 different colors. We carry the black as part of our black bright, brighter and brightest reflective tape collection. The chart below shows all of the colors. --- ## Oralite 5900 - Colors _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/oralite-5900-colors/_ Oralite 5900 Type 4 Color Chart – [Contact Us](https://reflective.info/contact/) for more pictures if needed. [pdf id='1979'] --- ## Oralite 5930 - Colors _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/oralite-5930-colors/_ Oralite 5930 Work Zone Tape Color Chart – [Contact Us](https://reflective.info/contact/) for more pictures if needed. [pdf id='1974'] --- ## Oralite 5934 Colors - Solid _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/oralite-5934-colors-solid/_ Oralite 5934 Solid Color Work Zone reflective tapes come in White, Yellow, and Orange. They are used to mark road barrels, delineators, and channelizers. Reboundable, flexible material. --- ## Oralite 7900 - Colors _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/oralite-7900-type-9-colors/_ Oralite 7900 Type 9 Color Chart – [Contact Us](https://reflective.info/contact/) for more pictures if needed. [pdf id='1980'] --- ## Oralite 9900 - Colors _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/oralite-9900-colors/_ Oralite 9900 Wide Observation Sheeting Color Chart – [Contact Us](https://reflective.info/contact/) for more pictures if needed. [pdf id='1981'] --- ## Striped Barricade Tape (EG-ULG-HIM-5934) - Colors _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/striped-barricade-tape-colors/_ Pre-Striped reflective barricade comes in several types. We carry Type 1, Type 3, and Type 4. Color Chart – [Contact Us](https://reflective.info/contact/) for more pictures if needed. Left Slant / Right Slant Engineer Grade Type 1 Barricade Tape - Nikkalite High Intensity Type 3 Barricade Tape - Nikkalite High Intensity Prismatic Type 4 Barricade Tape - Nikkalite High Intensity Prismatic Type 4 Barricade Tape - Reboundable - Oralite --- ## Oralite V98 Striped - Colors _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/oralite-v98-pre-striped-colors/_ V98 Pre-Striped Chevron Striping Tape is a durable, highly reflective film that is designed to make Fire Trucks meet NFPA 1901 requirements. It comes in Left Hand and Right Hand slants. V98 Pre-Striped Lime and Red Color Chart – [Contact Us](https://reflective.info/contact/) for more pictures if needed. --- ## Oralite DOT C2 Tapes - Colors _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/oralite-dot-c2-tapes-colors/_ Oralite DOT tapes come in a variety of types and patterns. The colors are always red and white (silver), however the overall look of the different tape is slightly different from pattern to pattern. Color Chart – [Contact Us](https://reflective.info/contact/) for more pictures if needed. --- ## Oralite School Bus Tape - Colors _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/oralite-school-bus-tape-colors/_ Oralite manufactures 3 types of federally certified retro reflective yellow school bus tape. V59 , V82 , and V99. V59 is an air backed vivid film. V82 is a Type 5 Film. And V99 is Oralite's OEM film. Colors are below – [Contact Us](https://reflective.info/contact/) for more pictures if needed. --- ## Oralite Rail Gate Arm - Colors _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/oralite-rail-gate-arm-rga-colors/_ Oralite's RGA R82 Rail Gate Arm or Automatic Gate Arm tape comes in one configuration that is mandated by both the MUTCD and the Corp of Engineers. This is a 16 inch red / 16 inch white (silver) block pattern. The block design instructs vehicles to stop, versus go around. Color Chart – [Contact Us](https://reflective.info/contact/) for more pictures if needed. --- ## Oralite FRA 224 - Colors _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/oralite-fra-224-colors/_ Oralite FRA tape for Rail Cars comes in two colors, white and yellow. 4 inch is the standard width. We carry the 18" kiss cut version where you peel strips off of the roll for easy application. Color Chart – [Contact Us](https://reflective.info/contact/) for more pictures if needed. --- ## Oralite SOLAS - Colors _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/oralite-solas-colors/_ Oralite SOLAS is always a Grey color in the daytime, and a bright white when reflecting. M82 marine grade tapes for navigation are very similar to SOLAS, and come in silver (white), red, green, yellow, and orange. The colored films are not SOLAS, but are coast guard approved for navigation. Chart – [Contact Us](https://reflective.info/contact/) for more pictures if needed. --- ## Oralite P82 Photo Electric - Colors _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/oralite-p82-photo-electric-colors/_ Oralite's P82 photo electric reflective tape comes in White (silver) only. It is tested to meet 900 x 900 brightness levels. P82 is a silver color in the daytime, and bright white when reflecting. --- ## Oralite Roll Up Banner Material - Colors _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/oralite-roll-up-banner-material-colors/_ Oralite Roll up Banner and Sign material comes in 5 colors, white, school bus yellow, fluorescent orange, fluorescent lime, and fluorescent pink. 4 inch is the standard width. We carry 6", 8" and 12" wide rolls. Color Chart – [Contact Us](https://reflective.info/contact/) for more pictures if needed. Super Bright Roll Up Sign Material - Oralite - Highly Reflective Marathon Roll Up Sign Material - Oralite - Highly Reflective --- ## Oralite GP020 - Colors _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/oralite-gp020-colors/_ Oralite GP020 Glass Bead Garment Trim Color – [Contact Us](https://reflective.info/contact/) for more pictures if needed. Oralite GP020 color in daylight - (above) Oralite GP020 Color when reflecting (above) --- ## Oralite GP025 - Color _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/oralite-gp025-color/_ GP025 come in a silver (grey) color and reflects a very intense white. I has a clear liner that protects the reflective side of the film during installation, and a blue liner that protect the heat activated adhesive side. **Applications**Heat applied, performance grade trim for heavy use vests and jackets.**Reflective Technology**Glass Bead**Backing**heat activated adhesive with removable poly liner**Washing**25 cycles**Colors**silver**Available Sizes**1" x 328'2" x 656'39.4" x 164' roll**Certifications**ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 | CSA Z96-2022, Level 2 --- ## Oralite GP330 - Colors _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/oralite-gp330-colors/_ Oralite GP330 Sew On Garment Trim – Color Chart – [Contact Us](https://reflective.info/contact/) for more pictures if needed. [pdf id='2070'] --- ## Oralite GP440 - Colors _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/oralite-gp440-colors/_ Oralite GP440 Sew On Garment Trim (metallized micro-prismatic) – Color Chart – [Contact Us](https://reflective.info/contact/) for more pictures if needed. --- ## Oralite GP801 – Colors _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/oralite-gp801-colors/_ Oralite GP801 Sew On Garment Trim – Color Chart – [Contact Us](https://reflective.info/contact/) for more pictures if needed. --- ## Oralite FTP2500 - All Colors _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/oralite-ftp2500-diamond-colors/_ Oralite FTP2500 FTP2575 (TL-TO-S-D) Solid and Diamond Pattern Lime Colors – [Contact Us](https://reflective.info/contact/) for more pictures if needed. [pdf id='2031'] --- ## Oralite Cone Collars - Colors _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-colors/oralite-cone-collars-colors/_ Oralite Prismatic Wrap Around Cone Collars come in 18", 28" and 36" sizes. They are peel and stick, reboundable, and very bright. White is the only color available and is MUTCD approved. Color Chart – [Contact Us](https://reflective.info/contact/) for more pictures if needed. Oralite Reflective Wrap Around Cone Collars Oralite Reflective Wrap Around Cone Collars --- # Applications ## Reflective Tape for Bicycles — How to Make Your Bike Visible at Night _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-applications/reflective-tape-for-bicycles-how-to-make-your-bike-visible-at-night/_ Bicycles are among the most vulnerable vehicles on the road, and low-light visibility is one of the biggest safety challenges cyclists face. Reflective tape is one of the most effective and affordable ways to make a bike — and its rider — visible to drivers at night. ## Why Reflective Tape Matters for Cyclists According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly **half of all fatal bicycle crashes** occur between 6 PM and midnight. Most of these happen in urban areas where cyclists share the road with motor vehicles. Standard bike reflectors — the small plastic pieces mounted on pedals and wheels — meet minimum legal requirements but provide limited real-world visibility. Retroreflective tape bounces light directly back toward its source (a car's headlights), creating a bright glow visible from hundreds of feet away. Unlike battery-powered lights that can die mid-ride, reflective tape is always working, requires no charging, and lasts for years. ## Best Places to Apply Reflective Tape on a Bicycle Strategic placement maximizes visibility from all angles: **Frame:** Apply strips along the down tube, seat tube, and top tube. Use 1-inch or 2-inch tape for maximum coverage. This makes the bike visible from the side — the most dangerous angle for intersection collisions. **Wheel Rims:** Tape applied to both sides of the rims creates a distinctive spinning motion visible from the side. This "moving circle" effect immediately signals to drivers that they're looking at a bicycle, not a stationary object. **Pedals and Crank Arms:** The up-and-down motion of reflective pedals or crank arms is another strong visual cue that identifies a cyclist. This bobbing motion is unique to bicycles and recognized by drivers even at a distance. **Helmet:** A strip across the back and sides of a helmet puts the reflective surface at driver eye level — the most natural place for drivers to look. **Forks:** Front fork tape provides head-on visibility, which is critical for oncoming traffic at intersections. ## Which Type of Reflective Tape Works Best on Bikes? Not all reflective tapes are created equal. For bicycles, the key requirements are **conformability** (the ability to wrap around curved tubes) and **brightness**. **Oralite V98 Conformable Prismatic** — This is the top choice for bicycle frames. V98 is an ASTM Type 5 microprismatic tape that conforms to curved surfaces without wrinkling or lifting. It's the same technology used on emergency vehicles and is exceptionally bright. Available in white, lime, red, blue, and other colors. **Oralite V82 Prismatic** — Another excellent option for flatter surfaces like fenders or panniers. Very bright and durable, though slightly less conformable than V98. **Engineer Grade (Type 1)** — The most affordable option. Works well on flat surfaces and is adequate for casual use, but is significantly less bright than prismatic tapes. For serious nighttime riding, prismatic tape is worth the upgrade. **Garment Trim (GP440 or GP025)** — For reflective tape on clothing, bags, or shoes, sew-on or heat-applied garment trims are purpose-built. The GP440 is a popular sew-on trim that can be attached to a cycling jacket, backpack straps, or ankle bands. ## Application Tips for Bicycle Use **Surface Preparation:** Clean the frame thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol before applying. Bike frames accumulate road grime and chain lube that will prevent proper adhesion. **Temperature:** Apply tape at room temperature (above 50°F / 10°C). Cold application leads to poor adhesion and early peeling. **Pressure:** Use firm pressure with a squeegee or credit card to eliminate air bubbles and ensure full contact with the adhesive. **Curved Surfaces:** For tight curves around the frame tubes, use narrower strips (1/2 inch or 1 inch) which conform more easily than wider pieces. You can also make small relief cuts on the edges of wider tape to help it wrap without wrinkling. **Primer:** For surfaces that are difficult to bond to (powder-coated frames, carbon fiber), applying a thin coat of DAP Contact Cement as a primer before the tape dramatically improves adhesion. ## State and Local Bicycle Reflector Laws Most U.S. states require bicycles ridden at night to have a front white light and a rear red reflector at minimum. Many states also require: - A rear red light (in addition to or instead of a reflector) - Side reflectors on wheels or pedals - A front white reflector (sometimes satisfied by the headlight itself) Reflective tape **exceeds** the reflectivity of standard plastic bicycle reflectors and is accepted as meeting or exceeding reflector requirements in most jurisdictions. However, it does not replace the legal requirement for a front headlight, which provides active illumination rather than retroreflection. ## Reflective Tape vs. Bike Lights Reflective tape and bike lights serve complementary purposes: **Bike lights** are active — they emit light and make you visible even when no other light source is present (dark trails, unlit rural roads). **Reflective tape** is passive — it works by bouncing headlight beams back to drivers. On roads with vehicle traffic, it's extremely effective because there's always a headlight source to reflect. The smartest approach is **both**: active lights for dark conditions and reflective tape for all-angle passive visibility. The tape also serves as a backup if your battery dies mid-ride. ## How Much Tape Do You Need? A typical bicycle frame can be outfitted with about 3–5 feet of 1-inch reflective tape. For a complete setup including rims, helmet, and accessories, plan for about 8–12 feet. At the cost of a few dollars per foot for high-quality prismatic tape, making your bike fully reflective is one of the best safety investments a cyclist can make. For reflective tape products suitable for bicycle use, visit [tapefinder.com](https://tapefinder.com). --- ## Oralite GP025 Heat Press Reflective Garment Trim - Installation Instructions _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-applications/oralite-gp025-heat-press-reflective-garment-trim-installation-instructions/_ Oralite's GP025 is a commercial grade heat applied material that is ANSI Level 2 rated. When you see road workers in work zones, it is likely that the reflective garments they wear use Oralite films for reflectivity. While mainly used for work zone apparel, GP025 is also easy for smaller companies or individuals to install on their own garments using a heat press or an iron. This simplicity of application is due to the overall quality of GP025, and its dual liner composition. The blue liner protects the adhesive layer, and the clear liner protects the reflective side. In general terms, application is accomplished by peeling away the blue layer from the material, laying that side on a fabric surface, bonding it with heat and pressure, and then peeling away the clear liner. Because of the special liners, this material can also be easily CAD cut into letters and designs, and then heat pressed onto garments. To CAD or Plotter cut Oralite GP025, simply remove the blue transparent layer, CAD cut in reverse (mirror image), and weed. You are now ready to apply the design to a garment using one of the methods below. Note - The material must be loaded in the plotter with the clear liner down. In other words, the blade will be cutting what was under the blue liner. Heat Press Method - To apply GP025 onto a garment using a heat press, first pre heat the garment on the press for 2-3 seconds at 300 - 350 degrees. Lay the design down onto your fabric surface and press for 8 - 15 seconds at the same temperature. (Remember that the blue liner on the GP020 must be removed before application. Also note that heat press temperature depends on which fabric you are applying to. See the chart in the pdf below for specifics) After pressing, open the press, allow the garment to cool to a warm temperature, and gently peel off the clear later. Iron On Method - To apply the reflective GP025 with an iron, heat the iron to between 300 - 350 degrees or match the iron heat to the fabric. (cotton, linen, etc.) Iron the garment to preshrink it if necessary. After peeling away the blue liner, lay the reflective design or striping onto the fabric surface and move the iron over it for 15 - 25 seconds. Use light pressure and make sure to keep the iron moving during the process. Once done, test the bond by peeling up a corner of the clear liner and observing the reflective stripe on the fabric. The stripe should stay firmly affixed to the fabric. In other words, it would have molded or melted itself to the surface. If everything looks good, peel the rest of the clear liner free. Below is a factory explanation of the application of GP025 with commercial conveyor heat press machines and stationary presses. Please note that temperatures are in Centigrade. Also, please remember that it all fabrics are different. So test a small area if possible before applying larger designs or strips. If you have any questions, please feel free to [Contact Me](http://reflective.info/contact). [pdf id='2201'] --- ## Best Uses for Reflective Safety Tapes _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-applications/best-uses-for-reflective-safety-tapes/_ For decades, Reflective Tapes have been a mainstay in the United States for transportation and marine safety, particularly in dark and stormy conditions. Reflective tape prevents accidents, shows due diligence, and reduces liability in the case of an unfortunate event such as a collision. Making dangerous objects visible at night is not only the right thing to do, it is also prudent when it comes to accident responsibility. Listed below are some of the best uses for reflective tape. All the applications prevent injury and save lives, so it is difficult to put them in an order of importance. However, if one had to be chosen as having the most positive impact on public safety, it would be reflective sheeting used for traffic signs. Reflective Tape for Signs & Other Traffic Applications It is generally agreed upon that the best and most popular use for reflective tape or retro reflective sheeting is on objects on and around roadways across the country. These include signs, barricades, bollards, traffic cones, fire hydrants, work zone barrels, workers, and other on or around the roadway applications. In this area of reflectivity, the number one use of reflective tape is traffic signs. In fact, the original invention of reflective sheeting by the 3m company was for this very use. By providing a reflective background for messages, signs can be seen and read from hundreds to thousands of feet away, depending on the overall size of the sign. Contrast this to non-reflective signs that cannot be seen at all during the night. Objects in work zones such as traffic cones, barricades, and barrels are made infinitely more visible by reflective sheeting applied to their surface, and since serving as a warning to drivers is their purpose, this additional nighttime visibility is a must. Since work zones are often unexpected, they need to be clearly marked in every way possible both day and night so that drivers slow down and exercise caution. Lastly, the most important object in a work zone are the workers. Reflective garment trim is used to keep them visible and safe. Fire hydrants and bollards are stationary objects that are meant to be seen, but not struck by a vehicle. So marking these with bright paint for daytime, and bright reflective tape for night is imperative. Striking either of these objects can be catastrophic for an automobile and its occupants. An engineer grade tape is sufficient due to the close in nature of visibility. However, brighter tapes can, of course, be used. Reflective Tape for DOT Regulated Trucks United States Department of Transportation approved reflective tapes (also known as DOT C2) are used to help make roadways safer.  DOT tape has a strong adhesive and is designed to be applied to the metal sides of tractor trailers. By law, all large trucks that exceed 10,000 pounds and are over 80 inches wide must use this tape. US DOT red and white reflective tape (DOT C2) works by capturing light from oncoming headlights, concentrating that light, and bouncing it back to the light source, or car headlights. Reflective Tape for Utility and Fire Vehicles One application of reflective tape that has been very successful at saving lives would be the reflective panels on the backs and fronts of trucks and other vehicles that start and stop in traffic. Fire trucks and utility vehicles, road rangers, DOT service trucks, and other fleet vehicles are examples of vehicles that benefit from these reflective panels. The idea behind these panels is that since they are highly visible day and night and made from highly reflective sheeting, they capture other drivers attention. The two bright and contrasting colors, and the angles used, increase conspicuity for oncoming drivers. So when a fire truck, a utility truck, a DOT vehicle, a police cruiser, or other fleet vehicle park in traffic, they can be seen and avoided. Reflective Tape for Containers and Dumpsters Another use for reflective tape is in marking containers. Whether they be shipping containers, roll off construction debris containers, dumpsters, or trash cans, reflective tape makes these objects seen at night and prevents accidents. Reflective Tape for Motorcycles, Scooters and Bikes Scooters, motorcycles, and bicycles benefit greatly from increased visibility around automobiles. By applying reflective tape to frames, seats, handlebars, and saddlebags, bikes, scooters, and motorcycles can be made visible for thousands of feet away, giving drivers plenty of time to avoid an accident. When headlights from other vehicles illuminate the tape, the tape concentrates and reflects the light, making whatever the tape is attached to highly visible. For motorcycles that do not want bright reflective colors seen on their bike, black reflective tape can be used. It blends in during the day, and is actually quite reflective at night. We recommend Oralite 5650 Rapid Air reflective for these applications. Reflective SOLAS Tape for Marine and Offshore Applications SOLAS Marine Reflective Tape is designed specifically for marine and offshore applications. However, it’s perfect for any situation where you need high reflectivity and visibility outdoors. For example, SOLAS reflective tape is very popular with motorcyclists who desire long-range visibility on both their bikes and clothing. SOLAS Marine tape is designed to withstand UV, extreme temperatures, and harsh weather. If you frequently boat at night, SOLAS reflective tape is perfect for making your boat more visible to others at long distances. As with any application of reflective tape, we recommend that you apply SOLAS in such a way that you create a visual outline of your craft. This way, from a long distance, other boaters will recognize you as another boat, versus a buoy, dock, bridge, etc. If you have a dock that needs to be seen at night, you can apply SOLAS to make it easier to find at night. This applies to you as the owner of the dock and the one who wishes to moor there, and others who would want to avoid a collision with your dock. Visibility helps in both situations. --- ## NFPA Chevron Panels & Striping for Fire Trucks & Apparatus _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-applications/nfpa-chevron-panels-striping-for-fire-trucks-apparatus/_ Our [article](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-regulations/nfpa-1901-reflective-chevron-striping-for-fire-trucks-and-apparatus/) on the NFPA 1901 recommendations for striping fire trucks covers the widths and types of reflective tape that should be used on the backs, sides, doors, and front of fire trucks. Reflective stripes can be applied to trucks in a few different ways, with each having its own advantages and disadvantages. First, you can apply individual colors of striping at 45 degree angles. Colors are alternated and trimmed as they are applied. A type one or better reflective film can be used. We recommend using Oralite V98 prismatic retro reflective material. We recommend this sheeting because it is bright, conformable, and easy to work with. V98 is made as a single layer film, which means it will not delaminate like other films. This is important for vehicle applications. V98 also CAD cuts very well with almost any plotter. This is beneficial if you need letters and numbers that match your striping. We use it for all of our reflective shapes and have no issues cutting and weeding. (60 degree blade is recommended) Notice on the picture below that a right hand and left-hand section of pre-striped sections were used. (see slight seam in middle) Second, you can use pre-printed lime and red reflective material that comes in widths from 2 inches wide to 48 inches. This material is a lime V98 based film, printed with red stripes that are 6" wide. The material comes in Left Hand and Right-hand slants. Equal amounts of each are needed for striping a truck. Application is done by applying the material to a clean, dry, and smooth surface. Stripes are lined up to create a chevron pattern. Material can be pre-trimmed and applied, or applied and then trimmed. Lastly, you can use our pre-fabricated V98 based chevron panels. These reflective panels are rectangles and come in different sizes. Application is a simple peel and stick process. The surface can curve, but not in a compound way like a basketball. Smooth fit surfaces are best. This method is good when you have one area to stripe and would like to get the job done quickly. Especially if the area is smaller, like across a tailgate. Also, excellent for fleets where multiple vehicles need to be striped alike. --- ## Reflective Tape and Sheeting for Work Zones (Temporary Traffic Control) _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-applications/reflective-tape-and-sheeting-for-work-zones-temporary-traffic-control/_ Reflective Tapes for Work Zones or Temporary Traffic Control Zones In work zones or temporary traffic control zones, reflective tape and sheeting are utilized for a variety of purposes. This article focuses on those applications. A "Work Zone" is a designated section of a traffic thoroughfare where construction, maintenance, or utility work operations are marked by beginning and ending warning signs, signals, indicators, and transport systems. From the initial cautionary sign, signal, or set of flashing lights to the sign that reads "END ROAD WORK" or the final traffic control device that applies to that work activity, there is a work zone. Work zones might also include parts of the road where ongoing, mobile construction activities, like lane line painting, are taking place. The guidelines for identifying work zones are outlined in the most recent MUTCD (Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices). The instructions are thorough and offer full explanations and diagrams of how to set up a legal work zone location. The new regulations aim to reduce road fatalities and accidents in and near work zones. A work zone consists of the following elements: - Signs to mark the start and finish of the work zone. - Road Barrels in Orange and White. - Roadway cones (orange traffic cones) - Arrow or message signs that flash - Delineators and Tubular Markers (Channelizing Devices) - Temporary Lane Dividers - Lane shifting signs with Arrows - Signals for temporary traffic control - Type 1, 2, and 3 Striped Barricades (orange/white) - Vertical Panels - Temporary raised pavement markers - Pavement marking tape (temporary) - Movable barriers for traffic control - Safety crash cushions - Rumble Strips - Screens (to obscure the view of the work area) - Warning lights and floodlights - Raised Temporary Islands - Edging that is Visible to Pedestrians In addition to the devices above, work zones or traffic control zones also contain road construction workers and work vehicles of different types. Since these zones need to be kept safe and visible, extensive use of reflective tape is employed. We carry several types of reflective tape that can be used to mark traffic control devices as well as work vehicles.  These are - Flexible High Intensity Barrel Tape - Reflective Traffic Cone Collars - Pre-Striped Slanted Reflective Tape - DOT Truck Tape - Temporary Pavement Marking Tape. - Raised Pavement Markers Flexible High Intensity Reflective Barrel Tape (ASTM D4956 Type 3) is a specially designed product that can withstand an impact and return to its original shape. This is often referred to as being reboundable. This type of reflective tape is suitable for use on barrels and delineators (4′′ and 6′′). This tape's brightness and conformability make it perfect for uses like delineators or road barrels. White, yellow, or orange versions of this material in 4 and 6 inch widths are available for barrels. Maintaining new tape on the barrels will ensure that they continue to comply with MUTCD rules and regulations. You can gain more knowledge about how to mark your specific barrels appropriately by consulting the MUTCD manual and your State DOT. This material also works well for many additional applications where brightness and flexibility are important. Traffic Cone Collars (reflective) also need a reboundable and flexible material that is rugged. Traffic Cones experience even more punishment than barrels in work zones which is why reboundable tape needs to be used.  Traffic cone collars are cut with a curve in them so that when you wrap them around a cone they come out straight.  To apply cone collars straight and level, you position the strip on the cone with the backing on it first. Get it perfectly level where the ends meet and then tape one end with masking tape to create a hinge. Begin peeling the backing off, starting at the hinge and wrap the collar around the cone.  The hinge insures a straight application. We carry cone collars by Oralite that are specifically designed for this application. They are even brighter and more rugged than the Type 3 Flexible material used for barrels. Pre-Striped Reflective Barricade Tape (engineer and high intensity grades) — Reflective barricade tape that is used to draw attention to construction zones and to indicate which way traffic should go around the area. Work zones are marked with orange and white striped tape, while dead ends and areas with washed-out roads are marked with red and white stripes. For certain applications, engineer grade is acceptable, but other zones and applications call for high intensity tape. The appropriate intensity tape can be determined by your local DOT office or inspector. Also, as a rule, whichever way the tape points when slanting downward, is the way traffic should go. Generally speaking, you would apply one slant to some barricades on one side and the inverse on the other. An illustration of this is a type 1 barricade, such as those seen over man holes. Reflective Tape for Work Trucks – trucks that work within work zones should be marked clearly so that they can be seen both day and night.  For large trucks like semi-trailer rigs, Red and White DOT reflective tape is required.  This regulation is applicable to all tractor trailers or semi-trucks, whether they are used in work zones or just on the road. In work zones, trucks that fall below the threshold for DOT tape requirements should still be marked in a way to call attention to them. Nothing that is within a work zone should be invisible to oncoming drivers to where it causes danger. So this includes vehicles. As mentioned above, many of the trucks and equipment used in work zones do not fall under the federal FMCSA or NHTSA regulations requiring DOT tape.  However, because they either move slowly or are stationary around fast moving traffic, it is often more important to have them marked conspicuously so that they are visible both day and night.   A common pattern for reflective panels is the chevron pattern pictured below.  This pattern consists of alternating yellow and red striping that slants outward and downward at 45 degree angles.  This pattern and color combination is normally seen on fire apparatus. However, since work zone vehicles are not under the same regulations that fire apparatus are, they are able to use different color combinations.  Oralite V98 tape is a popular reflective film for this type of application.  It is prismatic, rugged, conformable and very bright, which makes it a great choice for work zone vehicles. [](https://reflective-tape.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/airflo3.jpg) [](https://reflective-tape.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/pavetape9.jpg) Temporary pavement marking tape is also used extensively in work zones to mark temporary traffic lanes.  Lanes are required to be marked at all times, so when a lane is temporarily diverted, a new lane must be created.  When work is complete, permanent lines can be put down. Foil-based traffic tapes are designed to create temporary lines on the pavement.  They are easy to install and simple to remove.  To install the tape, you lay it on a clean, dry surface and press it in with a rubber tire to conform it to the surface.  To remove the tape, you can peel it by hand or heat the tape with a torch.  (the heat vaporizes the adhesive and removes the tape) Two types of aluminum-based tapes are available for pavement. Wet reflective and construction grade. Wet reflective is brighter. [](https://reflective-tape.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/road-markers.jpg) Raised Pavement Markers  are reflective road markers used on roads to mark lanes and alert drivers when they cross over a line.  At night, car headlights cause them to light up.  When lanes are temporarily moved because of road work, new markers as well as lines should be put down immediately.  For work zones, the marker color will most likely be white or yellow and, in some cases, white/red or yellow/red.  Butyl or epoxy is used to secure the markers to the ground. --- ## Reflective Tape For Marking School Buses - FMVSS 571.131 & 571.217 Regulations _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-applications/reflective-tape-for-marking-school-buses-fmvss-131-217-regulations/_ FMVSS 131 & 217 School Bus Reflective Tape Requirements – [Online Reflective Tape Store](https://www.tapedealer.com/School-Bus-Tape-Reflective-by-Reflexite_c31.htm) [](https://reflective-tape.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/school1.jpg) FMVSS stands for Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. It is a comprehensive set of standards with parts of it dealing with school buses. FMVSS 571.131 and 571.217 are subsections of federal regulations dealing with standards for school bus safety as they relate to emergency exit visibility and stop arms. FMVSS 571.131 deals with the Safety Stop Arms and the retro reflective tape that is required for these, and FMVSS 571.217 covers reflective tape for emergency exits. An excerpt is below. Each opening for a required emergency exit shall be outlined around its outside perimeter with retroreflective tape with a minimum width of 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) in either red, white, or yellow in color, that, when tested under the conditions specified in S6.1 of Standard No. 131 ([49 CFR 571.131](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/section-571.131)), meets the criteria specified in Table 1 of that section.  S5.3 *Conspicuity.* The **stop signal arm** shall comply with either S5.3.1 or S5.3.2, or both.  S5.3.1 Except as provided in S5.3.1.1, S5.3.1.2, or S5.3.1.3, the entire surface of both sides of each stop signal arm shall be reflectorized with Type III retroreflectorized material that meets the minimum specific intensity requirements of S6.1 and Table I.  S.5.3.1.1 The legend of the retroreflective stop arm may be illuminated in a manner such that light is emitted from the surface of each letter or from the area immediately surrounding each letter. Only red lamps may be used. They shall form the complete shape of each letter of the legend, and shall be affixed to all letters (or to the areas immediately surrounding all letters) in the legend. The shape of each letter shall remain constant and, if the lamps are contained within each letter, the net stroke width (stroke width minus the width of the lamp(s)) of each letter of the legend, specified in S5.2.2, shall not be less than 15 mm (0.59 inch). When the stop arm is extended, the lamps shall flash at the rate specified in S6.2.2, with a current “on” time specified in S6.2.2.1. All lamps shall be positioned in one of the two following ways:  (1) centered within the stroke of each letter of the legend, or  (2) outlining each letter of the legend.  S5.3.1.2 Nonreflectorized mounting brackets, clips, bolts, or other components necessary to the mechanical or electrical operation of the stop signal arm shall not obscure more than 7.5 percent of the total surface area of either side of the stop signal arm.  S5.3.1.3 When two stop signal arms are installed on a school bus, the forward side of the rearmost stop signal arm shall not be reflectorized. S6.1 ***Reflectivity Test.*** When tested under the conditions specified in S6.2 (b), (c), and (d) of Federal motor vehicle safety standard 125, Warning Devices, ([49 CFR 571.125](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/section-571.125)), the retroreflective materials shall meet the criteria specified in table 1.  Table 1—Minimum Specific Intensity Per Unit Area (SIA) (Candelas per Footcandle Per Square Foot) Observation Angle (°)Entrance Angle (°)WhiteRedType III Retroreflective Element MaterialA—Glass Bead Retroreflective Element Material0.2−4250450.2+ 30150250.5−495150.5+ 306510B—Prismatic Retroreflective Element Material0.2−4250450.2+ 309513.30.5−4200280.5+ 306510 Private buses are not as regulated as school buses.  However, the same type of markings are recommended especially if the bus transports children. --- ## Reflective Word and Message Panels for Trucks and Utility Vehicles _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-applications/reflective-word-and-message-panels-for-trucks-and-utility-vehicles/_ Vehicles that stop and start, or park near heavy traffic, need to be clearly visible. Reflective striped panels that are highly visible in the day, and reflective at night easily accomplish this goal. However, oftentimes, vehicle owners also wish to convey a message to approaching traffic. For example, a reflective message panel that said "FREQUENT STOPS" would warn cars behind the vehicle and make them aware that the vehicle may stop suddenly. A horse trailer that said "CAUTION HORSES" would likewise warn drivers that animals are on board a trailer, and they should be extra careful. Work zone vehicles that are painting the road may have reflective panels that say "STAY BACK 200 FEET" or "SLOW DOWN" and "PAINTING IN PROGRESS". This type of message would warn drivers to not only slow down, but to also be careful to stay off freshly sprayed lines. Some examples of reflective word panel messages would be as follows - SLOW MOVING VEHICLE CAUTION HORSES STAY BACK 200 FEET SNOW PLOW SNOW PLOWING IN PROGRESS WIDE LOAD FREQUENT STOPS By letting other drivers know what danger to expect, a safer scenario can be created around work vehicles, utility vehicles, or vehicles towing trailers with livestock. And since the panels are both vivid in the day and reflective at night, they get the attention of other drivers from far away, even before the driver can read what the panel says. So, although drivers need to be within say 300 feet to read the message, they will see the bright panel at over 1000 feet away. --- ## Reflective Tape for Roll Off Containers, Dumpsters, and Trash Cans _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-applications/reflective-tape-for-roll-off-containers-dumpsters-and-trash-cans/_ Roll off containers for trash and debris, dumpsters, and trash cans all present a danger to other vehicles. Roll off containers are often deployed right in the street. Dumpsters are often near where cars go around buildings. And trash cans are placed at the edge or in vehicle traffic once or twice a week. So the goal is to make these large objects visible both day and night so that a collision can be avoided. When marking objects like roll off construction debris containers and dumpsters, it is important to apply reflective tape so that it creates an outline. By outlining objects to be seen at night, a viewer can quickly identify what the object is and make the necessary adjustments to avoid a collision. This is true of any object you wish to make more visible. If only a couple of rectangles of reflective tape are used on a construction debris container, for example, the viewer will know that something is ahead, but will not know what it is until they get close. This is not ideal. It is better for them to identify the object as a large trash container while they are far away, when there is plenty of time to react. Ordinances Governing the Marking of Containers If you check your city or county ordinances pertaining to roll off containers or dumpsters placed in or around traffic, you will often find requirements like the one below from the City of Gloucester, NJ. (note - NJ is strict about marking containers) Remember, as the renter or owner of the container, you are responsible for maintaining its visibility, and liable if anyone hits your container. This is true whether there is or isn't an ordinance requiring the container to be marked. Below is an excerpt that goes along with the ordinance above. As you can see, there are penalties for violating an ordinance. Here is another example of an ordinance regulating containers and specifying how they should be marked. This one is for the City of Savannah GA. *****Dumpsters/containers next to the roadway shall be provided with reflective red and white tape diagonally striped six inches (6") in width and twenty-four inches (24") in length (as a minimum) to be located at each corner on the top side of dumpster/container. ***** Here is one from Warren, PA - (1) That said unit is made clearly visible through the use of construction cones, lighting, and/or reflective tape. And one from the City of New Orleans - - Safety markers are required on each end of the dumpster. No less than 2 “Type 2” safety markers must be permanently affixed to the upper corner at each end. - A “Type 2” marker is either: a marker of 3 yellow reflectors each with a minimum dimension of 3” OR an all yellow reflective panel measuring not less than 6” x 12” And here is another from the city of Denver, CO - *All dumpsters/containers placed within the Right-of-Way are subject to inspection by City Inspectors. Must have a minimum of 6 inches wide by 4 feet long strip of reflective tape placed vertically on each corner, or four vertical panel barricades with flashing lights placed on the street facing side of the container. (Placement of the barricades is to be at each end and evenly spaced in the middle.) May be placed in the public Right-of-Way for a maximum of 180 days in a 12 month period.* And one from NYC - The container shall be marked with high intensity reflective paint, reflectors, or other markings capable of producing a warning glow when struck by the head lamps of a vehicle or other source of illumination at a distance of 300 feet. The use of prismatic sheeting or reflectors is recommended. And finally, one from Atlanta, GA - The requirement to affix and maintain, on each of the four corners of the dumpster high-intensity retro-reflective sheeting, or other retro-reflective or prismatic material or substance according to standards established and published by the commissioner of the department of public works. Any dumpster in the public right-of-way not bearing its identification information or reflective material as required by subsection (f) of this section, shall be in violation of the requirements of this section. I list the regulations for various cities above for the purpose of showing you the different methods that are required for marking containers. And how serious are municipalities about this issue? Again, even if there is not a regulation in your area for marking your container with reflective material, you should mark it anyway to show due diligence and to keep drivers safe. Especially if your containers are near a roadway. In the event of an accident, due diligence and an attempt made to keep drivers safe will help in your favor. Not following an express ordinance and then having an accident happen is not a favorable situation. What Type of Reflective Tape for Containers? The type of reflective tape you use depends on the sight distance that you want to achieve, and any regulations that are in place in your municipality. If there is an ordinance governing the marking of your container, follow that ordinance. Generally speaking, if traffic is close and slowly moving, then a type one or better retro reflective tape can be used. Any color is fine, but the brighter colors are white, yellow, and orange. You can also combine two colors for a better effect. If the container or trash can is in or around fast moving traffic, and a longer sight distance is needed, use a type 3 or better film. A V82 Type 5 by Oralite is a good choice for a situation like this. It is thin, incredibly bright, and still affordable. The picture above shows our engineer grade type 1 film in all the colors. Normally, a 1" or 2" wide roll is used for containers, trash cans, and dumpsters. The tape above is our Oralite V82 or AP1000 film. It is at least 10 times as bright as engineer grade film and can be seen from much further away. If a container needs to be seen from a long sight distance, or if there is limited room for tape and 1" has to be used, then Oralite V82 is a good choice. There are other choices, and they can be found at [www.reflectivestore.com](http://www.reflectivestore.com) . --- ## Making Fire Hydrants More Visible With Colored Reflective Tape _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-applications/making-fire-hydrants-more-visible-with-colored-reflective-tape/_ It is important for fire hydrants to be well-marked so that they can be found quickly by firefighters both day and night. Most hydrants are painted red, yellow or another easily seen color and placed where they can be spotted and accessed easily in the daytime. But at night, paint, which does not reflect, provides very little visibility. This is where reflective products come in. For hydrants, there are two products that make them more visible and easier for firefighters to find. These are reflective road markers in blue, and reflective tape in a color that matches the GPM water flow of the hydrant. Reflective road markers are normally placed on the roadway, perpendicular to a fire hydrant. For marking fire hydrants, the markers are always blue. If a hydrant is on a corner, then two blue markers are used. These reflective raised pavement markers are easy to see in the daytime, and reflect brightly at night. So as a fire truck comes down a road towards a fire, they will be able to see where the nearest hydrant is quickly and easily. Reflective tape on the actual fire hydrant is used to make the actual hydrant visible to firefighters. But it serves a different purpose as well, that of designating the GPM flow or water output of the hydrant. Standard flow rates and colors of tape are as follows - - Blue – over 1,500 gallons per minute (gpm) - Green – 1000 to 1,499 gpm. - Orange – 500 to 999 gpm. - Red – less than 500 gpm. When hydrants are marked with retro reflective colored tape that matches the flow rate, it makes it easy for fire fighters to see the hydrant at night, and to know which fittings to use for it. A 1 inch wide tape is normally about right for the widest part of the hydrant at the bottom of the bonnet. The rim where the top and bottom bolt together. For long sight distances, we recommend V82 tapes by Oralite. They reflect at over 1000 candela's for white. This is the brightest reflective film that I know of. On the other end of the spectrum is an engineer grade type one by Nikkalite. White in this class of film reflects at 75 candelas. It is less expensive and conforms better. For close up applications where distance is not an issue, engineer grade is fine, for long distance applications, V82 is more appropriate. We have several tapes in between these two that are also fine. --- ## Using Reflective Tape to Mark Cattle and Livestock Ear Tags _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-applications/using-reflective-tape-to-mark-cattle-and-livestock/_ Collisions between vehicles and livestock happen every day in America. These collisions invariably result in property damage, injury, and in some cases even death, to passengers. Studies show that most serious accidents involving vehicles and animals happen at night when visibility is low, and animals disappear into the darkness. In these cases, the driver has little or no time to avoid or even slow down before striking the animal. Here is something to consider. The average deer weighs from 80 to 160 pounds, and hitting a deer can easily total an automobile and can do damage to a large truck. In comparison, an average steer weighs roughly 1200 pounds. So a collision with an animal of this size will most likely result in the death of the animal, $1700, the totaling of a vehicle, $30,000, and in some cases, severe injury, $100,000, or the death of passengers in the vehicle, priceless. So it goes without saying that it would be a positive thing for these animals to be made as visible at night as possible. Livestock have one thing that deer and other wild animals do not have, ear tags. Ear tags are used to identify each head of cattle much like a bar code or serial number would identify a product in a store. By adding reflective tape to ear tags, cattle can be seen at night when hit with a car's headlights. And the fact that cattle are normally in groups or herds makes this addition even more effective. (see image above) Most cattle or livestock are marked with a plastic id tag that can easily and inexpensively be made reflective by the simple addition of bright reflective tape.  These tags range from 2″ x 2″ to 2.5″ x 3″.  A simple rectangle or square of high visibility prismatic reflective tape placed on the back of the id tag can be seen clearly for almost a thousand feet away. A separate tag with reflective tape on both sides can also be used on the opposite ear. A thin and very bright tape like Oralite V82 (AP1000) is recommended due to its low profile and long sight distance. As a comparison, engineer grade reflects at 75 candelas, whereas V82 reflects at over 1000 candelas. (for white) So when you only have room for a small piece of reflective sheeting, you need it to be bright. Note - This type of livestock marking is especially important in “open range” states. In conclusion, the cost of a roll of 2" prismatic tape is nominal when compared with the property damage and injury it can prevent. And applying it can all be done before the tags are placed on the cattle, which makes the job easy. --- ## Reflective Tape for Horse & Livestock Trailers _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-applications/reflective-tape-for-horse-trailers/_ Like all trailers, horse and livestock trailers need to be marked with reflective tape so that they can be clearly seen and identified at night. This is especially true given the value of what is being hauled. By marking your trailer, other vehicles will be able to see it much sooner at night, and as such, drivers will be more able to make adjustments in order to stay clear. An unmarked trailer is especially dangerous both while being towed, or when parked. And since the cost of effectively marking the trailer is less than $100, it makes sense to exercise due diligence when it comes to trailer safety. NOTE - The suggestions below are in addition to the required Reflex Reflectors already required for trailers in FMVSS 108. Reflex reflectors are the plastic or stick on rectangular or round reflectors that are required by the DOT for trailers. These will come on the trailer from the factory. To properly mark any trailer, we recommend creating an outline so that other drivers can both see the trailer, and make out what it is quickly. The Department of Transportation requires that any trailer over 10,000 pounds, and wider than 80 inches must apply red and white dot tape to the sides and back of the trailer. Most horse trailers are both lighter and smaller than this, so the requirement is not applicable. However, marking is not a matter of what is required, it is more a matter of what is needed for safety. So following the guidelines for larger trailers, and adding additional reflectivity, is the best way to keep you, your horses or livestock, and your trailer safe. For the bottom of the trailer, we recommend red and white DOT tape that covers at least 50% of each side. On the back, use a solid section of white and red tape. For the top corners of the back of the horse trailer, use white reflective tape to create an inverted L. Keep any red reflective tape away from your brake lights to avoid confusion for drivers behind you. For the top of the side of the trailer, use either the same DOT tape, or solid red reflective tape. For the sides and back, you can also use reflective word panels that say CAUTION HORSES or LIVESTOCK TRAILER, or another simple phrase. Use common sense to create an aesthetically pleasing design that gets the attention of other drivers. 2 inch wide tape is recommended, but for areas where 2 inch tape is too wide, 1 inch will work. By doing this, you will create an outline that quickly lets drivers know they are seeing a large trailer. Word panels further identify you as hauling animals. By making your trailer visible, you will greatly reduce the possibility of an accident from being hit by a driver that does not see you. --- # Regulations ## MUTCD Minimum Reflectivity Standards for Signs - 2022 Revisions _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-regulations/mutcd-minimum-reflectivity-standards-for-signs-2022-revisions/_ 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 sign reflectivity levels, there have been no changes. Note that the levels below represent minimum standards set at the federal level. States will most likely have higher standards. The deadlines for compliance have all passed. The summary after the chart below will explain what the chart means for different types of signs. - Assess the signs on their roads and develop a replacement plan within four years of the final ruling. (January 22, 2012) - Replace non-compliant warning and regulatory signs within seven years of the final ruling. (January 22, 2015) - Replace guidance and street name signs within ten years of the final ruling. (January 22, 2018) On the left hand side of the chart above you find the color combinations used for the different types of signs. (sign color)  Running left to right along the top of the chart you find the type of reflective sheetings available for signs. To the right running up and down are the overhead and ground mounted categories. In the center of the chart, you see the minimum reflectivity levels that must be maintained for each type of sheeting used. When you see an asterisk, that means that the color next to it cannot be used for that particular type of sign. When the chart says black, it means a non reflective black. Explanation of W* ; G > 7 from chart above - - W means white. - * means type 1 sheeting cannot be used for this type of sign. - G > 7 means that for green, type 1 can be used, but must exceed 7 candelas. Explanation of W > 250 ; G > 25 from chart above - - W > 250 means white prismatic sheeting type 3-10 can be used but must exceed 250 candelas. - * means for white type 1, 2, or 3 sheeting cannot be used for this type of sign. - G > 25 means that green can be used in all types, but must exceed 7 candelas. As an example, if you want to sheet and letter an overhead sign on an interstate, your color choices are a green background with white letters. For the white, you cannot use type 1, type 2, or type 3 glass bead sheeting. For the green you can use any of those, but candelas (brightness) must be above the number listed to the right of the G. Notice that for a post mounted sign, the requirements are type 2 or above. The minimum contrast ratio is also important.  This simply means that the candelas or reflectivity of one color must exceed the other by a certain factor.  For example, the white stop on a stop sign must be 3 times brighter than the red on the sign.  If you use the same type of material for both color this contrast is usually achieved automatically.  However, if you used a prismatic red background which reflects at 105 candelas, and an engineer grade white that reflects at 75 candelas, then you would not hit the 3 to 1 ratio. The part of the MUTCD that covers is below - --- ## NFPA 1901 - Reflective Chevron Striping for Fire Trucks and Apparatus _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-regulations/nfpa-1901-reflective-chevron-striping-for-fire-trucks-and-apparatus/_ NFPA 1901 Specifications for Fire Trucks – ([www.tapedealer.com](http://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 guide when retrofitting older rigs, and many insurance companies are requiring that stations adhere to NFPA 1901. The reflective tape is typically pre-installed on new trucks as standard. Products for Reflective Chevron Striping can be purchased online for retrofits. A Type 1 (engineer grade) is the minimum acceptable type of reflective sheeting that can be used.  More commonly, brighter tape is used. Oralite V98 by Orafol is one popular choice due to its flexibility. Also, fluorescent lime and red are the norm for colors.  There is no color designation for the sides and front. The requirements for the different areas of the vehicle are as follows. REFLECTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR DOORS 14.1.6 Any door of the apparatus designed to allow persons to enter or exit the apparatus shall have at least 96 square inches of retro-reflective material applied to the inside of the door. (this is to call attention to the door when it is opened) REFLECTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SIDE AND FRONT OF THE VEHICLE 15.9.3.1* Retro-reflective striping shall be applied to at least 50%  of the cab and body length on each side of the vehicle, excluding the pump panel areas, and at least 25% of the width of the front of the fire apparatus. 15.9.3.1.1 The stripe or combination of stripes shall be a minimum of 4 inches in total width. (2 – two inch stripes, a 3″ and a 1″, etc.. would meet the criteria) 15.9.3.1.2 The 4 inch wide stripe or combination of stripes shall be allowed to be interrupted by objects (example- receptacles, cracks between slats in roll up doors) provided the full stripe is viewed as conspicuous when approaching the fire apparatus. 15.9.3.1.3 A Reflective graphic design shall be allowed to replace all or part of the required striping material if the design or combination thereof covers at least the same perimeter length(s) required by 15.9.3.1. REFLECTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE 15.9.3.2 At least 50% or half of the rear-facing vertical surfaces, visible from the rear of the fire apparatus, “not including” any pump panel areas not covered by a door, shall be outfitted with retro-reflective striping in a chevron pattern sloping downward and away from the center-line of the vehicle at 45 degree angles. (see picture above) 15.9.3.2.1 Each stripe used in the chevron design shall be a single color alternating between yellow and red. 15.9.3.2.2 Each stripe shall be 6 inches wide. 15.9.3.3 The retro-reflective materials required by sections 15.9.3.1 and 15.9.3.2 shall be in accordance to requirements stated in ASTM D 4956, Standard Specification for Retro-reflective Sheeting for Traffic Control, Section 6.1.1 for Type I Sheeting. (engineer grade which is similar to what is on a car tag.  The sheeting can be brighter.  ie, Type 3,5,8,v92,v82) 15.9.3.3.1 All retro-reflective sheeting and materials used to meet the requirements of 15.9.3.1 that are colors not listed in ASTM D 4956, Section 6.1.1, shall have a minimum coefficient of retro reflection of 10 candelas, measured at an observation angle of 0.2 degrees and entrance angle of −4 degrees. 15.9.3.3.3 Any printed or processed retroreflective film construction used to satisfy 15.9.3.1 and 15.9.3.2 must adhere to ASTM D 4956 Section 6.1.1's requirements for integral colored films. Summary Even though it is not a federal law, the majority of departments adhere to NFPA 1901 for legal and safety reasons. In the event of an accident, most departments believe that taking every safety precaution is preferable. The Reflective Store is our primary location for safety products. --- ## Ambulance Reflective Chevron Marking Regulation - NFPA 1917 _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-regulations/ambulance-reflective-chevron-marking-regulation-nfpa-1917/_ 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 appropriate to note that although NFPA guidelines are followed by the majority of fire and EMS departments, they are actually guidelines and not laws or federal regulations. (Although some states, counties, and cities have made them official requirements) A copy of NFPA 1917 6.25.1 -6.25.9 is as follows –  **6.25* Retro-reflective Striping.** (definition is to return light to its source) **6.25.1* **A retro-reflective stripe, a combination of retroreflective stripes, or Battenberg design (checker design) shall be affixed to the ambulance as follows: -  25 percent of the length of each of the cab side surfaces when approached from each side -  75 percent of the length of each patient compartment side surfaces when approached from each side **6.25.2 **The stripe or combination of stripes shall be no less than 6 inches wide. **6.25.3 **The 6 inch wide stripe or combination of stripes shall be permitted to be interrupted by objects (e.g., receptacles, cracks between slats in roll-up doors), provided the full stripe stands out and is noticeable as the ambulance is approached. **6.25.4 **A retro-reflective graphic design shall be permitted to replace all or part of the required striping tape on the front and sides of the vehicle if the design or combination thereof covers at least the same surface area as required by 6.25.1. **6.25.5 **Any vertically hinged door shall have at least 60 square inches of retro-reflective tape affixed to the inside of the door. **6.25.6* **At least 50 percent of the rear-facing vertical surfaces other than glass and lenses, visible when facing from the rear of the ambulance, shall be equipped with retro-reflective tape. **6.25.6.1 **Where chevrons are used, each stripe in the chevron shall be a single color alternating between two high-contrast colors. **6.25.6.2 6.25.6.3 **Where Battenburg markings are used - Each stripe shall be 6 inches in width. 22 The Battenburg markings shall be 144 inches. **6.25.7 **All retroreflective sheeting shall conform to the requirements of ASTM D4956, *Standard Specification for Retro-reflective Sheeting for Traffic Control*, Section 6.1.1, for Type I Sheeting. **6.25.8 **All retro-reflective materials that are colors not listed in ASTM D4956, *Standard Specification for Retro-reflective Sheeting for Traffic Control*, Section 6.1.1, shall have a minimum coefficient of retro-reflection of 10 candelas when viewed at an observation angle of 0.2 degrees and an entrance angle of −4 degrees. (this is the equivalent of an engineer grade type 1 reflective film) **6.25.9 **Any printed or processed retro-reflective film construction shall conform to the standards required of an integral colored film as specified in ASTM D4956, *Standard Specification for Retroreflective Sheeting for Traffic Control*, Section 6.1.1. --- ## FRA 224 - R99 Rail Car Marking Regulation _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-regulations/fra-224-r99-rail-car-marking-regulation/_ 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 was written. (Paraphrase of regulation) Subpart A—General §224.1   Purpose and scope. (a) The purpose of this part is to reduce highway-rail grade crossing accidents and deaths, injuries, and property damage resulting from those accidents, by enhancing the conspicuity of rail freight rolling stock so as to increase its detectability by motor vehicle operators at night and under conditions of poor visibility. (b) This section establishes the obligations of railroads and owners of freight rolling stock (including those who manage the maintenance of freight rolling stock, supply freight rolling stock for transportation, or offer freight rolling stock in transportation) to gradually apply retroreflective material to freight rolling stock and to periodically inspect and maintain that material in order to achieve cost-effective mitigation of collision risk at highway-rail grade crossings. However, owners of freight rolling stock are not required to install, clean, otherwise maintain, or repair reflective material unless otherwise specified in this part. (c) This section specifies standards for the application, inspection, and maintenance of retroreflective material to rail freight rolling stock in order to improve its detectability at highway-rail grade crossings. It also establishes a schedule for the application of retroreflective material to rail freight rolling stock. If the retroreflective material applied to freight rolling stock is consistent with the recognizable pattern required by this part, neither the railroad nor the owner of the freight rolling stock are prohibited from doing so. §224.3   Applicability. This section applies to all railroad freight cars and locomotives that are used for revenue or work train service and cross a public or private highway-rail grade crossing: (a) Any freight rolling equipment used solely inside of a structure not included in the overall railroad transportation system; b) Rapid transit services in urban locations cut off from the broader railroad-based transportation network; c) Passenger trains and automobiles that are only utilized for passenger transportation; or (d) freight rolling stock that is required to adhere to reflectorization requirements established by another Federal agency. §224.5   Definitions. "Administrator" refers to the Federal Railroad Administration's administrator or a delegate of the administrator. Associate Administrator refers to the Federal Railroad Administration, the Associate Administrator for Safety, or the Associate Administrator's representative. Scratched, shattered, cracked, peeled, or delaminated are all examples of damage. *Flat car* means a car having a flat floor or deck on the underframe with no sides, ends or roof (including spine cars, articulated and mult-unit intermodal cars). *Freight rolling stock means:* (1) Any locomotive subject to part 229 of this chapter used to haul or switch freight cars (whether in revenue or work train service); and (2) Any railroad freight car (whether used in revenue or work train service). *Freight rolling stock owner* means any person who owns freight rolling stock, is a lessee of freight rolling stock, manages the maintenance or use of freight rolling stock on behalf of an owner or one or more lessors or lessees, or otherwise controls the maintenance or use of freight rolling stock. *Locomotive* has the meaning assigned by §229.5 of this chapter, but for purposes of this part applies only to a locomotive used in the transportation of freight or the operation of a work train. *Obscured* means concealed or hidden (i.e., covered up, as where a layer of paint or dense chemical residue blocks all incoming light); this term does not refer to ordinary accumulations of dirt, grime, or ice resulting from the normal railroad operating environment. A person is any legal entity described in 1 U.S.C. 1, including, but not limited to: a train line; a railroad official, manager, or other manager or supervisor; any person who owns, makes, leases, or leases out railroad facilities, equipment, or track; any independent contractor that supplies a railroad with goods or services; as well as any employees of the owner, manufacturer, lessor, lessee, or independent contractor in question. The term "railroad" refers to any and all forms of non-highway ground transportation that operate on rails or electromagnetic guideways. This includes high-speed ground transportation systems that connect metropolitan areas, regardless of whether these systems make use of new technologies that are not associated with conventional railroads. *Railroad freight car* has the meaning assigned by §215.5 of this chapter. ***Tank car*** means a rail car, the body of which consists of a tank for transporting liquids. *Universal Machine Language Equipment Register* means the database containing information on rail equipment maintained by the Association of American Railroads. *Unqualified Retroreflective Sheeting* means engineering grade sheeting, super engineering grade sheeting (enclosed lens) or high-intensity type sheeting (ASTM Type I, II, III, or IV Sheeting) as described in ASTM International Standard D-4956-04, “Standard Specification for Retroreflective Sheeting for Traffic Control.” *Work train* means a non-revenue service train used for the maintenance and upkeep service of the railroad. §224.7   Waivers. (a) Any person subject to a requirement of this part may petition the Administrator for a waiver of compliance with such requirement. The filing of such a petition does not affect that person's responsibility for compliance with that requirement while the petition is being considered. (b) Each petition for waiver under this section shall be filed in the manner and contain the information required by part 211 of this chapter. (c) If the Administrator finds that a waiver of compliance is in the public interest and is consistent with railroad safety, the Administrator may grant the waiver subject to any conditions that the Administrator deems necessary.  §224.9   Responsibility for compliance. (a) This section's compliance is primarily the responsibility of railroads, owners of freight rolling stock, and manufacturers of retroreflective material (with regard to material certification). However, any person (including any of the aforementioned employees, agents, or contractors) performing any function or task required by this section must do so in accordance with this section. (b) Any person performing any function or task required by this part shall be deemed to have consented to FRA inspection of the person's facilities and records to the extent necessary to determine whether the function or task is being performed in accordance with the requirements of this part.  §224.11   Penalties. a) Any individual, including, but not limited to, a railroad; any railroad official, manager, supervisor, or other employee; any person who owns, manufactures, leases, or owns equipment, facilities, or track for railroads; Any employee of such owner, manufacturer, lessor, lessee, or independent contractor who violates or causes a violation of this part is subject to a civil penalty of at least $919 but no more than $30,058 per violation, with the following exceptions: Individuals can only be punished for willful violations, and a maximum of $120,231 per violation can be imposed when a grossly negligent violation or a pattern of repeated violations has created an imminent hazard of death or injury to persons or has caused death or injury. A separate offense will be committed for each day that a violation continues. A list of the amounts of civil penalties used in this part can be found on the FRA website at www.fra.dot.gov. (b) Any person who knowingly and willfully falsifies a record or report required by this part is subject to criminal penalties under 49 U.S.C. 21311.  [70 FR 62176, Oct. 28, 2005, as amended at 72 FR 51197, Sept. 6, 2007; 73 FR 79702, Dec. 30, 2008; 77 FR 24420, Apr. 24, 2012; 81 FR 43110, July 1, 2016; 82 FR 16133, Apr. 3, 2017; 83 FR 60747, Nov. 27, 2018; 84 FR 23735, May 23, 2019; 84 FR 37073, July 31, 2019; 86 FR 1758, Jan. 11, 2021; 86 FR 23254, May 3, 2021] §224.13   Preemptive effect. Under 49 U.S.C. 20106, issuance of this part preempts any State law, rule, regulation, or order covering the same subject matter, except an additional or more stringent law, rule, regulation, or order that is necessary to eliminate or reduce an essentially local safety hazard; that is not incompatible with a law, rule, regulation, or order of the United States Government; and that does not unreasonably burden interstate commerce.  §224.15   Special approval procedures. **(a) ***General.* The following procedures govern consideration and action upon requests for special approval of alternative standards under §224.103(e). **(b) ***Petitions.* (1) Each petition for special approval of an alternative standard shall contain— (i) The name, title, address, and telephone number of the primary person to be contacted with regard to the petition; (ii) The alternative proposed, in detail, to be substituted for the particular requirements of this part; and (iii) Appropriate data and analysis establishing that the alternative will provide at least an equivalent level of safety and meet the requirements of §224.103(e). (2) Each petition for special approval of an alternative standard shall be submitted to the Docket Clerk, Office of Chief Counsel, Federal Railroad Administration, RCC-10, Mail Stop 10, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. **(c) ***Notice.* FRA will publish a notice in the Federal Register concerning each petition under paragraph (b) of this section. **(d) ***Public comment.* FRA will provide a period of not less than 30 days from the date of publication of the notice in the Federal Register during which any person may comment on the petition. (1) Each comment shall set forth specifically the basis upon which it is made, and contain a concise statement of the interest of the commenter in the proceeding. (2) Each comment shall be submitted to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations (M-30), West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, and shall contain the assigned docket number which appears in the Federal Register for that proceeding. The form of such submission may be in written or electronic form consistent with the standards and requirements established by the Federal Docket Management System and posted on its Web site at ***[http://www.regulations.gov.](http://www.regulations.gov./)*** (3) In the event FRA determines that it requires additional information to appropriately consider the petition, FRA will conduct a hearing on the petition in accordance with the procedures provided in §211.25 of this chapter. e) How petitions are decided. (1) The petition will be granted, typically within 90 days of its receipt, if FRA determines that it satisfies the requirements of this section and that the proposed alternative standard is acceptable or that changes are justifiable, or both. When deciding whether or not to accept the petition, the Associate Administrator may determine whether or not any other technical requirements of this section apply. The petition remains pending for decision if it is neither granted nor denied within 90 days. FRA may impose additional restrictions on the petition's approval. FRA may reopen consideration of a petition for the stated reason following its approval. (2) If FRA finds that the petition does not comply with the requirements of this section, or that the proposed alternative standard is not acceptable or that the proposed changes are not justified, or both, the petition will be denied, normally within 90 days of its receipt. (3) When FRA grants or denies a petition, or reopens consideration of a petition, written notice is sent to the petitioner and other interested parties and a copy of the notice is placed in the electronic docket of the proceeding.  [70 FR 62176, Oct. 28, 2005, as amended at 74 FR 25173, May 27, 2009]   Subpart B—Application, Inspection, and Maintenance of Retroreflective Material §224.101   General requirements. All rail freight rolling stock subject to this part shall be equipped with retroreflective sheeting that conforms to the requirements of this part. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the application, inspection, and maintenance of that sheeting shall be conducted in accordance with this subpart or in accordance with an alternative standard providing at least an equivalent level of safety after special approval of FRA under §224.15.  §224.103   Characteristics of retroreflective sheeting. **(a) ***Construction.* Retroreflective sheeting applied pursuant to this part shall consist of a smooth, flat, transparent exterior film with microprismatic retroreflective elements embedded in or suspended beneath the film so as to form a non-exposed retroreflective optical system. **(b) ***Color.* Retroreflective sheeting applied pursuant to this part shall be yellow, fluorescent yellow, or white as specified by the chromaticity coordinates of ASTM International's Standard D 4956-04, “Standard Specification for Retroreflective Sheeting for Traffic Control.” The Director of the Federal Register approves the incorporation by reference of this standard in this section in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. You may obtain a copy of the incorporated standard from ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, P.O. Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959 or at ***[http://www.astm.org.](http://www.astm.org./)***You may inspect a copy of the incorporated standard at the Federal Railroad Administration, Docket Clerk, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590 or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030***[.](http://www.archives.gov/federal__register/code__of__federal__regulations/ibr__locations.html.)*** **(c) ***Performance.* Retroreflective sheeting applied pursuant to this part shall meet the requirements of ASTM D 4956-04, for Type V Sheeting if metalized or Type VII Sheeting if non-metalized, except for the initial minimum values of the coefficient of retroreflection, and shall, as initially applied, meet the minimum values for the coefficient of retroreflection specified in Table 1 of this subpart. [70 FR 62176, Oct. 28, 2005, as amended at 74 FR 25173, May 27, 2009] Table 1 to Subpart B of Part 224—Minimum Coefficient of Retroreflection (RA) (in Candela/Lux/Meter2) Requirement for Retroreflective Sheeting (Minimum Photometric Performance Requirements) **c(d) ***Certification.* The characters “FRA-224”, constituting the manufacturer's certification that the retroreflective sheeting conforms to the requirements of paragraphs (a) through (c) of this section, shall appear at least once on the exposed surface of each piece of sheeting in the final application. The characters shall be a minimum of three millimeters high, and shall be permanently stamped, etched, molded, or printed within the product and each certification shall be spaced no more than four inches apart. (e) Different standards Under 224.15, a railroad or owner of freight rolling stock may petition the Associate Administrator to approve a different safety-enhancing technology. Any such petition must include enough data and analysis to show that the technology will be visible and last at least as long as the sheeting described in paragraphs (a) through (c) applied in accordance with this part. It will also show that the technology will present a recognizable visual target that is in line with freight rolling stock with retroreflective sheeting that meets the technical requirements of this part to give motorists the intended warning. §224.105   Sheeting dimensions and quantity. Retroreflective sheeting shall be applied along the length of each railroad freight car and locomotive side as described in §224.106. Unless otherwise specified, retroreflective sheeting applied under this part shall be applied in strips 4 inches wide and 18 or 36 inches long, as practicable. The amount of retroreflective sheeting to be applied to each car or locomotive subject to this part is dependent on the length of the car or locomotive and the color of the sheeting. For purposes of this part, the length of a railroad freight car or locomotive is measured from endsill to endsill, exclusive of the coupler and draft gear. Each side of a railroad freight car subject to this part, including each unit of multi-unit cars, and each side of a locomotive subject to this part must be equipped with at least the minimum amount of retroreflective sheeting specified in Table 2 of this subpart.  1Freight cars or locomotives over 100 ft. in length must be equipped with an additional one-half a square foot of sheeting on each side for every additional 10 feet of length. §224.106   Location of retroreflective sheeting. (A) Freight trains on railroads. The Associate Administrator has approved a uniform industry standard that calls for the distribution of material along the length of each car and as near as reasonably possible to 42 inches above the top of rail to be used to apply the retroreflective sheeting along the length of each railroad freight car side. The standards outlined in this subpart must be followed if such a standard is not proposed by business or adopted by the Associate Administrator. The retroreflective sheeting used in accordance with this item must be placed away from any fixtures and equipment, such as pipes, ladders, and other safety appliances, that could obstruct its sight. Bolts, rivets, door hinges, and other discontinuous surfaces that might prevent the retroreflective sheeting from sticking to the car sides are not required to have discontinuous surfaces covered with retroreflective sheeting. Additionally, car stencils and markings that are already present or necessary need not be covered with retroreflective sheeting. 4x18 and 4x36 inch strips of retroreflective material may be cut into 4x9 inch strips and applied on either side of the appurtenance, discontinuous surface, or existing or required car markings or stencils, as is practical, if it is necessary to avoid appurtenances, discontinuous surfaces, or existing or required car markings or stencils. Retroreflective sheeting must be installed along the sides of freight rolling stock, unless otherwise specified, as practically as possible, at intervals not to exceed every 12 feet. Due to existing stencils, adornments, or discontinuous surfaces, it may not be practical to apply retroreflective sheeting every 12 feet. In this case, the sheeting must be applied at the minimum feasible spacing. **(1) ***General rule.* On railroad freight cars other than flat cars and tank cars, retroreflective sheeting shall be applied in either a vertical or horizontal pattern along the length of the car sides, with the bottom edge of the sheeting as close as practicable to 42 inches above the top of rail. Retroreflective sheeting shall not be applied below the side sill. **(i) ***Vertical application.* If retroreflective sheeting is applied in a vertical pattern, at least one 4x36 inch strip or two 4x18 inch strips, one above the other, shall be applied as close to each end of the car as practicable. Between these two vertical end strips, a minimum of one 4x18 inch strip shall be applied at least every 12 feet, as practicable. ***See***** Figures 1, 2 and 3. ** [**View or download PDF**](https://www.ecfr.gov/graphics/pdfs/er28oc05.000.pdf) [**View or download PDF**](https://www.ecfr.gov/graphics/pdfs/er28oc05.001.pdf) [**View or download PDF**](https://www.ecfr.gov/graphics/pdfs/er28oc05.002.pdf) **(ii) ***Horizontal application.* If retroreflective sheeting is applied in a horizontal pattern, at least one 4x36 inch strip, or two 4x18 inch strips, one above or next to the other, shall be applied as close to each end of the car as practicable. Between these end strips, a minimum of one 4x18 inch strip shall be applied at least every 12 feet, as practicable. ***See*** Figures 4, 5, and 6.  [**View or download PDF**](https://www.ecfr.gov/graphics/pdfs/er28oc05.003.pdf) [**View or download PDF**](https://www.ecfr.gov/graphics/pdfs/er28oc05.004.pdf) [**View or download PDF**](https://www.ecfr.gov/graphics/pdfs/er28oc05.005.pdf) **(2) ***Tank cars.* On tank cars, retroreflective sheeting shall be applied vertically to each car side and centered on the horizontal centerline of the tank, or as near as practicable. If it is not practicable to safely apply the sheeting centered vertically about the horizontal centerline of the tank, the sheeting may be applied vertically with its top edge no lower than the horizontal centerline of the tank. A minimum of either one 4x36 inch strip or two 4x18 inch strips, one above the other, shall be applied as close to each end of the car as practicable. Between these two end strips, a minimum of one 4x18 inch strip shall be applied at least every 12 feet, as practicable. Retroreflective sheeting applied under this part shall not be located in the spillage area directly beneath the manway used to load and unload the tank. ***See*** Figures 7 and 8.  [**View or download PDF**](https://www.ecfr.gov/graphics/pdfs/er28oc05.006.pdf) [**View or download PDF**](https://www.ecfr.gov/graphics/pdfs/er28oc05.007.pdf) **(3) ***Flat cars.* On flat cars, retroreflective sheeting shall be applied in a horizontal pattern along the length of the side sill with the bottom edge of the sheeting no lower than the bottom of the side sill and the top edge of the sheeting no higher than the top of the car deck or floor. At least two 4x18 inch strips, one above the other, shall be applied as close to each end of the car as practicable. If the side sill is less than 8 inches wide, one 4x36 inch strip, or two 4x18 inch strips may be applied one next to the other, dividing the strips into nine inch segments as necessary in accordance with paragraph (a) of this section. Between the two end strips, a minimum of one 4x18 inch strip shall be applied at least every 12 feet, as practicable. *See* Figure 9. If a car has a separate rack structure, retroreflective sheeting may be applied to the flat car portion only in accordance with the requirements of this section. For cars without continuous side sills, retroreflective sheeting may be applied to other surfaces inboard of the sides, such as the center sill, provided that the sheeting is not obscured by other components.  [**View or download PDF**](https://www.ecfr.gov/graphics/pdfs/er28oc05.008.pdf) **(4) ***Cars of special construction.* This paragraph applies to any car the design of which is not compatible with the patterns of application otherwise provided in this section. Retroreflective sheeting shall conform as closely as practicable to the requirements of paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(3) of this section and shall have the minimum amount of sheeting described in §224.105 distributed along the length of each car side. **(b) ***Locomotives.* Locomotives subject to this part shall be equipped with at least the minimum amounts of retroreflective sheeting required by §224.105 either in strips four inches wide and 18 or 36 inches long and spaced as uniformly as practicable along the length of the locomotive sides, or in one continuous strip, at least four inches wide, along the length of the locomotive. Retroreflective sheeting applied to locomotive sides shall be applied as close as practicable to 42 inches from the top of the rail.  §224.107   Implementation schedule. **(a) ***Railroad freight cars.* All railroad freight cars subject to this part must be equipped with retroreflective sheeting conforming to this part by November 28, 2015. If a car already has reflective material applied that does not meet the standards of this part, it is not necessary to remove the material unless its placement interferes with the placement of the sheeting required by this part. **(1) ***New cars.* Retroreflective sheeting conforming to this part must be applied to all cars constructed after January 26, 2006, before the cars are placed in service. **(2) ***Existing cars without retroreflective sheeting.* (i) If, as of October 28, 2005, a car subject to this part is not equipped on each side with at least one square foot of retroreflective sheeting as specified in paragraph (a)(3) of this section, retroreflective sheeting conforming to this part must be applied to the car at the earliest of the following two occasions occurring after November 28, 2005 or in accordance with paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this section: (A) When the car is repainted or rebuilt; or (B) Within nine months (270 calendar days) after the car first undergoes a single car air brake test as prescribed by 49 CFR 232.305. (ii) A freight rolling stock owner may elect not to follow the schedule in paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section if, not later than January 26, 2006 the freight rolling stock owner submits to FRA a completed Reflectorization Implementation Compliance Report certifying that the cars in the owner's fleet subject to this part will be equipped with retroreflective sheeting as required by this part in accordance with the schedule specified in Table 3 of this section. *See* Appendix B of this part for Reflectorization Implementation Compliance Report form.  1Column (A) indicates the date by which the minimum percentage of an owner's freight cars specified in column (B) must be equipped with retroreflective sheeting conforming to this part. Thereafter, (A) The designated fleet shall be equipped with retroreflective sheeting according to the schedule specified in Table 3 of this section; (B) No later than January 28, 2008, the freight rolling stock owner shall submit to FRA an updated Reflectorization Implementation Compliance Report showing which cars of the fleet subject to this part were equipped with retroreflective sheeting as required by this part during the initial 24-month implementation period. Thereafter, updated Reflectorization Implementation Compliance Reports shall be submitted annually, no later than December 31 of each year for the duration of the 10-year implementation period. *See* Appendix B of this part. (C) If, following the conclusion of the initial 24-month period or any 12-month period thereafter, the percentage requirements of this section have not been met— **(*****1***) The freight rolling stock owner shall be considered in violation of this part; **(*****2***) The freight rolling stock owner shall, within 60 days after the close of the period, report the failure to the Associate Administrator; **(*****3***) The requirements of paragraph (a)(2)(i) shall apply to all railroad freight cars subject to this part in the freight rolling stock owner's fleet; and **(*****4***) The fleet owner shall take such additional action as may be necessary to achieve future compliance. (D) Cars to be retired shall be included in the fleet total until they are retired. **(3) ***Existing cars with retroreflective sheeting.* If as of October 28, 2005, a car is equipped on each side with at least one square foot of retroreflective sheeting, uniformly distributed over the length of each side, that car shall be considered in compliance with this part through November 28, 2015, provided the sheeting is not unqualified retroreflective sheeting, and provided the freight rolling stock owner files a completed Reflectorization Implementation Compliance Report with FRA no later than January 26, 2006 identifying the cars already so equipped. *See* Appendix B of this part for Reflectorization Implementation Compliance form. **(b) ***Locomotives.* Except as provided in paragraph (b)(4) of this section, all locomotives subject to this part must be equipped with conforming retroreflective sheeting by November 28, 2010. If a locomotive already has reflective material applied that does not meet the standards of this part, it is not necessary to remove the material unless its placement interferes with the placement of the sheeting required by this part. **(1) ***New locomotives.* Retroreflective sheeting conforming to this part must be applied to all locomotives constructed after January 26, 2006, before they are placed in service. **(2) ***Existing locomotives without retroreflective sheeting.* (i) If as of October 28, 2005 a locomotive subject to this part is not equipped with the minimum amount of retroreflective sheeting specified in paragraph (b)(3) of this section, retroreflective sheeting conforming to this part must be applied to the locomotive not later than nine months after the first biennial inspection performed pursuant to 49 CFR 229.29 occurring after November 28, 2005. (ii) A freight rolling stock owner may elect not to follow the schedule in paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section, if not later than January 26, 2006, the freight rolling stock owner submits to FRA a Reflectorization Implementation Compliance Report certifying that the locomotives in the owner's fleet subject to this part will be equipped with retroreflective sheeting as required by this part in accordance with the schedule specified in Table 4 of this section. ***See***** Appendix B of this part. ** 1Column (A) indicates the date by which the minimum percentage of an owner's locomotives specified in column (B) must be equipped with retroreflective sheeting conforming to this part. Thereafter, (A) The designated locomotive fleet shall be equipped with retroreflective sheeting according to the requirements of this paragraph (b)(2)(ii); (B) No later than January 28, 2008, the freight rolling stock owner shall submit to FRA an updated Reflectorization Implementation Compliance Report showing which locomotives of the fleet subject to this part were equipped with retroreflective sheeting as required by this part during the initial 24 month implementation period. Updated Reflectorization Implementation Compliance Reports shall be submitted annually, no later than December 31 of each year, for the duration of the 5-year implementation period. ***See***Appendix B of this part. (C) If, following the conclusion of the initial 24-month period or any 12-month period thereafter, the percentage requirements of this section have not been met— **(*****1***) The freight rolling stock owner shall be considered in violation of this part; **(*****2***) The freight rolling stock owner shall, within 60 days after the close of the period, report the failure to the Associate Administrator; **(*****3***) The requirements of paragraph (b)(2)(i) shall apply to all locomotives subject to this part in the freight rolling stock owner's fleet; and **(*****4***) The fleet owner shall take such additional action as may be necessary to achieve future compliance. (D) Locomotives to be retired shall be included in the fleet total until they are retired. **(3) ***Existing locomotives with retroreflective sheeting.* If as of October 28, 2005, a locomotive is equipped on each side with at least one square foot of retroreflective sheeting, that locomotive shall be considered in compliance with this part for through November 28, 2015, provided the existing material is not unqualified retroreflective sheeting, and provided the freight rolling stock owner files a Reflectorization Implementation Compliance Report with FRA no later than January 26, 2006, identifying the cars already so equipped. *See* appendix B of this part. If, as of October 28, 2005, a locomotive is equipped with unqualified retroreflective sheeting, the locomotive will be considered in compliance with this part through November 28, 2015, provided the locomotive is equipped with a minimum of 3 square feet of retroreflective material on each side and provided the freight rolling stock owner files a Reflectorization Implementation Compliance Report with FRA no later than January 26, 2006, identifying the locomotives already so equipped. ***See***** appendix B of this part.** (4) Each railroad that has fewer than 400,000 annual employee work hours as of the end of calendar year 2004, and does not share locomotive power with another railroad with 400,000 or more annual employee work hours, may bring its locomotive fleet into compliance according to the following schedule: fifty percent of the railroad's locomotives must be retrofitted pursuant to §224.106(b) by October 28, 2010, and one hundred percent must be retrofitted pursuant to §224.106(b) by October 28, 2015. If a railroad with fewer than 400,000 annual employee work hours shares locomotive power with a railroad with 400,000 or more annual employee work hours, the smaller railroad must comply with the requirements of paragraphs (b)(2) and (3) of this section.  §224.109   Inspection, repair, and replacement. **(a) ***Railroad freight cars.* Retroreflective sheeting on railroad freight cars subject to this part must be visually inspected for presence and condition whenever a car undergoes a single car air brake test required under 49 CFR 232.305. If at the time of inspection less than 80 percent of the amount of sheeting required under §224.105 (§224.107 in the case of freight cars subject to §224.107(a)(3)) on either side of a car is present, not damaged, and not obscured, the inspecting railroad or contractor shall promptly notify the person responsible for the reporting mark, as indicated in the Universal Machine Language Equipment Register, of the damaged, obscured, or missing sheeting (unless the inspecting railroad or contractor is the person responsible for the reporting mark). The inspecting railroad or contractor shall retain a written or electronic copy of each such notification made for at least two years from the date of the notice and shall make these records available for inspection and copying by the FRA upon request. Any person notified of a defect under this section shall have nine months (270 calendar days) from the date of notification to repair or replace the damaged, obscured, or missing sheeting. Where the inspecting railroad or contractor is the person responsible for the reporting mark, the person shall have nine months (270 calendar days) from the date of the inspection to repair or replace the damaged, obscured, or missing sheeting. **(b) ***Locomotives.* Retroreflective sheeting must be visually inspected for presence and condition when the locomotive receives the annual inspection required under 49 CFR 229.27. If at the time of inspection less than 80 percent of the amount of sheeting required under §224.105 (§224.107 in the case of locomotives subject to §224.107(b)(3)) on either side of a locomotive is present, not damaged, and not obscured, the damaged, obscured, or missing sheeting must be repaired or replaced within nine months (270 calendar days) from the date of inspection, provided a record of the defect is maintained in the locomotive cab or in a secure and accessible electronic database to which FRA is provided access on request.  §224.111   Renewal. Regardless of condition, retroreflective sheeting required under this part must be replaced with new sheeting no later than ten years after the date of initial installation. At the time of replacement, it is not necessary to remove the old sheeting unless it interferes with the placement of the new sheeting, but the old sheeting shall not be considered in calculating the amount of retroreflective material required under this part. For purposes of this section, November 28, 2005, shall be considered the initial date of installation for freight cars and locomotives covered by §224.107(a)(3) or 224.107(b)(3).  **-------------------** Appendix A to Part 224 [Reserved] Appendix B to Part 224—Reflectorization Implementation Compliance Report  [**View or download PDF**](https://www.ecfr.gov/graphics/pdfs/er28oc05.009.pdf) [**View or download PDF**](https://www.ecfr.gov/graphics/pdfs/er28oc05.010.pdf) Appendix C to Part 224—Guidelines for Electronic Submission of Reflectorization Implementation Compliance Reports  [**View or download PDF**](https://www.ecfr.gov/graphics/pdfs/er28oc05.011.pdf) [**View or download PDF**](https://www.ecfr.gov/graphics/pdfs/er28oc05.012.pdf) [**View or download PDF**](https://www.ecfr.gov/graphics/pdfs/er28oc05.013.pdf) --- ## DOT C2 Conspicuity Marking for Tractor Trailers - Federal FMCSA NHTSA DOT Regulation _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-regulations/dot-c2-conspicuity-marking-for-tractor-trailers-federal-fmcsa-nhtsa-dot-regulation/_ 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′′ white and 11′′ red) pattern. Minimum width is 2" wide but wider tape can be used. Each side must have 50% coverage, evenly distributed.  Two red and white (silver) strips must be used to identify the bottom rear of the trailer in the back, and the top corners of the trailer must be marked with an inverted L using solid white. Similar markings are required for the tractor part of the rig (cab). View the image below for guidance. Below is a summary of the rule. The original FMCSA document can be consulted for an exact copy of the law. The FMCSA has established rules regulating the use of conspicuity (reflective tape) materials on trailers and the backs of the tractors that pull them. The regulations are in place to lessen the likelihood of auto drivers colliding with the back or sides of tractor trailers at night or in other situations where visibility is reduced or impaired. Additionally, they are implemented to lessen the frequency of drivers rear-ending tractor trailer rigs.  These accidents take place in traffic, and also in situations where the trailer is parked and not attached to a truck, such as in parking lots at night. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA, published a final rule on December 10, 1992, stipulating that all trailers produced on or after December 1, 1993, with 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 made solely for living or office use, must have a method for increasing their visibility. Sides and in the back. The NHTSA decision requires the installation of reflex reflectors or red and white retro reflective tape. Two inch wide minimum. This tape is labeled to make it simple to identify and is frequently referred to as DOT C2 reflective tape. C2 simply means 2 inches. **Places to Receive Conspicuity Treatment** The location of the conspicuity treatments on trailers must be as is stated in the paragraphs that follow. The image above includes diagrams of conspicuity modifications applied to some popular trailer types. **Marking the Semi Trailer (towed portion of rig)** The trailer or semi-trailer must have the 2′′ DOT C2 retro reflective sheeting installed on both sides. Beginning as close to the front and back as is practical, each strip of retro reflective sheeting must be laid out as horizontally as possible. There is no requirement that the conspicuity treatment be continuous. The length of the entire strip, however, must be at least half as long as the trailer (50%), and the intervals between the segments must be spaced as evenly as possible. When measured with the trailer empty or unloaded, the centerline of each strip of retroreflective sheeting (or reflex reflector) must be within the range of 375 mm (15 inches) and 1,525 mm (60 inches) above the road surface, or as near to this range as is reasonably possible. In order to clear rivet heads or other similar impediments, retro reflective sheeting that is 50 mm (2 inches) wide may be divided into two strips that are 25 mm (1 inch) broad, the same length, and color, with a maximum distance of 25 mm separating them (1 inch). **Rear of Tractor Trailer Marking (back of towed portion of rig)** Retro reflective sheeting (or reflex reflectors) must be placed on the back of each trailer and semi-trailer. Retro reflective sheeting must be installed such that each strip is as horizontally aligned and spans the entire width of the trailer, starting and ending as close to the extreme edges as is practical. When the trailer is empty or unloaded, the measurement for the centerline of each strip of retro reflective sheeting (or each reflex reflector) should fall within the range of 375 mm (15 inches) and 1,525 mm (60 inches) above the road surface, or as near to this range as is reasonably possible. The bar that is below the door in the back must also be marked in the same fashion. **Upper Rear Tractor Trailer Marking** Each trailer and semitrailer must have two pairs of retro reflective sheeting (or reflex reflectors) strips installed in an inverted L pattern on the right and left upper corners of the rear of the body, as close to the top of the trailer as is practical and as far apart as is practical. Each pair must consist of two strips that are 300 mm (12 inches) in length. If the body's perimeter is not square or rectangular when viewed from the back, the conspicuity treatments may be done along the perimeter, as close as is practical to the uppermost and outermost sections of the body's rear on the left and right sides. **Truck's Rear (motorized tractor part with cab)** For increased nighttime visibility, the NHTSA announced a final regulation on August 8, 1996, mandating that truck tractors constructed on or after July 1, 1997, be fitted with red-and-white retroreflective material, identical to that required on the rear of the trailers they tow. Reflex reflectors or retroreflective sheeting are both options for manufacturers. The requirement for retroreflective material near the top of the mudflap may be satisfied by material carried by temporary mudflap brackets that is transferable to the permanent mudflap system in the case of truck tractors delivered with a temporary mudflap arrangement rather than permanent equipment. A design resembling that found on trailers must also be used for the retroreflective material towards the top of the cab. --- ## DOT C2 Tape - FMCSA Requirements to be Certified _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-regulations/dot-c2-tape-fmcsa-requirements-to-be-certified/_ 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 tape only if it has been tested and found to meet these standards. Here are the details of the certification requirements. (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration 393.11 is the source.) Construction – The requirements for the basic construction of the film are very straight forward.  This is how virtually all reflective tapes are constructed.  The regulations are as follows: S5.7.1.1  *Construction.* Retroreflective sheeting shall consist of a smooth, flat, transparent exterior film with retroreflective elements embedded or suspended beneath the film so as to form a non-exposed retroreflective optical system. Color – DOT tape shall be constructed with white and red alternating colors.  (Note - the white color on prismatic tapes often looks silver but reflects white at night.) The phrasing of the FMCSA regulation is as follows: (a) Retro-reflective sheeting shall be applied in a pattern of alternating white and red color segments to the sides and rear of each trailer, and to the rear of each truck tractor, and in white to the upper rear corners of each trailer and truck tractor, in the locations specified in S5.7.1.4, and Figures 30–1 through 30–4, or Figure 31, as appropriate. [ (see this article for placement details)](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-regulations/dot-c2-conspicuity-marking-for-tractor-trailers-federal-fmcsa-nhtsa-dot-regulation/) Spacing -The red and white (silver) sections of the tape are required to be a minimum of 12 inches plus or minus 6 inches.   That would be between 6″ and 18″ There is an exception provided when the tape must be trimmed to avoid obstructions when installed.  In addition, neither the red or white colors can exceed two thirds (2/3) of the total. This is the reason behind the 7/11 and 6/6 patterns. There are two types of DOT tape available.  A 7″ white / 11″ red and a 6″ white / 6″ red.  If you run the numbers you will see that both meet the spacing requirement.  On 7/11 tape the 7″ white would represent 39% of the aggregate and the 11″ red would represent 61%, so neither would exceed 2/3 or 66%.  The 6/6 would be 50% each.  To the best of my knowledge all 50 states allow you to use either the[ 7/11](http://www.colebrothers.com/dotsafetytape2/index.html) or [6/6](http://www.colebrothers.com/dotsafetytape/index.html) type DOT tape.  The specific regulation is listed below: (b) Except for a segment that is trimmed to clear obstructions, or lengthened to provide red sheeting near red lamps, each white or red segment shall have a length of 300 mm ±150 mm. (c) Neither white nor red sheeting shall represent more than two thirds of the aggregate of any continuous strip marking the width of a trailer, or any continuous or broken strip marking its length. Width – DOT certified tape can be 2″ wide, 3″ wide or 4″ wide. The most popular and cost efficient size is 2 inches but for larger trucks many users prefer the 3 and 4 inch widths in either the [6/6](http://www.colebrothers.com/dotsafetytape/index3.html) or [7/11](http://www.colebrothers.com/dotsafetytape2/index3.html). 2" wide tapes are C2, 3" are C3, and 4" are C4. The general principle is that the more visible the truck the better, and in the event of an accident it is important to be able to show due diligence when it comes to making the truck as visible as possible.  The specifics of the FMCSA regulation is as follows: (d) Retroreflective sheeting shall have a width of not less than 50 mm (Grade DOT-C2), 75 mm (Grade DOT-C3), or 100 mm (Grade DOT-C4). Reflectivity & Performance – This is one of the most important characteristics of DOT tape. A bright tape is easier to see from further away. This is very important for highway applications. To meet the DOT C2,3,4 requirements, a tape must meet all the ASTM D4956-90 Type V Sheeting requirements EXCEPT the requirement for reflectivity. These requirements would include things like adhesion, colorfastness, pliability, shrinkage, weathering, etc… The requirements for reflectivity are much the same as for Type III or High Intensity Glass Bead tape or greater. A Prismatic DOT tape is recommended for safety. This will make sure that the reflectivity goes way beyond what is needed. Here are the exact words of the regulation and a chart showing minimum reflectivity: S5.7.1.2 Performance requirements. Retroreflective sheeting shall meet the requirements of ASTM D 4956–90, Standard Specification for Retroreflective Sheeting for Traffic Control, for Type V Sheeting, except for the photometric requirements, and shall meet the minimum photometric performance requirements specified in Figure 29. (e) The coefficients for retroreflection of each segment of red or white sheeting shall be not less than the minimum values specified in Figure 29 of this standard for grades DOT-C2, DOT-C3, and DOT-C4. Figure 29—Minimum Photometric Performance of Retroflective Sheeting in Candela/Lux/Square Meter ENTRANCE ANGLEOBSERVATION ANGLEGRADE0.2 DEGREE0.5 DEGREEWHITEREDWHITERED-4 degree250606515DOT–C230 degree250606515DOT–C245 degree6015154DOT–C2-4 degree165404310DOT–C330 degree165404310DOT–C345 degree4010103DOT–C3-4 degree12530338DOT–C430 degree12530338DOT–C445 degree30882DOT–C4 DOT Certification Logo: At least every 12 inches, the tape should say "DOT-C2." The characters should be at least 3 mm tall and stamped with indelible ink or an equivalent. Here are the exact words: S5.7.1.5 Certification. The letters DOT-C2, DOT-C3, or DOT-C4, as appropriate, constituting a certification that the retroreflective sheeting conforms to the requirements of S5.7.1.2, shall appear at least once on the exposed surface of each white or red segment of retroreflective sheeting, and at least once every 300 mm on retroreflective sheeting that is white only. The characters shall be not less than 3 mm high, and shall be permanently stamped, etched, molded, or printed in indelible ink. --- ## FMCSA 393.11 DOT C2 Tape Regulation - (Exact Text) _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-regulations/fmcsa-393-11-dot-c2-tape-regulation-exact-text/_ 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 drivers safe by making the vehicle as visible as possible and giving drivers time to avoid a potentially serious collision. [pdf id='2312'] --- ## Airport Vehicle Reflective Tape Requirements - FAA Circular _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-regulations/airport-vehicle-reflective-tape-requirements-faa-circular/_ 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 the AOA from both the ground and the air. The document below outlines how the FAA wants vehicles that operate on airport property to be marked. The basic requirements as far as retro reflective markings go are as follows - **4. VEHICLE MARKING. ** **a. Airport Emergency Vehicles. ** **(1) Ambulances. **Ambulances are marked per the most current version of Federal Specification KKK-A-1822.  **(2) ARFF Vehicles. **Emergency rescue and fire fighting vehicles are marked with the letters “ARFF, “Fire,” or “Rescue” and in accordance with 4.c.(1)-(5) of this AC.  **b. Airport Operations Vehicles. **Airport operations vehicles may be marked as designated by the airport operator. Marking must be coordinated with the respective ATCT and identified in the tower letter of agreement.  **c. Airfield Service Vehicles and Aircraft Support Vehicles. ** **(1) **Airport operator owned vehicles must display an identification number on each side and on the roof (the hood should be used if the vehicle has no roof).  **(2) **Side numbers will be a minimum of 16 inches (410 mm) in height and conspicuously located.  **(3) **Roof numbers will be a minimum of 24 inches (610 mm) in height and affixed with their bases toward the front of the vehicle. The identification numbers should provide sharp color contrast to the vehicle color.  **(4) **In addition to the identification numbers, airport operator-owned vehicles must display either the name of the airport and/or the airport insignia.  **(5) **To further improve night-time recognition of vehicles, a minimum 8 inch (200 mm) wide horizontal band of high gloss white paint or white reflective tape (Retroreflective, ASTM-D 4956-09, *Standard Specification for Retroreflective Sheeting for Traffic Control*, Type III & above) must be used around the vehicle's surface. Figures 1, 2, and 3 show suggested locations for the horizontal reflective band.  SUMMARY - as far as reflective markings are concerned, the regulation below specifies a White 8" Wide Band using an ASTM D4956 Type 3 material or above. Refer to our ASTM type category above to view all tapes type 3 or above. [pdf id='2326'] --- ## FHWA Regulation for Reflective Tape on Rail Road Crossings (Crossbucks) _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-regulations/fhwa-regulation-for-reflective-tape-on-rail-road-crossings-crossbucks/_ 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 for the entirety of the blade by January 17, 2011. Additionally, at all passive grade crossings with crossbuck signs installed, a two-inch strip of white retro-reflective material must be attached to the front and back of the crossbuck post along its entire length, from the crossbuck sign or number of tracks plaque to within two feet of the ground, with the exception of one-way streets and locations where a Yield or STOP sign is mounted on the same post as the crossbuck sign. (Note - in the picture above, the 2" strip would not actually be required, because of the yield sign.) --- ## SOLAS Reflective Tape - USCG 46 CFR, section 164.018 and IMO Resolution A.658(16) _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-regulations/uscg-46-cfr-section-164-018/_ 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 in 1914 in response to the Titanic disaster. Ever since then, they have been constantly updating standards for marine safety. The regulations for SOLAS marine reflective tapes were first established in 1989. SOLAS, which stands for Safety Of Life At Sea, covers much more than reflective tape. It's requirements span every aspect of marine safety, from Fire Protection, to operations in Polar waters. The approval is for Type I, which is for flexible substrates, and Type II, which is for rigid substrates and sew on applications. These two varieties of SOLAS reflective accommodate applications to rigid and non-rigid maritime substrates, i.e. life rafts, life buoys, life vests and life boats and is available in both adhesive and fabric backed versions. An example of a tape that meets and exceeds all IMO and UGCG requirements is [Oralite SOLAS](https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/solas-marine-grade-reflective-oralite-specifications-sheet/). This link will take you to a spec sheet that covers type 1 and type 2 applications. Info for both adhesive and sew on fabric backed varieties. --- ## Channelizing Devices, Barricades, Drums, Cones, MUTCD Regulations (Reflective Tape) _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-regulations/1555/_ Section 6F.63 Channelizing Devices Standard: 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 panels, drums, barricades, and longitudinal channelizing devices. 03 Channelizing devices provide for smooth and gradual vehicular traffic flow from one lane to another, onto a bypass or detour, or into a narrower traveled way. They are also used to channelize vehicular traffic away from the work space, pavement drop-offs, pedestrian or shared-use paths, or opposing directions of vehicular traffic. Standard: 04 Devices used to channelize pedestrians shall be detectable to users of long canes and visible to persons having low vision. 05 Where channelizing devices are used to channelize pedestrians, there shall be continuous detectable bottom and top surfaces to be detectable to users of long canes. The bottom of the bottom surface shall be no higher than 2 inches above the ground. The top of the top surface shall be no lower than 32 inches above the ground. Option: 06 A gap not exceeding 2 inches between the bottom rail and the ground surface may be used to facilitate drainage. Guidance: 07 Where multiple channelizing devices are aligned to form a continuous pedestrian channelizer, connection points should be smooth to optimize long-cane and hand trailing. 08 The spacing between cones, tubular markers, vertical panels, drums, and barricades should not exceed a distance in feet equal to 1.0 times the speed limit in mph when used for taper channelization, and a distance in feet equal to 2.0 times the speed limit in mph when used for tangent channelization. 09 When channelizing devices have the potential of leading vehicular traffic out of the intended vehicular traffic space as shown in Figure 6H-39, the channelizing devices should be extended a distance in feet of 2.0 times the speed limit in mph beyond the downstream end of the transition area. Option: 10 Warning lights (see Section 6F.83) may be added to channelizing devices in areas with frequent fog, snow, or severe roadway curvature, or where visual distractions are present. Standard: 11 Warning lights shall flash when placed on channelizing devices used alone or in a cluster to warn of a condition. Except for the sequential flashing warning lights discussed in Paragraphs 12 and 13, warning lights placed on channelizing devices used in a series to channelize road users shall be steady-burn. Option: 12 A series of sequential flashing warning lights may be placed on channelizing devices that form a merging taper in order to increase driver detection and recognition of the merging taper. Standard: 13 When used, the successive flashing of the sequential warning lights shall occur from the upstream end of the merging taper to the downstream end of the merging taper in order to identify the desired vehicle path. Each warning light in the sequence shall be flashed at a rate of not less than 55 nor more than 75 times per minute. 14 The retroreflective material used on channelizing devices shall have a smooth, sealed outer surface that will display a similar color day or night. Option: 15 The name and telephone number of the highway agency, contractor, or supplier may be displayed on the nonretroreflective surface of all types of channelizing devices. Standard: 16 The letters and numbers of the name and telephone number shall be non-retroreflective and not over 2 inches in height. Guidance: 17 Particular attention should be given to maintaining the channelizing devices to keep them clean, visible, and properly positioned at all times. Standard: 18 Devices that are damaged or have lost a significant amount of their retroreflectivity and effectiveness shall be replaced. Section 6F.64 Cones Standard: 01 Cones (see Figure 6F-7) shall be predominantly orange and shall be made of a material that can be struck without causing damage to the impacting vehicle. For daytime and low-speed roadways, cones shall be not less than 18 inches in height. When cones are used on freeways and other high-speed highways or at night on all highways, or when more conspicuous guidance is needed, cones shall be a minimum of 28 inches in height. 02 For nighttime use, cones shall be retroreflectorized or equipped with lighting devices for maximum visibility. Retroreflectorization of cones that are 28 to 36 inches in height shall be provided by a 6-inch wide white band located 3 to 4 inches from the top of the cone and an additional 4-inch wide white band located approximately 2 inches below the 6-inch band. 03 Retroreflectorization of cones that are more than 36 inches in height shall be provided by horizontal, circumferential, alternating orange and white retroreflective stripes that are 4 to 6 inches wide. Each cone shall have a minimum of two orange and two white stripes with the top stripe being orange. Any non-retroreflective spaces between the orange and white stripes shall not exceed 3 inches in width. Option: 04 Traffic cones may be used to channelize road users, divide opposing vehicular traffic lanes, divide lanes when two or more lanes are kept open in the same direction, and delineate short duration maintenance and utility work. Guidance: 05 Steps should be taken to minimize the possibility of cones being blown over or displaced by wind or moving vehicular traffic. Option: 06 Cones may be doubled up to increase their weight. Support: 07 Some cones are constructed with bases that can be filled with ballast. Others have specially weighted bases, or weight such as sandbag rings that can be dropped over the cones and onto the base to provide added stability. Guidance: 08 Ballast should be kept to the minimum amount needed. Section 6F.65 Tubular Markers Standard: 01 Tubular markers (see Figure 6F-7) shall be predominantly orange and shall be not less than 18 inches high and 2 inches wide facing road users. They shall be made of a material that can be struck without causing damage to the impacting vehicle. 02 Tubular markers shall be a minimum of 28 inches in height when they are used on freeways and other high-speed highways, on all highways during nighttime, or whenever more conspicuous guidance is needed. 03 For nighttime use, tubular markers shall be retroreflectorized. Retroreflectorization of tubular markers that have a height of less than 42 inches shall be provided by two 3-inch wide white bands placed a maximum of 2 inches from the top with a maximum of 6 inches between the bands. Retroreflectorization of tubular markers that have a height of 42 inches or more shall be provided by four 4- to 6-inch wide alternating orange and white stripes with the top stripe being orange. Guidance: 04 Tubular markers have less visible area than other devices and should be used only where space restrictions do not allow for the use of other more visible devices. 05 Tubular markers should be stabilized by affixing them to the pavement, by using weighted bases, or weights such as sandbag rings that can be dropped over the tubular markers and onto the base to provide added stability. Ballast should be kept to the minimum amount needed. Option: 06 Tubular markers may be used effectively to divide opposing lanes of road users, divide vehicular traffic lanes when two or more lanes of moving vehicular traffic are kept open in the same direction, and to delineate the edge of a pavement drop off where space limitations do not allow the use of larger devices. Standard: 07 A tubular marker shall be attached to the pavement to display the minimum 2-inch width to the approaching road users. Section 6F.66 Vertical Panels Standard: 01 Vertical panels (see Figure 6F-7) shall have retroreflective striped material that is 8 to 12 inches in width and at least 24 inches in height. They shall have alternating diagonal orange and white retroreflective stripes sloping downward at an angle of 45 degrees in the direction vehicular traffic is to pass. 02 Where the height of the retroreflective material on the vertical panel is 36 inches or more, a stripe width of 6 inches shall be used. Option: 03 Where the height of the retroreflective material on the vertical panel is less than 36 inches, a stripe width of 4 inches may be used. 04 Where space is limited, vertical panels may be used to channelize vehicular traffic, divide opposing lanes, or replace barricades. Section 6F.67 Drums Standard: 01 Drums (see Figure 6F-7) used for road user warning or channelization shall be constructed of lightweight, deformable materials. They shall be a minimum of 36 inches in height and have at least an 18-inch minimum width regardless of orientation. Metal drums shall not be used. The markings on drums shall be horizontal, circumferential, alternating orange and white retroreflective stripes 4 to 6 inches wide. Each drum shall have a minimum of two orange and two white stripes with the top stripe being orange. Any non-retroreflectorized spaces between the horizontal orange and white stripes shall not exceed 3 inches wide. Drums shall have closed tops that will not allow collection of construction debris or other debris. Support: 02 Drums are highly visible, have good target value, give the appearance of being formidable obstacles and, therefore, command the respect of road users. They are portable enough to be shifted from place to place within a TTC zone in order to accommodate changing conditions, but are generally used in situations where they will remain in place for a prolonged period of time. Option: 03 Although drums are most commonly used to channelize or delineate road user flow, they may also be used alone or in groups to mark specific locations. Guidance: 04 Drums should not be weighted with sand, water, or any material to the extent that would make them hazardous to road users or workers when struck. Drums used in regions susceptible to freezing should have drain holes in the bottom so that water will not accumulate and freeze causing a hazard if struck by a road user. Standard: 05 Ballast shall not be placed on the top of a drum. Section 6F.68 Type 1, 2, or 3 Barricades Support: 01 A barricade is a portable or fixed device having from one to three rails with appropriate markings and is used to control road users by closing, restricting, or delineating all or a portion of the right-of-way. 02 As shown in Figure 6F-7, barricades are classified as Type 1, Type 2, or Type 3. Standard: 03 Stripes on barricade rails shall be alternating orange and white retroreflective stripes sloping downward at an angle of 45 degrees in the direction road users are to pass. Except as provided in Paragraph 4, the stripes shall be 6 inches wide. Option: 04 When rail lengths are less than 36 inches, 4-inch wide stripes may be used. Standard: 05 The minimum length for Type 1 and Type 2 Barricades shall be 24 inches, and the minimum length for Type 3 Barricades shall be 48 inches. Each barricade rail shall be 8 to 12 inches wide. Barricades used on freeways, expressways, and other high-speed roadways shall have a minimum of 270 square inches of retroreflective area facing road users. Guidance: 06 Where barricades extend entirely across a roadway, the stripes should slope downward in the direction toward which road users must turn. 07 Where both right and left turns are provided, the barricade stripes should slope downward in both directions from the center of the barricade or barricades. 08 Where no turns are intended, the stripes should be positioned to slope downward toward the center of the barricade or barricades. 09 Barricade rails should be supported in a manner that will allow them to be seen by the road user, and in a manner that provides a stable support that is not easily blown over or displaced. 10 The width of the existing pedestrian facility should be provided for the temporary facility if practical. Traffic control devices and other construction materials and features should not intrude into the usable width of the sidewalk, temporary pathway, or other pedestrian facility. When it is not possible to maintain a minimum width of 60 inches throughout the entire length of the pedestrian pathway, a 60 x 60-inch passing space should be provided at least every 200 feet to allow individuals in wheelchairs to pass. 11 Barricade rail supports should not project into pedestrian circulation routes more than 4 inches from the support between 27 and 80 inches from the surface as described in Section 4.4.1 of the “Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities (ADAAG)” (see Section 1A.11). Option: 12 For Type 1 Barricades, the support may include other unstriped horizontal rails necessary to provide stability. Guidance: 13 On high-speed expressways or in other situations where barricades may be susceptible to overturning in the wind, ballasting should be used. Option: 14 Sandbags may be placed on the lower parts of the frame or the stays of barricades to provide the required ballast. Support: 15 Type 1 or Type 2 Barricades are intended for use in situations where road user flow is maintained through the TTC zone. Option: 16 Barricades may be used alone or in groups to mark a specific condition or they may be used in a series for channelizing road users. 17 Type 1 Barricades may be used on conventional roads or urban streets. Guidance: 18 Type 2 or Type 3 Barricades should be used on freeways and expressways or other high-speed roadways. Type 3 Barricades should be used to close or partially close a road. Option: 19 Type 3 Barricades used at a road closure may be placed completely across a roadway or from curb to curb. Guidance: 20 Where provision is made for access of authorized equipment and vehicles, the responsibility for Type 3 Barricades should be assigned to a person who will provide proper closure at the end of each work day. Support: 21 When a highway is legally closed but access must still be allowed for local road users, barricades usually are not extended completely across the roadway. Standard: 22 A sign shall be installed with the appropriate legend concerning permissible use by local road users (see Section 6F.09). Adequate visibility of the barricades from both directions shall be provided. Option: 23 Signs may be installed on barricades (see Section 6F.03). --- ## Traffic Cone Reflective Collars (Bands) - MUTCD 6F.64 Regulation _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-regulations/1548/_ 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 inches in locations where the speed limit is 45 mph or higher. There must be two reflective bands on the cone. The bottom band must be 4′′ height and the upper band 6′′ tall. There must be 2′′ between the two bands. MUTCD Requirements for Marking Traffic Cones in Fast and Slow Traffic - Section 6F.64 Traffic Cones Standard: 01 Traffic Cones (see Figure 6F-7) shall be predominantly orange and shall be made of a material that can be struck without causing damage to the impacting vehicle. For daytime and low-speed roadways, cones shall be not less than 18 inches in height. When cones are used on freeways and other high-speed highways or at night on all highways, or when more conspicuous guidance is needed, cones shall be a minimum of 28 inches in height. 02 For nighttime use, cones shall be retroreflectorized or equipped with lighting devices for maximum visibility. Retro-reflectorization of cones that are 28 to 36 inches in height shall be provided by a 6-inch wide white band located 3 to 4 inches from the top of the cone and an additional 4-inch wide white band located approximately 2 inches below the 6-inch band. 03 Retroreflectorization of cones that are more than 36 inches in height shall be provided by horizontal, circumferential, alternating orange and white retroreflective stripes that are 4 to 6 inches wide. Each cone shall have a minimum of two orange and two white stripes with the top stripe being orange. Any non-retroreflective spaces between the orange and white stripes shall not exceed 3 inches in width. Option: 04 Traffic cones may be used to channelize road users, divide opposing vehicular traffic lanes, divide lanes when two or more lanes are kept open in the same direction, and delineate short duration maintenance and utility work. Guidance: 05 Steps should be taken to minimize the possibility of cones being blown over or displaced by wind or moving vehicular traffic. Option: 06 Cones may be doubled up to increase their weight. Support: 07 Some cones are constructed with bases that can be filled with ballast. Others have specially weighted bases, or weight such as sandbag rings that can be dropped over the cones and onto the base to provide added stability. Guidance: 08 Ballast should be kept to the minimum amount needed. --- ## Traffic Control Gate Arms & Railroad Crossings - Reflective Tape Requirements - MUTCD _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-regulations/traffic-control-gate-arms-railroad-crossings-reflective-tape-requirements-mutcd/_ Gate Arm Reflective Tape Requirements – ([www.tapedealer.com](http://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 property that connects to a DOT road. This rule covers all gate arms, including those at railroad crossings. Red and white 16-inch sections of reflective tape in a block pattern must be used to mark each gate. The width of the tape used depends on how wide the arm is. Retroreflective tape of Type 2 or better is recommended.   Type 5 Metallized Prismatic is most commonly used because of its bright return of light and thin design. Type 5 is also categorized by ASTM D4956 standards for use on Delineators and Channelizers, which is a similar application. So type 5 film is what we recommend for the reflective treatment of gates, fences, control arms, and rail-road crossings. **Section 2B.68 Gates** Gates described in this section used for weather or other emergency conditions are typically permanently installed to enable the gate to be immediately deployed as needed to prohibit the entry of traffic to the highway segment(s). A gate typically features a gate arm that is moved from a vertical to a horizontal position or is rotated in a horizontal plane from parallel to traffic to perpendicular to traffic. Traffic is obstructed and required to stop when the gate arm is placed in a horizontal position perpendicular to traffic. Another type of gate consists of a segment of fence (usually on rollers) that swings open and closed, or that is retracted to open and then extended to close. Gates are sometimes used to enforce a required stop. Some examples of such uses are the following: - Parking facility entrances and exits, - Private community entrances and exits, - Military base entrances and exits, - Toll plaza lanes, - Movable bridges (see Chapter 4J), - Automated Flagger Assistance Devices (see Chapter 6E), and - Grade crossings (see Part 8). Gates are sometimes used to periodically close a roadway or a ramp. Some examples of such uses are the following: - Closing ramps to implement counter-flow operations for evacuations, - Closing ramps that lead to reversible lanes, and - Closing roadways for weather events such as snow, ice, or flooding, or for other emergencies. **Standard:** **Except as provided in Paragraph 6, gate arms, if used, shall be fully retroreflectorized on both sides, have vertical stripes alternately red and white at 16-inch intervals measured horizontally as shown in Figure 8C-1.** Option: If used on a one-way roadway or ramp, the retroreflectorization may be omitted on the side of the gate facing away from approaching traffic. Where gate arms are used to block off ramps into reversible lanes or to redirect approaching traffic, the red and white striping may be angled such that the stripes slope downward at an angle of 45 degrees toward the side of the gate arm on which traffic is to pass. Standard: The gate arm shall extend across the approaching lane or lanes of traffic to effectively block motor vehicle and/or pedestrian travel as appropriate. When gate arms are in the vertical position or rotated to an open position, the closest part of the gate arm and support shall have a lateral offset of at least 2 feet from the face of the curb or the edge of the traveled way. When gate arms that are located in the median or on an island are in the horizontal position or rotated to a closed position, the closest part of the counterweight or its supports shall have a lateral offset of at least 2 feet from the face of the curb or the edge of the traveled way of the open roadway on the opposite side of the median or island. *Guidance:* *When a gate that is rotated in a horizontal plane is in the position where it is parallel to traffic (indicating that the roadway is open), the outer end of the gate arm should be rotated to the downstream direction (from the perspective of traffic in the lane adjacent to the gate support) to prevent spearing if the gate is struck by an errant vehicle.* *If a pedestrian route is present and if it is not intended that pedestrian traffic be controlled by the gate, a minimum of 2 feet of lateral offset from supports, posts, counterweights, and gate mechanisms should be provided when the gate arm is in the open position and when the gate arm is in the closed position such that pedestrian travel is not impeded.* Option: Red lights may be attached to traffic gates. Standard: If red lights are attached to a traffic gate, the red lights shall be steadily illuminated or flashed only during the period when the gate is in the horizontal or closed position and when the gate is in the process of being opened or closed. Except as provided in Paragraph 16, rolling sections of fence, if used, shall include either a horizontal strip of retroreflectorized sheeting on both sides of the fence with vertical stripes alternately red and white at 16-inch intervals measured horizontally to simulate the appearance of a gate arm in the horizontal position, or one or more Type 4 object markers (see Section 2C.66), or both. If a horizontal strip of retroreflectorized sheeting is used, the bottom of the sheeting shall be located 3.5 to 4.5 feet above the roadway surface. Option: If used on a one-way roadway or ramp, the retroreflectorization may be omitted on the side of the fence facing away from approaching traffic. --- ## Trailer Lighting & Reflective Tape Marking Requirements Poster - DOT / NHTSA _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-regulations/1585/_ 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 the installation angle. No part of the vehicle can stop a device from meeting its requirements unless an extra device is installed that meets all of the requirements. In Canada, manufacturers and importers of vehicles must have the right certification test records to show that the lights meet all requirements. **BASIC LIGHTING SPECIFIED FOR ALL TRAILERS** DESCRIPTIONMANDATORY REQUIREMENTSAreaEquipment(SAE Lens Coding)Functional PurposeQuantityColorLocationHeight mm (in.) from the ground**1****Tail Lamps**(T)Indicate vehicle's presence and widthMinimum 2Red On the rear - symmetrical - as far apart as practicable380-1830 (15-72)**Stop Lamps**(S)Indicate brakingMinimum 2Red On the rear - symmetrical - as far apart as practicable380-1830 (15-72)**Rear Turn Signal Lamps **( I)Indicate direction of turnMinimum 2Red or YellowOn the rear - symmetrical - as far apart as practicable380-2110 (15-83)**Rear Reflex Reflectors**(A)Indicate vehicle's presence and widthMinimum 2Red On the rear - symmetrical - as far apart as practicable- facing rearward380-1530 (15-60)**2****License Plate Lamp(s) **(L)Illuminates license plateMinimum 1White On the rear - above or at the sides of license plate No requirement**3****Rear Side Marker Lamps **(P2,PC* or P3, PC2*) **photometrically certified at installation angle* Front and rear side marker lamps / side reflex reflectors indicate vehicle's presence and length  Minimum 2Red Each side at rear - as far back as practicable380-1530 (15-60) no max. for veh. under 2.032m(80") wide**Rear Side Reflex Reflectors**(A)Minimum 2Red Each side at rear - as far back as practicable facing sideward380-1530 (15-60)**4a****Front Side Marker Lamps**(P2, PC* or P3, PC2*) ** photometrically certified at installation angle*Minimum 2Yellow Each side at front - as far forward as practicable380 (15) minimum**4b****Front Side Reflex Reflectors**(A)Minimum 2Yellow Each side at front - as far forward as practicable facing sideward380-1530 (15-60) **ADDITIONAL LIGHTING SPECIFIED FOR TRAILERS EXCEEDING THE FOLLOWING PARAMETERS** **LENGTH 9.1 m (30 ft.) OR LONGER** DESCRIPTIONMANDATORY REQUIREMENTS**Area****Equipment ****(SAE Lens Coding)****Functional Purpose****Quantity****Color****Location****Height mm (in.)  from the ground****5a****Intermediate Side Marker Lamps**(P2 or P3)Indicate presence of a long vehicleMinimum 2Yellow Each side near center - facing sideward380 (15) minimum**5b****Intermediate Side Reflex Reflectors**(A)Indicate presence of a long vehicleMinimum 2Yellow Each side near center - facing sideward380-1530 (15-60) **LIGHTING REQUIRED FOR TRAILERS WITH A WIDTH 2.032 m (80 in.) OR WIDER** DESCRIPTIONMANDATORY REQUIREMENTS**Area****Equipment****(SAE Lens Coding)****Functional Purpose****Quantity****Color****Location****Height****6****Rear Clearance Lamps**(P2, PC*or P3, PC2*) ** photometrically certified at installation angle*Show vehicle's width - MAY NOT be combined with tail lampsMinimum 2Red At widest point - symmetrical - on the rear or near the rear - facing rearwardAs high as practicable - may be lower only if ID lamps are at the top**7****Rear Identification Lamps**(P2 or P3)Indicate presence of a wide vehicleExactly 3Red On the rear - center, facing rearward - horizontally spaced 150 mm (6 in.) to 300 mm (12 in.) apart ***in Canada*** : at the top - maybe lower if door header narrower than 25 mm ***in USA: ***as high as practicable**8****Front Clearance Lamps**(P2, PC*or P3, PC2*) ** photometrically certified at installation angle*Show vehicle's widthMinimum 2Yellow At widest point - symmetrical - as far forward as practicable - facing forwardAs high as practicable **TRAILER LIGHTING REQUIRED FOR WIDTHS 2.032 m (80 in.) OR WIDER *AND* GVWR 4536 kg (10,000 lb.) OR MORE** DESCRIPTIONMANDATORY REQUIREMENTSAreaConspicuity TreatmentDOT CodingQuantityColorLocationHeightOPTIONS**9****Rear Upper Body Marking** DOT-C, DOT-C2, DOT-C3, or DOT-C4  Exactly 2 pairs of 300mm long stripsWhite On the rear upper corners - facing rearwardAt the topReflex reflectors may not be required if they are replaced, in their required location, with conspicuity treatment **Optional in Canada**Rear lower body and side conspicuity treatment may also be solid white, solid yellow, or white and yellow.**10****Bumper Bar Marking**ContinuousRed/WhiteOn the rear bumper bar's horizontal element - full width - facing rearwardNo requirement**11****Rear Lower Body Marking**ContinuousRed/White *see options *On the rear - full width of the vehicle - facing rearwardAs horizontal as practicable and as close as practicable to the range of 375 to 1525 mm from the ground**12****Side Marking***see location*Red/White *see options*Each side - facing sideward - continuous, or evenly spaced over minimum of 50% of length, starts and ends as close to the front and rear or vehicle as practicableAs horizontal as practicable and as close as practicable to the range of 375 to 1525 mm from the ground This table summarizes lighting equipment requirements contained in Federal/Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108. For complete compliance requirements, consult Title *49 - Code of Federal Regulations*-Section 571.108 (USA) or Section 108 of the *Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations* (Canada). --- ## USACE (Army Corp of Engineers) Gate Marking Requirements _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-regulations/usace-army-corp-of-engineers-gate-marking-requirements/_ 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 its properties safer. This is a special regulation for these specific gates. However, for gates not on USACE property, the regulation is similar, although less comprehensive. Of particular note is that Chains, Cables, and Wire Rope are prohibited on USACE property due to the danger they present. (The only acceptable closure is a gate.) The US Army Corps of Engineers wants their gates to be marked in a certain way. The pictures below give you a quick look at what is needed. For gates along a road where cars are driving faster or at an intersection without a stop sign, you will use the first image below, which has the road closed sign or the red diamond. For gates that lead off a main road or have a stop sign, you would use the second example. In this situation, cars would be going slower. This is the most likely scenario. We have two products that are made to meet these requirements. One is our Oralite Gate Arm Tape and the other is our Yellow Prismatic Reflective Tape. Both of these are Type 2 object markers. (Also used for Chevron stripes on fire trucks) Here is the USACE regulation - 1. A closed gate across a road is a potential danger to moving vehicles, bicycles, and possibly pedestrians. The driver of a vehicle must be able to see that a closed gate is ahead and have enough time and space to stop before hitting the gate. Due to questions raised by the USACE Sign Standards Committee and field personnel, CESO and CEC W personnel have developed this guidance to clarify the marking requirements for road closure gates on USACE parks and property. This particular guidance is for swinging gates; rolling chain-link gates are addressed in Reference d. below. Gates are the only acceptable movable closure allowed. Chains, cables, and wire rope are prohibited on roads used by the public. 2. References. a. EP 310-l-6a & b; USACE Sign Standards Manual b. EM 385-1-1; USACE Safety and Health Requirements Manual c. 23 CFR 655, Subpart F-—Traffic Control Devices on Federal-Aid and Other Streets and Highways d. Federal Highway Administration Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD, rev 2009) 3. 23 CFR 655.603 adopts the MUTCD as the national standard for all traffic control devices installed on any street, highway, bikeway, or private road open to public travel. When a State or other Federal agency manual or supplement is required, that manual or supplement shall be in substantial conformance with the National MUTCD. The MUTCD states that “All regulatory and warning signs installed on public roads and streets within recreational and cultural interest areas shall comply with the requirements of Chapters 2A, 2B, 2C, 7B, 8B, and 9B.” The MUTCD definition of a public road is “Any road. street, or similar facility under the jurisdiction of and maintained by a public agency and open to public travel.” 4. The USACE Sign Standards Manual EP3l()-l-6a on page 9-l states that “The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways (MUTCD) has been adopted as the standard for all Regulatory and Warning signs used on Corps project roadways for vehicular traffic.” 5. While this guidance is intended to describe the minimum acceptable standards for marking roadway gates on USACE properties, the MUTCD encourages decisions concerning a particular traffic sign to be determined using engineering judgment or an engineering study. 6. Gate Marking Guidance: a. Roads Open to Public Travel i. Through Roads, Extensions of Federal, State or County Roads; When such roads exist on a USACE property, gates closing traffic to these roads must meet the specific requirements of MUTCD Section 2B.68., 2C.36-39. and 6F.l7. This includes marking the gates (red and white reflective material-paint, tape, etc- on the arms), marking gate stanchions (yellow Type 2 Object Markers), a ROAD CLOSED sign or Type 4 red Object Marker, and possibly providing an Advance Warning Sign ahead of the gate. Refer to Enclosure 1 for specific requirements. ii. USACE Roads Approved for Public Use: Access Roads, Campground Roads, Scenic Roads. etc; These gates must technically meet the same MUTCD requirements as those in the preceding paragraph, however the local project may use the standards and engineering analysis to develop modified markings based on local factors to include: the design of the gate, potential speed of approaching vehicles, available stopping sight distance, and visibility of the gate and surrounding area at night. Gates that occur along the length of a roadway or at a no-stop intersection should meet all MUTCD requirements if possible. For gates at stop-signed intersections or occurring at an exit off a main route, the minimum recommendation is that the top horizontal bar of the gate be covered end to end with red and white retroreflective material and the stanchions marked with yellow reflective material or Type 2 Object Markers. The use of advance warning signs and Type 4 Object Markers should be decided based on the speed limit, visible distance to the gate while driving, and other factors that make the gate less visible. Refer to Enclosure 2 for further guidelines. b. Roads Not Open to the Public — USACE access roads, service roads, etc.; Where these roads connect to a through road or public use road, the initial gate should meet the requirements of those public roadways. Internal gates within public vehicle-restricted areas should be marked appropriately with reflectors or reflective tape so that they are readily identifiable while work is performed. Roadways not approved for standard vehicles may be authorized for recreational vehicles (ATVs, snowmobiles, bicycles, etc.); these gates should meet the guidance in paragraph ii, modified as needed by an engineering analysis. 7. These guidelines are intended to bring some standard of uniformity to USACE road gates and to require those that fall under the MUTCD to have appropriate markings. USACE managers should evaluate their properties’ gates along these guidelines and establish a plan to bring their gates into compliance, beginning with the highest risk. New or replacement gates installed after the date of this memo shall follow these marking guidelines. Enclosure 1 Markings for MUTCD Compliant Gates: permanently installed gates that control through roads, extensions of Federal, State or County roads. Also recommended for gates on USACE roads that occur along the length of a roadway or at a no-stop intersection where traffic would be expected to be at the speed limit when meeting the gate. Marking: Gate arms shall be fully retroreflectorized on both sides, have vertical stripes alternately red and white at l6-inch intervals measured horizontally. lf used on a one-way roadway, the retroreflectorization may be omitted on the side of the gate facing away from approaching traffic. The gate shall also have either a Type 4 Object Marker (red diamond) or Road Closed sign attached. Rolling sections of fence, if used as gates, shall include either a horizontal strip of retroreflectorized material on both sides of the fence with vertical stripes alternately red and white at 16-inch intervals measured horizontally to simulate the appearance of a gate arm in the horizontal position and one or more Type 4 object markers . The bottom of the retroreflectorized area shall be located 3.5 to 4.5 feet above the roadway surface. Gate stanchions or any fixed structure within 8 feet of the roadway shall have Type 2 Object Markers (Yellow reflectors). Gate stanchions and the gate arm, when open, shall be at least 2 feet from the edge of the paved road surface. Basic appearance of MUTCD-compliant gates: (recommended where gate is along the length of a roadway or at a non stop sign intersection) Advance Warning Signs Advance Warning Signs are required for gates that can close through roads and extensions of Federal, State or County roads. The time needed for detection, recognition, decision, and reaction is called the Perception-Response Time (PRT). This helps establish the distance ahead of the gate that a warning sign should be placed, based on the speed limit and visibility of the gate. MUTCD Table 2C-4 should be used as an aid for determining warning sign location. The distances can be adjusted for roadway features, other signing, and to improve visibility. The distances are for guidance purposes and should be applied with engineering judgment. Warning signs should not be placed too far in advance of the condition, such that drivers might tend to forget the warning because of other driving distractions. Signs warning of closed gates should read “ROAD CLOSED AHEAD” and can be permanently fixed or only placed when the gate is closed. Permanently fixed signs should be provided with a cover or be of the folding type so that they cannot be read when the gate is open. Minimum recommended marking requirements for gates on USACE roads open to the public, when not occurring on the length of a road or at a no-stop intersection. (see diagram below) The purpose is to make the gate visible when they encounter it. Type 4 Object markers and Road Closed signs would generally be unnecessary on most USACE roads, given the low speeds and placement of the gates at turn-off entrances. Diagram of the two types of gate marking requirements.  One for gates along the length of a road or an intersection where there is no stop sign and one for gates that branch off a main road or are at a stop sign intersection. --- ## Inland Waterways - Retro Reflective Tape Requirement for Buoys and Navigational Aids _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-regulations/inland-waterways-retro-reflective-tape-requirement-for-buoys-and-navigational-aids/_ **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, all the way around the tip of the state, up the eastern seaboard to, to New York City, Toronto, Detroit, Chicago, down the Mississippi and back down through the inland waterways to Pensacola. The United States Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) is tasked with managing and maintaining America's waterways. Throughout this vast system of waterways, you will find buoys, markers, and other navigational aids. These too are placed and maintained by the USACE. The following is a quote from the US Coast Guard. "The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regulates the placement of mooring buoys in all navigable U.S. waters. Those wishing to establish mooring buoys need to contact their local Army Corps of Engineers." With this being said, it is the US Coast Guard itself that sets standards for these navigational aids. This is true when it comes to marking buoys and navigational aids with retro reflective sheeting or tape. The pdf files below outline these regulations. PDF Document #1 is the UNITED STATES COAST GUARD SHORE INFRASTRUCTURE LOGISTICS CENTER WATERWAYS OPERATIONS PRODUCT LINE - HIGH INTENSITY RETROREFLECTIVE FILMS FOR USE ON MARINE AIDS-TO-NAVIGATION - SPECIFICATION NO. 393 - October 2018. This is the main regulation given by the Coast Guard that specifies what type of retro reflective sheeting, tape or letters to use on Navigational Aids. [pdf id='3185'] PDF Document #2 is the United States Coast Guard 33 CFR 60 which is title *SUBCHAPTER C—AIDS TO NAVIGATION*. *This part describes the general* *characteristics of the U.S. Aids to* *Navigation System, and the details,* *policies and procedures employed by* *the Coast Guard in establishing, maintaining,* *operating, changing or discontinuing* *Federal aids to navigation.* *Regulations concerning the marking of wrecks, structures, and other obstructions* *are found in 33 CFR part 64.* [pdf id='3193'] PDF Document #3 is the United States Coast Guard 33 CFR 66 which deals with private navigational aids. These are buoys and navigational aids in private waterway areas. They are allowed, but are still governed and regulated by the Coast Guard. Below that is PDF #4. A pictorial of the different kinds of markers. [pdf id='3195'] Pictures of Various Buoys and Markers are below. [pdf id='3197'] --- ## New York City Restaurant Street Seating Regulations - Reflective Sheeting Requirements _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-regulations/new-york-city-restaurant-street-seating-regulations-reflective-sheeting-requirements/_ 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. New York is one city that has implemented this plan. Seating people near existing traffic has its own inherent dangers which must be offset so that the solution does not create more danger than it prevents. One major challenge is visibility. Oncoming traffic must clearly see both the customers and the barriers that protect them.  As you can see from the picture below, barriers are used to protect customers. To enhance the visibility of barriers, NYC is requiring that Yellow High Intensity Reflective Tape be used to mark barricades. ReflectiveStore.com sells short rolls of flexible Yellow High Intensity tape that is – - Flexible and thin so it will wrap around 90 degree corners without lifting.  - Bright and very reflective, especially at closer distances. - Self-adhesive to adhere to plastic and other surfaces. - Outdoor durable and weather resistant. - Certified ASTM D-4956 Type 3 Tape. Application for yellow ASTM D4956 Type 3 high intensity tape is a simple peel and stick process. A tape that is commonly used to mark barricades, traffic cones, and road barrels. The actual regulation is outlined below. Note - as the COVID pandemic comes to a close, this regulation may be discontinued. However, the basic method of protecting and marking these dining areas is always relevant. ### For Sidewalk Seating in NYC - Seating and tables must be up against the wall of the business or as close as possible - Sidewalk seating area may not exceed business frontage  - Must leave an 8′ clear path for pedestrians - Must be at least 3′ from the adjacent business - Cannot block subway grate, utility hardware or Siamese water connection - Cannot block bus stop waiting area - For clear path purposes, parking meters, traffic signs and tree pits with flush gratings (without tree guards) are exempt. All other above-grade structures are considered obstructions. - Tables and chairs must be provided by the applicant.  ### For Roadway Seating in NYC #### Restaurants must: - Create a protective barrier, such as planters or objects of similar size and weight, on all three sides of the seating perimeter that are in the roadway, to separate seating from the travel lane. Such barriers must be at least 18” in width and 30-36” in height (excluding plantings) on all three sides that are in the roadway, to preserve visibility for motorists and provide protection for patrons (see Siting Criteria diagram) - Place such barriers directly adjacent to each other (no gaps) and no more than 8’ from the curb (see Siting Criteria diagram) - Roadway seating may not exceed the length of business frontage - ———————————————————————————- - **[Ensure visibility of patrons and barriers at night by clearly marking all barriers with yellow high intensity retro-reflective tape or reflectors (see Siting Criteria diagram)](http://reflectivestore.com)** - ———————————————————————————– - Provide a ramp for ADA compliance, which can be made of non-permanent materials  - Not place seating or barriers within 15’ of a fire hydrant. Doing so jeopardizes fire safety for your fellow New Yorkers - Not place seating or barriers within 8’ of a crosswalk, to provide for safe vehicle turns and avoid crowding - Not provide any lighting that is blinding to passing traffic - Not place seating within a No Stopping Anytime or No Standing Anytime zone, bike lane, bus lane/stop, taxi stand, or Car Share space  [Exception: For part-time No Stopping or No Standing zones, seating may be placed when those rules are not in effect. Barriers and seating must be removed from the roadway when No Stopping or No Standing is in effect] - Only utilize umbrellas with a weighted base or tents or other shelters, not to exceed 400 SF (square feet) in total or fully enclose the seating area, which follow manufacturers installation instructions to secure the tents properly and safely. Areas of multiple tents that are combined or are tied to each other cannot exceed 400 SF in total. All such umbrellas and tents may not extend past the barrier, obstruct access to or ventilation of utility covers, or obstruct clear paths. Umbrellas and tents should not be used during inclement weather such as high wind condition.   - Tables, chairs, and barriers must be provided by the applicant.  - Remove tables and chairs or secure them in place when not in operation - Comply with NYC Fire Department Open Flame and other applicable Fire Codes #### Restaurant owners may: - Leave barriers in place within a metered zone, alternate side parking, or No Parking Anytime zone, provided that the tables and chairs are removed or secured when not in operation.  - Where seating is authorized along a curb, install a platform behind the required barrier to flush height with curb to facilitate ADA compliance, prevent the curb from becoming a tripping hazard, and allow drainage to underpass seating. Such platforms shall not block rain water drainage getting to the curb or flowing along the curb  - Such platforms shall not obstruct access to or ventilation of utility covers. --- # Spec Sheets ## 3M™ 983 Chevron Striping Reflective Tape - Spec Sheet _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/3m-983-chevron-striping-reflective-tape-spec-sheet/_ 3M™ 983 Chevron Striping Reflective Tape is a very popular film for creating NFPA 1901 chevron stripes on Fire Trucks. It is a polycarbonate film so it has a long outdoor life. 983 is a stiffer film and it does not stretch or conform to unever surfaces, so it is perfect for flat surfaces such as the backs of fire trucks or the tail gates of trucks. Oralite 983 Conspicuity Tape is incredibly bright, as you can see from the spec sheet below. This tape is not designed for signs, so it is not typed, however, if typed it would be equivelent to an ASTM D4956 Type 8 film. A specifications sheet for 3M 983 is below – NOTE – USE THE ARROWS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE MORE PAGES. --- ## Type 1 - "Flexible" Engineer Grade (Nikkalite) Spec Sheet _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/type-1-flexible-engineer-grade-nikkalite/_ ASTM D4956 Type 1 “Flexible” Engineer Grade Reflective Graphics film is a unique version of EG made by Nikkalite. It is very similar to standard Type 1 engineer, only more conformable. It performs like standard EG when at a room temperature, but when warmed, it softens and becomes more moldable. Flexible engineer grade is thin, easily CAD cuttable, made in a single layer, flexible, and stretchable when warm. Once applied, it performs just like any other engineer grade film. To the best of my knowledge, Flexible Engineer Grade is available in the most colors of any reflective film. A specifications sheet for Type 1 “Flexible” Engineer Grade is below – NOTE – USE THE ARROWS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE MORE PAGES. [Download & Print](https://reflective.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/elg_specs.pdf) --- ## Type 1 - Engineer Grade (Nikkalite) Spec Sheet _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/type-1-engineer-grade-nikkalite-specifications-sheet/_ ASTM D4956 Type 1 Reflective Tape is the first retro reflective tape created and remains the most popular. Its use for highway signs has been phased out over time by brighter prismatic films. However, EG has found extensive use in the graphics industry. Basic engineer grade is thin, made in a single layer, flexible, and moderately conformable. It is available in more colors than other reflective film, with the exception of “Flexible Engineer Grade”. EG comes in solid colors, as well as striped in white/red and white/orange for barricade tape. Type 1 is produced by different manufacturers. The specifications sheet on this page is from Nikkalite. Others will have similar photo-metrics. NOTE – USE THE ARROWS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE MORE PAGES. [Download & Print](https://reflective.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/EG_2.pdf) --- ## Type 1 – “Fleet” Engineer Grade (Oralite 5600 Rapid Air Repositionable) Spec Sheet _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/type-1-fleet-engineer-grade-oralite-5600-rapid-air-repositionable-spec-sheet/_ Oralite 5600 Type 1 Fleet Engineer Grade tape is designed for fleet graphics. It is a repositionable material that also has a special adhesive backing with air channels that allow air to release from under the reflective vinyl during application. This makes applying the film to vehicles and other objects much easier. Repositionable means that during application only, you can apply the film to a surface, pull it free, and then reapply. For easy application, it does not get any better than Oralite 5600 Oralite 5600 RA (rapid air) is also brighter than other engineer grade films, as you can see from the spec sheet below. This material is designed to be computer or CAD cut and is somewhat conformable, especially with a small amount of heat. A specifications sheet for Oralite 5600 RA Type 1 Fleet Engineer Grade is below – NOTE – USE THE ARROWS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE MORE PAGES. [pdf id='3138'] [Download & P](https://reflective.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/5650-ra-spec-sheet.pdf)[rint](https://reflective.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/oralite-5600ra-fleet-engineer-grade-id11132-technical-data-sheet-americas-en.pdf) --- ## Type 1 - "Fleet" Engineer Grade (Oralite 5650 Rapid Air) Spec Sheet _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/type-1-fleet-engineer-grade-oralite-5650-rapid-air-specifications-sheet/_ Oralite Type 1 Fleet Engineer Grade tape is designed for fleet graphics. It has a special adhesive backing with air channels that allow air to release from under the reflective vinyl during application. This makes applying the film to vehicles and other objects much easier. Oralite 5650 RA (rapid air) is also brighter than other engineer grade films, as you can see from the spec sheet below. This material is designed to be computer or CAD cut and is somewhat conformable, especially with a small amount of heat. A specifications sheet for Oralite 5650 RA Type 1 Fleet Engineer Grade is below – NOTE – USE THE ARROWS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE MORE PAGES. [Download & Print](https://reflective.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/5650-ra-spec-sheet.pdf) --- ## Type 1 – “Fleet” Engineer Grade (Oralite 5700) Spec Sheet _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/type-1-fleet-engineer-grade-oralite-5700-spec-sheet/_ Our Type 1 Fleet Engineer Grade Oralite 5700 is similar to our 5650 Rapid Air, but without the air egress feature. It cuts the same, and has the same 7 year outdoor life. It is more affordable than the higher priced 5650. With a small amount of heat from a hair dryer, it is moderately conformable. A specifications sheet for the 5700 Oralite film is below. NOTE – USE THE ARROWS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE MORE PAGES. --- ## Type 2 Super Engineer Grade (Nikkalite) Specifications Sheet _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/type-2-super-engineer-grade-nikkalite-specifications-sheet/_ ASTM D4956 Type 2 Super Engineer Grade Reflective Graphics film is similar to standard Type 1 engineer, but twice as bright at night when reflecting. It performs like standard EG and looks the same with the exception of a faint star watermark that designates it as Super Engineer. SEG is thin, CAD cuttable, made in a single layer, flexible, and mildly conformable. Once applied, it performs just like any other engineer grade film. SEG is available in all standard traffic sign colors as well as striped barricade tapes in white/red and white/orange. Type 2 is produced by different manufacturers. The spec sheet on this page is from Nikkalite. Others will have similar photo-metrics. NOTE – USE THE ARROWS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE MORE PAGES. [Download & Print](https://reflective.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/SEG_1.pdf) --- ## Type 3 High Intensity Grade (Nikkalite) Specifications Sheet _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/type-3-high-intensity-grade-nikkalite-specifications-sheet/_ ASTM D4956 Type 3 High Intensity Grade Glass Bead Reflective Sheeting is three times as bright as standard engineer grade films. Type 3 is made with highly refractive index glass beads that are uniform in size, with a high percentage of perfect roundness. Each bead is coated on half of its sphere with 100% pure aluminum. Each aluminum coated bead is then half embedded in synthetic resin and positioned in a cell. These cells give the tape a honeycomb appearance. Type 3 is an enclosed lens film, meaning the beads are held in individual cells. The design makes the tape much brighter and broadens the reflectivity. In other words, it has a wide observation angle. Type 3 is available in all standard traffic sign colors as well as striped barricade tapes in white/red and white/orange. This material is not as easy to CAD cut with a plotter. There are two variations of Type 3 High Intensity - A STANDARD and a FLEXIBLE version. The flexible version is conformable, stretchable, and moldable. Of the two, the flexible version is more CAD cuttable and has more application options due to its conformability. Type 3 is produced by different manufacturers. The spec sheet on this page is from Nikkalite. Others will have similar photo-metrics. NOTE – USE THE ARROWS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE MORE PAGES. [Download & Print](https://reflective.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/ULG_1.pdf) --- ## Type 4 High Intensity Prismatic (Nikkalite HIM & Oralite 5930 5934) Spec Sheet _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/type-4-high-intensity-micro-prismatic-nikkalite-specifications-sheet/_ ASTM D4956 Type 4 High Intensity Micro Prismatic Retro Reflective Sheeting. Type 4 reflective films utilize man made prisms for reflectivity. More efficient micro prisms make the films twice as bright as high intensity glass bead films, and 7 times brighter than engineer grade. Type 4 films reflect out further than lower typed glass bead films. The difference can be seen on the spec sheet below. HIM is a thicker acrylic based film, so CAD cutting is difficult. These films are best used for sign backgrounds, bollards, building corners, dumpsters, fire hydrants, roll off containers, trailers, etc.. Sold in wide and narrow rolls. Available in all traffic colors as well as striped barricade tapes in white/red and white/orange. We carry Nikkalite for our Acrylic based type 4 films, and Oralite for our flexible PVC based films. (work zone) Type 4 is produced by different manufacturers. The specifications sheets on this page are from Nikkalite and Oralite. Others will have similar photo-metrics. [Download & Print](https://reflective.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/HIM.pdf) [Download & Print](https://reflective.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/oralite-5934-channelizer-barricade-delineation-sheeting-technical-data-sheet.pdf) [Download & Print](https://reflective.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/oralite-5930-prismatic-construction-grade-technical-data-sheet.pdf) --- ## Type 5 Ultra Bright Metallized Prismatic (Oralite V82) Specifications Sheet _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/type-5-ultra-bright-metallized-prismatic-oralite-specifications-sheet/_ Type 5 films are primarily used for delineators and channelizers on highways and streets. It is a unique film in that it is brighter than all other reflective sheeting, thinner, more rugged, made in a single layer, and CAD cuttable. Type 5 is used extensively for non signage applications. Things like DOT tapes, marine applications, trucks, trailers, bollards, trains, dumpsters, shipping containers, buildings, letters, numbers, graphics, and much more. Since it is made in a single layer, it does not delaminate. Type 5 is primarily manufactured by Orafol and is based on their AP1000 film. To the best of my knowledge, no other manufacturer makes a comparable film. Of note is that the photo-metrics on the spec sheet are the minimum values that the film meets. Actual reflectivity is much higher. A spec sheet on Oralite Type 5 is below - NOTE – USE THE ARROWS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE MORE PAGES. [Download & Print](https://reflective.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/oralite-v82-technical-data-sheet.pdf) --- ## Type 6 Roll Up Work Zone Signs (Oralite) Specifications Sheet _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/type-6-roll-up-work-zone-signs-oralite-specifications-sheet/_ Type 6 is a non adhesive, air backed, prismatic, flexible sheeting that is used for traffic control signing in temporary work zones, utility, and incident management applications. It has a Class 5 backing which simply means no adhesive. This material is used almost exclusively for roll up temporary signs. These may be used in work zones, accident zones, when utility trucks are working, and other situations where a very bright portable sign is needed. Oralite is the leading manufacturer of this type of material, and as such, a spec sheet of their material is included below. Other manufacturers materials will have similar photo-metrics. NOTE – USE THE ARROWS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE MORE PAGES. [Download & Print](https://reflective.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/oralite-roll-up-signs-technical-data-sheet.pdf) [Download & Print](https://reflective.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/oralite-marathon-roll-up-signs-technical-data-sheet.pdf) --- ## Type 7 Permanent Highway Signs (discontinued) _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/type-7-highway-sign-reflective-discontinued/_ This material has been "discontinued" and is no longer manufactured. It has been replaced by Type 5 for Delineators and Channelizes, and Type 8 or 11 for Highway Signs. Therefore, no spec sheets are available for it, however, I have posted candela ratings below. Photometrics for Type 7 Sheeting (minimum coefficient of reflection in candelas) Observation Angle : positive .2 degrees / Entrance Angle : negative .4 degrees - White – 750 - Yellow – 560 - Orange – 280 - Green – 75 - Red – 150 - Blue – 34 - Fluorescent Lime – 600 - Fluorescent Orange – 230 --- ## Type 8 Permanent Highway Sign Sheeting (Nikkalite) Specifications Sheet _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/type-8-permanent-highway-sign-sheeting-nikkalite-specifications-sheet/_ Type 8 film is manufactured using high clarity acrylic film and an air backed micro prismatic array. It is similar to type 4 sheeting, but brighter. Type 8 Highway sheeting is very bright at long distances and also very rugged. Its primary use is permanent traffic signage where long sight distance is needed. Sign applications are mostly overhead and pole mounted signs on interstates. However, when slit to narrower widths it can also be used for chevron striping on fire trucks, dumpster marking, roll off containers, bollards, building corners, and much more. Although still used across the country, Type 8 is slowly being replaced by Type 11 wide observation highway sheeting. Type 8 is produced by different manufacturers. The spec sheet on this page is from Nikkalite. Others will have similar photo-metrics. NOTE – USE THE ARROWS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE MORE PAGES. [Download & Print](https://reflective.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/CRG-type-8.pdf) --- ## Type 9 - Wide Observation (Oralite 7900) Spec Sheet _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/type-9-wide-observation-sheeting-oralite-7900-specifications-sheet/_ Type 9 prismatic sheeting is designated as wide observation retro reflective sheeting because it reflects a wider cone of reflectivity. This allows the film to be observed at wide angles from the light source. It has the highest retro reflectivity characteristics at short distances and is used for ground mounted highway signs, barricades, bollards, buildings, poles, fences, containers, vehicle bumpers, and more. Wide observation films are new to the market and have unique qualities that make them better for modern traffic. Brighter films, with a wider angle of visibility. NOTE - we have spec sheets below 7900 tapes from Oralite. 7900 is a solid color sheeting and is ASTM D4956 Type 9 rated. Type 9 film is produced by different manufacturers. The spec sheets on this page are from Oralite. Others will have similar photo-metrics. NOTE – USE THE ARROWS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE MORE PAGES. [Download & Print](https://reflective.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/oralite-7900-wide-observation-angle-prismatic-technical-data-sheet.pdf) --- ## Type 10 Permanent Highway Signage (discontinued) _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/type-10-permanent-highway-signage-discontinued/_ This material has been "discontinued" and is no longer manufactured. It has been replaced by Type 5 for Delineators and Channelizes, and Type 8 or 11 for Highway Signs. Therefore, no spec sheets are available for it, however, I have posted candela ratings below. Photometrics for Type 10 Sheeting (minimum coefficient of reflection in candelas) Observation Angle : positive .2 degrees / Entrance Angle : negative .4 degrees - White – 560 - Yellow – 420 - Orange – 210 - Green – 56 - Red – 84 - Blue – 28 - Fluorescent Lime – 450 - Fluorescent Orange – 170 --- ## Type 11 - Ultra Bright Wide Observation (Oralite 9900) Spec Sheet _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/type-11-ultra-bright-wide-observation-sign-sheeting-specifications-sheet/_ Type 11 Ultra Brilliant Wide Observation Sheeting is the newest type of retro reflective film on the market. It combines long sign distance reflectivity with wide observation technology. The resulting film can be seen from farther away than comparable films, and is visible at wider observation angles. (higher angles from the light source) In the case of ORALITE® 9900 Brilliant Grade Premium, it consists of sealed cells of air backed micro-prisms that utilize total internal reflection, a technology that returns more light to the source. Prismatic arrays for type 11 are also deeper, and angled slightly to widen the cone of reflectivity. All of theses characteristics result in the most advanced retro reflective sign sheeting on the market. Type 11 is made by several manufacturers, however for the purposes of this article, we are using the technical data sheet (spec sheet) from Orafol. Other type11 sheetings will have similar photo-metrics. NOTE – USE THE ARROWS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE MORE PAGES. [Download & Print](https://reflective.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/oralite-9900-brilliant-grade-premium-technical-data-sheet.pdf) --- ## Pre-Striped Chevron Marking Tape (Oralite V98) Specifications Sheet _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/pre-striped-chevron-marking-tape-oralite-v98-specifications-sheet/_ Pre-striped chevron marking tape is a highly reflective, pliable reflective sheeting, used for creating chevron panels on the back of fire trucks, utility trucks, and other commercial, government, and industrial vehicles. It is pre printed with red and fluorescent lime stripes, and comes in widths up to 48 inches. This material comes in both left and right hand slants. To create chevron designs with this film, installers simple trim two sections so they match, and line them up in the middle. Pre-Striped Chevron Reflective Tape is produced by different manufacturers. The spec sheet on this page is from Oralite. Others will have similar photo-metrics. [pdf id='2477'] [Download & Print](https://reflective.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/oralite-v98-pre-striped-chevron-technical-data-sheet.pdf) --- ## DOT C2 Conspicuity Tape (Oralite V52-V82-V92) Specifications Sheet _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/dot-c2-conspicuity-tape-oralite-v82-v92/_ DOT tapes are always red and white (silver) and come in two available patterns. 7/11 is a seven inch white, 11 inch red block pattern. 6/6 is an even six inch white, six inch red block pattern. V82 is a 10 year durability type 5 film, and V92 is a 5 year film. Oralite's DOT tapes are always prismatic. We have spec sheets for V52 Diamond Plate, V92 Daybright DOT and V82 Type 5 DOT below. Note - DOT C2 conspicuity tapes are produced by different manufacturers. The spec sheets on this page are from Oralite tape. However, others will have similar photo-metrics. NOTE – USE THE ARROWS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE MORE PAGES. [Download & Print](https://reflective.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/oralite-v52-diamond-plate-dot-c2-conspicuity-sheeting-technical-data-sheet.pdf) [Download & Print](https://reflective.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/oralite-v82-dot-c2-conspicuity-sheeting-technical-data-sheet.pdf) [Download & Print](https://reflective.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/oralite-v92-daybright-dot-c2-conspicuity-sheeting-technical-data-sheet.pdf) --- ## FRA 224 Rail Car Reflective Tape (Oralite R99) Spec Sheet _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/fra-224-rail-car-reflective-tape-oralite-r99-specifications-sheet/_ FRA tape or Rail Car Tape is manufactured by several companies. It comes in yellow or white with yellow being the most popular. This tape is mandated by the FRA (federal railroad administration) for use on all rail cars. We have an article on placement under regulations on this site. FRA 224 tape is a not typed film, meaning it is not designed for signs. However, if it was typed it would be the equivalent of a type 5 film. The standard width for a roll is 4 inches. FRA 224 retro reflective rail car film is produced by different manufacturers. The specifications sheets on this page are from Oralite. Others will have similar photo-metrics. NOTE – USE THE ARROWS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE MORE PAGES. [Download & Print](https://reflective.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/oralite-r99-railcar-fra224-sheeting-technical-data-sheet.pdf) --- ## Rail Gate Arm Reflective Tape (Oralite - RGA) Specifications Sheet _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/rail-gate-arm-reflective-tape-oralite-rga-specifications-sheet/_ Oralite's R82 RGA (Rail Gate Arm) tape is compliant with both MUTCD and Corp of Engineer standards for marking rail gate arms, control arms, and gates that operate near or on DOT roads. This Type 5 reflective tape is a 16 inch / 16 inch Block Red and White (silver) pattern. It is micro prismatic and based on Oralites AP1000 film. (aka V82) RGA reflective film is produced by different manufacturers. The spec sheet on this page is from Oralite. Others will have similar photo-metrics. NOTE – USE THE ARROWS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE MORE PAGES. [Download & Print](https://reflective.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/oralite-v82-rail-gate-arm-sheeting-technical-data-sheet.pdf) --- ## School Bus Reflective Tape (Oralite V59-V82-V99) Specifications Sheet _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/school-bus-reflective-tape-oralite-v59-v82-v99-specifications-sheet/_ School bus reflective tape is used to make school buses safer. School bus reflective requirements are covered by FMVSS 131 & 217, as well as individual state regulations. In general, all of these regulations require marking window emergency exits and doors, as well as the length the bus. Normally an ASTM D4956 Type 5 retro reflective tape is required, or an equivalent. School bus tape is used to quickly locate exits in the event of an accident, and to light up the bus at night to oncoming traffic. Spec sheets for Oralite V59, V82, and V99 are below. School Bus Reflective Tape is produced by different manufacturers. The spec sheets on this page is from Oralite. Others will have similar photo-metrics. NOTE – USE THE ARROWS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE MORE PAGES. [Download & Print](https://reflective.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/oralite-v59-school-bus-technical-data-sheet.pdf) [Download & Print](https://reflective.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/oralite-v82-school-bus-conspicuity-sheeting-technical-data-sheet.pdf) [Download & Print](https://reflective.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/oralite-V99-schoolbus-spec-sheet.pdf) --- ## SOLAS Marine Grade Reflective (Oralite) Specifications Sheet _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/solas-marine-grade-reflective-oralite-specifications-sheet/_ SOLAS (safety of life at sea) is a coast guard approved, marine grade retro reflective tape that is designed for off shore applications on ships, boats, and commercial vessels. SOLAS comes only in a white (grey/silver) color. It is grey in the daytime, and very bright white when reflecting. SOLAS film is not for signs, therefore it is not typed by ASTM. Instead, it is governed by International Maritime Organization (IMO), the Coast Guard, and Homeland Security. SOLAS by Oralite comes in three types. 1403 Adhesive for hard surfaces, 1403 Sew On for Garments, and 1404 Flexible for Zodiacs, Survival Suits, Etc.. A spec sheet for Oralite 1403 and 1404 is below. NOTE – USE THE ARROWS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE MORE PAGES. [Download & Print](https://reflective.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/oralite-fd1403-solas-tech-sheet.pdf) [Download & Print](https://reflective.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/oralite-fd1404-solas-tech-sheet.pdf) --- ## V92 Daybright Prismatic Graphics Film (Oralite) Specifications Sheet _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/v92-daybright-prismatic-graphics-film-oralite-specifications-sheet/_ Oralite V92 Daybright Prismatic Retro Reflective is another unique film made only by Orafol. It is a very thin, very bright film, that can be CAD cut. V92 is a metallized prismatic film, which means it is thinner, brighter, and more rugged than air backed films. It can take multiple impacts, and still reflect. This reflective tape has Oralite's unique Daybright pattern, which makes it more vivid in the daytime, and still very bright at night. V92 is made in one layer which means it does not need to be edge sealed, and does not delaminate. V92 Daybright is not for signs, therefore it is not ASTM typed. However, if it was typed it would be equivalent to a type 4 prismatic in brightness. NOTE – USE THE ARROWS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE MORE PAGES. [Download & Print](https://reflective.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/oralite-v92-daybright-conspicuity-sheeting-solid-colors-technical-data-sheet.pdf) --- ## V98 Conformable Graphics Film (Oralite) Specifications Sheet _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/v98-conformable-graphics-film-oralite-specifications-sheet/_ V98 Conformable Graphics Film by Oralite is a flexible, conformable, metallized, prismatic sheeting that is CAD cuttable. Because it is not designed to be used on signs, it is not ASTM typed. However, if it was a typed film, it would be equivalent to a type 4 in brightness. V98 is a PVC based film, which is what makes it softer and easier to work with for graphics. It is also a single layer film, meaning all layers are fused together to form one layer that will not delaminate and does not need to be edge sealed. To the best of my knowledge, there is not another film on the market like Oralite's V98. A spec sheet for V98 is below. NOTE – USE THE ARROWS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE MORE PAGES. [Download & Print](https://reflective.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/oralite-v98-conformable-graphic-sheeting-technical-data-sheet.pdf) --- ## Photo Electric Tape / Sheeting Specifications Sheet P82-P66-AC1000-5900 _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/photo-electric-tape-sheeting-specifications-sheet-p82-p66-ac1000-5900/_ ORAFOL has a variety of retroreflective materials that can be used in photoelectric sensor applications. These materials are made to the highest standards and improve productivity and accuracy. Photo electric tapes are retroreflective materials and work by sending light back to its source. Photo Electric Films can be used in a wide range of situations. Designed for a world that is becoming more and more automated, ORALITE® Photoelectric Sheeting has longer sensing ranges due to more efficient reflector technology. These sheetings are available with or without polarization. At our online store, we carry the P82 version. Other types can be purchased by special order. The specifications sheet below covers all types of Oralite Photoelectric sheeting. NOTE – USE THE ARROWS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE MORE PAGES. [Download & Print](https://reflective.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/oralite-photoelectric-sheeting-technical-data-sheet.pdf) --- ## Oralite Super Bright & Marathon Reflective Banner Material _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/oralite-super-bright-marathon-reflective-banners/_ Oralite Marathon and Super Bright roll up sign and banner material is a non adhesive, air backed, prismatic, flexible sheeting that is used for traffic control signing in temporary work zones, utility, and incident management applications. It has a Class 5 backing which simply means "no adhesive". This material is used almost exclusively for roll up temporary signs and banners. These may be used in work zones, accident zones, when utility trucks are working, and other situations where a very bright portable sign is needed. Reflects at 500 candelas for White, 400 for Fluorescent Lime, 350 for Yellow, 200 for Orange, and 150 for Fluorescent Pink. Outdoor life is indefinite when kept indoors, and 3 years outdoors. Oralite is the leading manufacturer of this type of material and their unique manufacturing process produces the highest quality, most rugged, and brightest films NOTE – USE THE ARROWS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE MORE PAGES. [Download & Print](https://reflective.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/oralite-roll-up-signs-technical-data-sheet.pdf) [Download & Print](https://reflective.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/oralite-marathon-roll-up-signs-technical-data-sheet.pdf) --- ## Oralite GP020 Garment Trim - Spec Sheet _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/oralite-gp020-garment-trim-spec-sheet/_ Oralite GP020 Glass Bead Performance reflective sew on garment trim for safety apparel. Exposed bead technology for quick, wide angle return of light. - - For sew-on application - Backing: Polyester/Cotton - Washing*: 50 cycles at 60° C - Dry cleaning**: 25 cycles - Traditional safety tape for work wear - Approved to EN ISO 20471:2013 Separate Performance - Ideal for common high visibility garments - Silver glass bead construction [pdf id='2188'] --- ## Oralite GP025 Heat Applied Garment Trim - Spec Sheet _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/oralite-gp025-heat-applied-garment-trim-spec-sheet/_ Oralite GP025 Glass Bead Performance reflective heat applied garment trim for safety apparel. Exposed bead technology for quick, wide angle return of light. --- ## Oralite GP330 Garment Trim - Spec Sheet _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/oralite-gp330-garment-trim-spec-sheet/_ Oralite GP330 Air Backed PVC Garment Trim is a sew on high intensity film used to make jackets and outfits highly visible day and night. It is incredibly bright and very affordable. **Applications**Sew on, high performance, stain resistant, lightweight trim with a soft hand for increased wearer comfort.**Reflective Technology**Prismatic**Backing**air backed prismatic film sealed to soft PVC backing**Washing**75 cycles**Colors**white, blaze orange, combined performance fluorescent yellow green, combined performance red orange**Available Sizes**2" x 300' roll**Certifications**ANSI/ISEA 107-2020CSA Z96-2022, Level 2 --- ## Oralite GP440 Garment Trim - Spec Sheet _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/oralite-gp440-garment-trim-spec-sheet/_ Designed for sew-on application to heavy duty and premium value high visibility safety equipment such as insulated jackets, breathable rainwear, uniforms, and more. ORALITE® Brilliance® Series GP440 Garment Trim is a durable weather and solvent resistant fabric backed trim. This flexible and thin retroreflective garment trim has a soft hand and outstanding brightness for greater wearer comfort and safety. In the crucial areas of abrasion resistance, wet performance, and cleaning, the trim has a smooth sealed outer surface that offers outstanding performance. All standards for retroreflective trim in compliance with ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 and CSA Z96-2022 for Level 2 photometric performance are met or exceeded by ORALITE® Brilliance® Series GP440 reflective trim. **Applications**Sew on, thin and flexible metalized trim for heavy duty and premium value safety appareal.**Reflective Technology**Metalized Prismatic. Typical reflectivity at 0.20° observation and +5 entrance angles is 1000 cd/lux/m2 for the white/silver color and 800 for the fluorescent yellow-green color.**Backing**Knitted polyester fabric. Comfortable, soft hand feel.**Washing**100 cycles**Colors**Silver (white), Fluorescent Lime**Available Sizes**2" x 300' roll or custom sizes**Certifications**ANSI/ISEA 107-2020CSA Z96-2022, Level 2 --- ## Oralite GP801 Garment Trim – Spec Sheet _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/oralite-gp801-garment-trim-spec-sheet/_ ORALITE® Brilliance® Series GP801 reflective trim is designed for sew-on application to heavy duty and premium value high visibility safety apparel such as insulated jackets, breathable rainwear, uniforms, etc. The thin and flexible retroreflective garment trim offers superior brightness with a soft hand for increased wearer comfort and the smooth-sealed outer surface as described in Part 6 of the MUTCD for traffic control devices provides excellent performance in all weather conditions. **Applications**Sew on metalized trim designed for heavy duty and premium value safety apparel.**Reflective Technology**Prismatic**Backing**knitted polyester fabric**Washing**100 cycles**Colors**silver**Available Sizes**1" x 300' roll , 2" x 300' roll**Certifications**ANSI/ISEA 107-2020CSA Z96-2022, Level 2 --- ## Oralite FTP2550 2575 Fire Trim Spec Sheet _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-tape-specifications/oralite-ftp2550-2575-fire-trim-spec-sheet/_ Oralite 2500 Series Fire Resistant Garment Trim (sew on) is designed to protect fire fighters in the worst of scenarios. It is highly visible day and night, and features a fire resistant fabric backing. It is very flexible and soft, so as to not restrict the movement of the garment it is applied to. Product Features - New ultra flexible construction = Trim conforms to gear for ultra comfort. - Works when wet = Ensures visibility in all conditions. - Edge-to-edge reflectivity = Provides greatest visibility in low-light conditions. - Prismatic retroreflective performance = Highest reflectivity on the market. Up to 2X the dry performance of glass bead products. - Smooth sealed outer surface = Abrasion resistant and easy to clean. - Mono-layered construction = Toughest trim in the fire service industry Year after year performance. - Specification compliant = Meets and exceeds requirements for NFPA 1971-2013. NFPA 1977-2011 CAN/CGSB-155.1-2001 Available In - FTP-2575-S: diamond trim with center stripe  - FTP-2575-D: diamond trim - FTP-2550-D: diamond trim - FTP-2550-TO/TL: solid center stripe [pdf id='2348'] --- # Product Catalogs ## Oralite Case Wholesale Prices _Source: https://reflective.info/purchase-oralite-products/oralite-case-wholesale-prices/_ **Case pricing on Oralite Reflective Products. 30-45 day lead time. All case quantity (wholesale) orders ship from the factory. Additional discounts available for larger orders. For quotes, [click here](https://reflective.info/contact) to send us a message. Please be specific as to the type, size, color, and quantity that you would like. Note - lead times on case quantity orders can vary. When we send your quote, we will include approximate lead times for the products requested. ** **(the pdf file below is large, so please allow time for it to load)** [pdf id='2125'] --- ## Oralite Fleet Reflective Films : V98-V92-V82-5650 _Source: https://reflective.info/purchase-oralite-products/oralite-fleet-reflective-films/_ Reflective Inc. is an Authorized Distributor of Oralite Products. Below is our catalog of **Oralite Reflective Films for Fleet Graphics**. This catalog covers fleets, emergency vehicles, and more. If you have questions about any of the products, please [contact us.](https://reflective.info/contact/) For purchases of these products we can provide a quote and a payable invoice from Square. [pdf id='1927'] --- ## Oralite Conspicuity : DOT-Rail-School-AGR-V98 _Source: https://reflective.info/purchase-oralite-products/oralite-vehicle-conspicuity/_ Reflective Inc. is an Authorized Distributor of Oralite Products. Below is our catalog of **Oralite Reflective Vehicle Conspicuity Films**. This catalog covers trucks, school buses, trains, and more. If you have questions about any of the products, please [contact us.](https://reflective.info/contact/) For purchases of these products we can provide a quote and a payable invoice from Square. [pdf id='1811'] --- ## Oralite Work Zone : 5930-5934-5935-Roll Up-AR _Source: https://reflective.info/purchase-oralite-products/oralite-work-zone-tapes/_ Reflective Inc. is an Authorized Distributor of Oralite Products. Below is our catalog of Oralite Work Zone Reflective Films. If you have questions about any of the products, please [contact us.](https://reflective.info/contact/) For purchases of these products we can provide a quote and a payable invoice from Square. [pdf id='1778'] --- ## Oralite Marine (SOLAS) Tapes : M82 _Source: https://reflective.info/purchase-oralite-products/oralite-marine-tapes/_ Reflective Inc. is an Authorized Distributor of Oralite Products. Below is our catalog of Oralite Reflective Marine Grade Films. (aids to navigation) If you have questions about any of the products, please [contact us.](https://reflective.info/contact/) For purchases of these products we can provide a quote and a payable invoice from Square. [pdf id='1818'] --- ## Oralite Garment Trims : GP-UFR-FTP-M82-Shapes _Source: https://reflective.info/purchase-oralite-products/oralite-garment-trim/_ Reflective Inc. is an Authorized Distributor of Oralite Products. Below is our catalog of Oralite Personal Safety Garment Trims. (sew on & iron on) If you have questions about any of the products, please [contact us.](https://reflective.info/contact/) For purchases of these products we can provide a quote and a payable invoice from Square. [pdf id='1769'] --- ## Oralite Glass Bead Trims - GP020 GP025 GP027 GP030 _Source: https://reflective.info/purchase-oralite-products/oralite-glass-bead-trims-gp020-gp025-gp027-gp030/_ Reflective Inc. is an Authorized Distributor of Oralite Products. Below is our catalog of **Oralite Reflective Glass Bead Garment Trims**. This catalog covers both sew on and heat applied reflective products. If you have questions about any of the products, please [contact us.](https://reflective.info/contact/) For purchases of these products we can provide a quote and a payable invoice from Square. [pdf id='2196'] --- ## Oralite Sign Sheeting : 5700-5900-7900-9900 _Source: https://reflective.info/purchase-oralite-products/oralite-reflective-sign-sheeting/_ Reflective Inc. is an Authorized Distributor of Oralite Products. Below is our catalog of Oralite Reflective Sign Sheeting Films. If you have questions about any of the products, please [contact us.](https://reflective.info/contact/) For purchases of these products we can provide a quote and a payable invoice from Square.** (Please allow a few moments for the PDF to load - it is a large file)** [pdf id='1804'] --- ## PreMark Preformed Thermoplastic Prices _Source: https://reflective.info/purchase-oralite-products/premark-preformed-thermoplastic-prices/_ **PreMark Preformed Thermoplastic Price sheet. Ennis Flint Brand product. For quotes on this material, [contact us](https://reflective.info/contact) through this site, or fill out a [request for quote](https://preformedthermoplastic.com/offline-order-form/) form on our Preformed Thermoplastic Main Site. Note - the prices listed below are subject to change.** [pdf id='2130'] --- # Other Products ## What is Reflective Paint? _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-paints-beads-preformed-thermoplastic/reflective-paint-article/_ sample article on reflective paint --- ## Reflective Glass Beads (Spheres) and the Part They Play in Safety _Source: https://reflective.info/reflective-paints-beads-preformed-thermoplastic/reflective-glass-beads-spheres-and-the-part-they-play-in-safety/_ Reflective glass beads have been around for over 100 years. The perfection and mass manufacture of microscopic reflective glass spheres is attributed to Rudolph Potters, the founder of Potters Beads and Potters Industries, still in business today as the largest manufacturer of reflective glass beads in the world. ---