If you run the numbers you will see that both meet the spacing requirement. A 7″ white / 11″ red and a 6″ white / 6″ red. There are two types of DOT tape available.
Also, neither the red or white colors can exceed two thirds (2/3) of the total. That would be between 6″ and 18″ There is an exception where the tape must be trimmed to avoid obstructions when installed.
#Reflector 2 has stopped working plus#
Spacing -The red and white (silver) segments are required to be a minimum of 12 inches plus or minus 6 inches. (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. The exact wording of the regulation is as follows: The white color on prismatic tapes often looks silver but reflects white at night. 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.Ĭolor – DOT tape must be made with white and red alternating colors. This is how virtually all reflective tapes are constructed. (Source – Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration 393.11)Ĭonstruction – The requirements for the basic construction of the film are very straight forward. The specifics of the requirements are as follows. If a tape has been certified to meet these standards then the manufacturer is allowed to put DOT C2 certification on it. These requirements involve the construction of the tape, the color, the width, the spacing of the alternating colors, the performance, and the reflectivity. In order to be certified as DOT C2, C3 or C4 tape, certain requirements have to be met.
The downsides to using a cheap substitute are simply not worth it. They invented prismatic reflective tape and their products are respected and recognized around the world. We recommend Oralite (formerly Reflexite) DOT tapes. In the event of an accident, having the proper markings is especially important. This article is meant to help you understand what these requirements are so that you can be sure that you are using the correct product on your vehicle. (2″,3″ or 4”) Most people do not know what it takes for a reflective tape to be certified as “DOT C2, C3, or C4”. Also, some people know that the term C2, C3 or C4 refers to the width of the tape. Most people know that the letters DOT mean “Department of Transportation. While the term “DOT C2” reflective tape is used quite often in regards to marking tractor trailer rigs 80 inches wide or wider and over 10,000 lbs GVWR, what the term “DOT C2” means is seldom discussed. This tape is commonly referred to as DOT C2 reflective tape and is thus marked for easy identification (Exemption – pole trailers and trailers designed exclusively for living or office use)
#Reflector 2 has stopped working install#
The NHTSA ruling allows trailer manufacturers to install either red and white retro reflective tape or sheeting or reflex reflectors. On December 10, 1992, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or NHTSA published a final ruling that required trailers manufactured on or after December 1, 1993 having an overall width of 80 inches or more and a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of more than 10,000 pounds, be equipped on the sides and rear with a means for making them more visible on the road. DOT Truck (Tractor Trailer) marking requirements were set up by the FMCSA to help improve visibility in low light conditions and reduce the probability of fatal motor vehicle crashes into the sides or back of stopped or parked trucks and tractor trailers at night or in poor visibility conditions.