Reflective Conspicuity Tape

Reflective Tape

Also called conspicuity tape or reflector tape, reflective tape is a requirement for tractor trailers. Made from reflective prismatic sheeting and pressure-sensitive adhesive, the tape is intended to make heavy trailers more conspicuous to other drivers. Reflective conspicuity tape is not only brighter but also highly visible at much sharper angles than standard reflective tape.

Although reflective safety tape is designed for the trucking industry, it is also great for use on tractors and other agricultural equipment, ATVs, campers and motorhomes, water buoys, personal watercraft, mailboxes, garbage cans - anything that needs enhanced visibility.

We carry reflective conspicuity tape in different lengths from Reflexite® and Avery Denison, including white retroreflective tape curved for tankers and rectangular strips of reflective tape.

We also offer a retroreflective white SOLAS tape for maritime use that is US Coast Guard approved.

Conspicuity Tape Usage Regulations

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has regulations requiring the use of conspicuity materials on trailers and the rear of truck tractors. 

Red / White Conspicuity Tape

Red / white tape must be in an alternate pattern, with each color a minimum of 6" to 18" long, and 2" wide. One color cannot be more than two-thirds of the total segment. Red/white tape is used to:

• Outline the bottom of the sides and the top corner of the trailers, as well as the bottom and underride guard on the rear of the trailer.

• Mark the sides of trailers, 15- 60" inches above the road or as close as possible, and 3" from the required amber side lamp. Side tape may be in segments, but they must be evenly distributed to cover 50 percent of the side of the trailer.

• Mark the rear of the trailer, covering the full width of the trailer at 4 feet above the road, and the full width on the horizontal underride protector.

Solid Silver or White Conspicuity Tape

This tape style must be used to:

• Create a 12" long "L" shape in the upper corners (curved solid white/silver tape is to be used for tankers).

• Mark 3" from required red lamps.

These regulations apply to new tractor trailers manufactured on or after December 1, 1993 weighing 10,000 lbs. or more, with a width of 80" or more. For tractor trailers manufactured prior to that date, the locations where the tape must be placed is the same; the differences include more flexibility in color, no requirement for certification markings on the tape, and no requirement for conspicuity tape on the rear impact guard.

For more information on conspicuity tape requirements, see FMCSA's publication Conspicuity Requirements for Commercial Motor Vehicles.