What Are the DOT Reflective Tape Requirements?

Truck accidents can occur for a number of reasons. To help curb these accidents and increase driver safety, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), requires all semi-trucks and big rigs to be fitted with retro-reflective tape. The tape must be placed along the bottom and sides of any trailer weighing more than 4, 536 kg. This helps make the trailers more visible, especially at dusk and nighttime.

Specifically, DOT C2 reflective tape must be used in the following ways:

• Red and white tape must be used for the back and bottom sides of the trailer. It must cover at least half of the total side length, the entire bottom of the back, and the entire lower rear bar.
• Silver or white tape must be used for the upper rear of the trailer, in the shape of a 12-inch inverted “L” on each side.

Reflective tape requirements are outlined and enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA), which operates as a part of the Department of Transportation to “prevent commercial motor vehicle-related fatalities and injuries.”

Retro-Reflective Tape Prevents Truck Accidents

In fact, the red and white reflective tape has been proven successful in reducing the number of accidents that are caused by collisions with truck trailers. The purpose of the tape is to provide greater visibility to other drivers, allowing them to use the appropriate following distance or speed. Without reflective tape, most trailer bodies would be practically invisible in the night, leading to catastrophic results.

Consider the following statistics on retro-reflective tape:

• Estimated to prevent 7,800 crashes every year
• Saves up to 350 lives on a yearly basis
• Prevents close to 5,000 traffic-related injuries

With proper visibility, drivers can avoid costly and devastating collisions with large trucks. Retro-reflective tape is truly making a major difference, saving hundreds of lives and preventing thousands of injuries every year!

Types of Collisions That Retro-Reflective Tape Can Prevent

A driver’s reaction time can be severely limited if they don’t see another vehicle until the last second. While other cars have headlights, are easier to spot, and can be avoided with quick maneuvering, trailers are often so difficult to see—without retro-reflective tape—that it may be impossible to avoid a collision if a driver unknowingly gets too close.

Some of the types of accidents that can occur due to lack of visibility:

• T-bone collisions when a trailer is turning/backing up
• Rear-end collisions in the same line
• Side impact collisions due to lack of warning signs
• Underride collisions (car slides into the underside of the trailer)

Meeting Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations

Other safety measures that can improve visibility include electrical wiring and subpart B lamps. All of these conspicuity devices and materials must meet the official federal standards of visibility. If there is dirt or mud covering the tape, a driver is responsible for cleaning it off.

Just because a trailer has tape, however, doesn't mean it passes government standards. If the tape is too small or not visible enough for the size of the trailer, penalties can be enforced. It costs most truck drivers around $150 to purchase and install all the appropriate lighting and retro-reflective tape for their vehicle. Under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, every driver must perform a pre-trip inspection. This means they are always aware of trailer visibility.

Arnold & Itkin proudly represents victims of truck accidents. If you have been hurt due to lack of visibility, violations of trucking regulations, or any other issues, call our truck accident firm today.