DOT Conspicuity Tape Standard (FMVSS 108) ā What Fleets Must Know
Conspicuity markings make large vehicles visible at night and in low light. Hereās how DOT/FMCSA requirements work under FMVSS 108āwho needs tape, required colors and placement, performance, and how to choose compliant DOT-C2 tape.
What Is Conspicuity Tape?
Conspicuity tape is a retroreflective material applied to the sides and rear of trucks and trailers to outline vehicle size and shape in low-light conditions. Using microprismatic or glass-bead technology, it returns headlight beams toward drivers, improving detection distance and reaction time.Regulatory basis: Requirements come from Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 108 (Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment) administered by NHTSA/FMVSS and enforced for in-service vehicles by FMCSA.
Who Must Use It?
- Trailers and semitrailers 80ā³ or wider with GVWR ā„ 10,000 lb.
- Most truck tractors manufactured on/after July 1, 1997.
- Many fleets add tape to straight trucks, tankers, and flatbeds to match best practice.
Tape Certification (Brightness Class)
- Look for the printed mark: DOT-C2, DOT-C3, or DOT-C4.
- DOT-C2 is the most common and meets minimum photometric requirements for most applications.
- C3/C4 provide higher brightness for specialty or oversized equipment.
Colors & Pattern
- Red/white alternating segments on sides and rear lower area.
- Upper rear corners use white strips to form inverted āLā shapes.
- Typical segment pattern on trailers: 11ā³ red / 7ā³ white repeating (tank trailers allow flexible spacing).
Placement Heights
- Sides: Continuous lines covering ā„ 50% of each sideās length, 15ā³ā60ā³ above road.
- Rear (lower): Full-width strip across underride guard or bumper, 15ā³ā72ā³ above road.
- Rear (upper): White inverted āLās at top corners as practicable.
Performance & Durability
- Meets FMVSS 108 photometric minimums at specified observation/entrance angles.
- Weathering, UV, and abrasion resistance; typically 7-year service life for microprismatic tape.
- Colorfastness: red/white must stay within FMVSS 108 chromaticity bounds.
How to Choose Compliant Tape
- Confirm the on-film mark (e.g., DOT-C2).
- Select microprismatic constructions for maximum brightness and durability.
- Match your application: continuous rolls for long runs; pre-cut kits for small fleets.
- Install on clean, dry, de-oiled surfaces; apply with firm pressure per manufacturer instructions.
Why Compliance Matters
Proper conspicuity markings significantly reduce nighttime rear-end and side collisions and help avoid FMCSA violations or liability exposure. Staying aligned with FMVSS 108 is both a safety win and a compliance must.Quick reference (external): FMVSS 108 text and FMCSA compliance materials are available from NHTSA and FMCSA (FMVSS 108 and FMCSA). Always consult the official sources for the exact legal language.
2" x 150' Rolls V59 HIP ORALITEĀ® Red & White
2" x 150' Rolls V59 HIP ORALITE® Red & White
Quick Facts:
- 2" tall x 150' long roll of Conspicuity Tape
- ORALITE® HIP (High Intensity Prismatic) DOT-C2 Conspicuity Sheeting
- Available in two patterns - 11" Red / 7" White or 6" Red / 6" White
- Thin & flexible, prismatic reflective technology
- Weather resistant & vivid colors for enhanced visibility
- 10 year warranty
- Equivalent to 3M™ HIP Conspicuity Tape
2" x 150' Rolls ORALITEĀ® Red & White
2" x 150' Rolls ORALITE® Red & White
Quick Facts:
- 2" tall x 150' long roll of Conspicuity Tape
- ORALITE® V92 Daybright® DOT-C2 Conspicuity Sheeting
- Available in two patterns - 11" Red / 7" White or 6" Red / 6" White
- 11" Red / 7" White available as a 150' continuous roll or 'KISS Cut' every 18" (100 18" pieces total)
- Thin & flexible, prismatic reflective technology
- Weather resistant & maintains reflectivity even after an impact
- 5-year warranty
2" x 150' Rolls V82 DOT C-2 ORALITEĀ® Red & White
2" x 150' Rolls V82 DOT C-2 ORALITE® Red & White
Quick Facts:
- 2" tall x 150' long roll of Conspicuity Tape
- ORALITE® V82 DOT-C2 Conspicuity Sheeting
- Available in two patterns - 11" Red / 7" White or 6" Red / 6" White
- Thin & flexible, prismatic reflective technology
- Weather resistant & maintains reflectivity even after an impact
- Exceeds DOT requirements by 200%
- 10-year warranty