The Department of Transportation (DOT) has developed regulations to help ensure the visibility of large trucks during low light and inclement weather conditions. DOT C2 (S5.7.1.3(d)) is the regulation that specifies the requirements of reflective tape added to a truck's trailer to increase the trailer's conspicuity.
This regulation increases the safety records of large trucks. A truck that is over 10,000 pounds and wider than 80 inches must apply conspicuity tape to the trailer. The reflective tape must meet DOT's conspicuity tape requirements.
All vehicles sold in the United States come with factory equipped and legally required devices helping them to be visible. These devices include the factory installed headlights, parking lights and reflectors, to name just a few. However, the purpose of making a truck conspicuous is more than just enhancing its visibility. The objective is ultimately to provide other drivers with information about the truck's size, position and other aspects of its presence. DOT conspicuity reflective tape regulation greatly helps with this objective - by not just addressing the truck's visibility, but, also its conspicuity.
The DOT C2 regulation is named that because DOT (Department of Transportation) developed the regulations and the 2 in the name of the regulation specifies the minimum width in inches of the approved tape. There are more requirements regarding the construction and materials of the tape. For instance, the stripes are to be 11” red and 7” white alternating stripes.
The Conspicuity Tape from Traffic Safety Direct meets these requirements and more.
11” red and 7” white alternating stripes
2” x 50-yard roll
Made from Diamond Grade reflective material that is 6 times brighter than conventional markings
Reflect at angles approaching 90 degrees
Rigid design with pressure sensitive adhesive for easy application
Vivid red and bright white colors to ensure maximum reflectivity and daytime visibility
Extremely durable and non-corroding formulation that resists dirt, elements, aging, and common solvents for years
DOT certified
Meets and exceeds NHTSA requirements
7-year limited warranty
Although this red and white reflective tape is a trucking industry staple, it is also an ideal added safety feature for Fire Trucks, EMS Vehicles, School Buses and anything that needs increased conspicuity.