Installing reflective conspicuity tape on a box truck involves more than just slapping it on the sides and back and calling it a day. To ensure that you are in compliance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and DOT guidelines and to avoid heavy fines, you need to know what tape to choose, how to prepare the surface, where to put it and how to maintain it.
The primary guideline for installation of DOT-C2 reflective tape is that all vehicles and trailers that are 80” wide or more and 10,000 lbs or more of gross vehicle weight (GVW) must have conspicuity tape installed.
Choosing the right reflective tape for the job
The FMCSA requirements for reflective conspicuity tape for box trucks are as follows:
- You must use red-and-white alternating stripe reflective tape that meets DOT-C2 certification widths of 2”.
- The tape must be visible from all necessary angles and maintain reflectivity over time. For example, 3M’s reflective tapes use microprismatic technology that provides vivid retroreflectivity at wide angles
- You may use high-intensity or prismatic grades, but the tape must meet the minimum DOT standard.
You can also use additional tape colors such as yellow or white, but red and white alternating stripes tape is a requirement.
Another factor to consider is the tape warranty—typically from 3 to 10 years. The higher quality grades of reflective tape have a much higher level of UV inhibitors in the topcoat—invisible to the naked eye—which helps prevent tape degradation due to sunlight.
Selecting the correct locations
According to FMCSA’s conspicuity regulations for most box trucks, the reflective tape must be placed on both the rear and sides of the truck.
Rear of the Box Truck
- Red/white reflective tape must outline the full width of the rear of the box.
- Vertical strips (at least 12 inches) must appear on the lower corners.
- The lower horizontal bar should be at least 100 mm above the ground.
Sides of the Box Truck
- Red/white reflective tape should cover at least half of the vehicle’s side length.
- Tape must be placed as horizontally as possible.
- Segments should be evenly spaced and installed between 15 and 60 inches off the ground.
Preparing the surface
The vehicle surface should be free of grease and dirt, and dry to the touch. Ambient temperatures should be between 40 and 85 degrees F, since the glue on the back of tape is a viscous material that will stiffen up in cold temperatures, making adhesion more challenging.
Never apply reflective tape on top of fresh paint, since the offgassing of new paint fumes can affect the adhesive qualities of new reflective tape causing it to fall off in a day or two. Always let a fresh paint job cure for at least two days.
Does your truck have old tape that needs to be removed? While it’s tempting to use a heat gun, you can end up with a gummy residue on the truck that you still have to eliminate.
Instead loosen a corner of the tape, squirt the proper solvent like paint thinner or adhesive remover on the back edge, then slowly unpeel it, applying more solvent as needed. Also be sure to use the proper gloves and have plenty of good ventilation with any solvent use.
Two caveats:
- Never use a solvent and a heat gun together since most solvents are flammable and that can result in a fire or explosion.
- Some solvents can also damage fresh paint so first try a small test patch in an inconspicuous place.
Installing the reflective tape
Before you begin the reflective tape installation, have a plastic scraper blade or a small rubber roller readily available. That will ensure you can achieve a firm, even pressure during the application process.
Don’t use a metal blade scraper because it may scratch the surface of the reflective tape and don’t use your finger because you won’t achieve the optimum amount of pressure for good adherence.
To achieve a straight line on your vehicle, either drawn a thin pencil line along a long straight edge or snap a white chalk line—the easier solution for a long run. Then follow the line with the tape.
Maintaining the reflective tape
While you may think water, road salt, and adhesive failure are the most likely culprits of tape failure, it’s really the sunlight. Those UV rays cause fading, crazing, and eventually peeling of the plastic, requiring you to replace the tape sooner than you would like.
It’s worth it to ask if the tape comes with a protective topcoat and if not, what the cost would be to apply it or upgrade to a better product. In this instance, it’s definitely pay now or pay later!
In general, reflective tape should last between 5 to 7 years, but brand, quality, and environmental conditions can have an impact. To ensure your vehicle remains compliant and safe on the road, inspect reflective tape regularly—ideally every time you perform a routine vehicle inspection—checking for the following:
- Fading or discoloration: Tape that has lost its brightness won’t reflect light effectively, reducing nighttime visibility.
- Peeling or cracking: Once tape starts to separate from the surface, its ability to stay in place during long hauls is compromised.
- Dirt or residue buildup: Tape that cannot be restored by cleaning has likely lost much of its reflective power.
- Reduced nighttime visibility: If headlights no longer bounce back brightly when shined on the tape, replacement is overdue.
Routine maintenance can help keep your tape in good condition. Wash the vehicle regularly with mild soap and water to prevent dirt, salt, and grime buildup that can dull reflectivity, but avoid harsh chemicals. Reduce long-term UV exposure by parking the vehicle in shaded or covered areas whenever possible.
Make sure the reflective tape on your box truck meets all FMCSA regulations by selecting from our line of reflective tapes, available in a variety of configurations. Have an industry-specific need? Contact us at 866-506-4785. Briargate Supply is an industry leader in premium DOT approved reflective tape.