Conspicuity tape (or reflective tape) works to enhance the visibility of heavy vehicles and trailers in low-light or poor weather conditions. It bounces light back to the drivers by using retroreflective technology, helping to prevent accidents by allowing early detection of vehicle size and position.
There are a range of benefits that come with using this tape besides just simple safety factors, making applying these an ideal solution for your fleet vehicles. This article will delve into these more closely.
Vehicles Required to use Conspicuity Tape
Under UN ECE 104 Regulations, it is a legal requirement to use conspicuity tape for all heavy goods vehicles exceeding 7.5 tonnes Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM), or trailers exceeding 3.5 tonnes MAM (first registered on or after July 2011).
If your fleet vehicle does not have conspicuity tape, your business may face repercussions ranging from immediate rectification notices, to heavy fines, potential vehicle impoundment, and failure of annual inspections.
This can largely impact your business image and day-to-day operations, meaning it is critical to apply conspicuity tape to your fleet vehicles.
Advantages of Applying Conspicuity Tape
Conspicuity tape is critical for the safety of all road users, not just your fleet vehicles. But there are more benefits to these than you may think.
Reduced Collision Risk
Early recognition of fleet vehicles can allow for early reaction if something goes wrong, reducing the risk of accident. These tapes reflect light from up to 1,000 metres away, clearly outlining the vehicle's shape to enhance visibility.
Regulatory Compliance
High quality conspicuity tape is essential for maximum vehicle visibility, and in many regions UN ECE 104 mandates the use of high quality markings. You should have this in mind when looking to purchase a reflective tape for your vehicle, looking specifically for ECE 104 approved tapes.
High Performance
Following on from the previous point, UN ECE 104 marked tape is high quality and dependable in all conditions as they are weather-resistant, durable and guaranteed to always be visible to other road users. This reduces the cost of replacement while remaining effective when needed most.
Cost-effective
Having reflective tape on your vehicle is an affordable solution to ensure road safety. By reducing the risk of accidents, it also limits the potential cost of vehicle repairs.
In some circumstances it can also lower your insurance premiums, but you should liaise with your insurance company about this.
Enhanced Company Image
Having well-marked vehicles can help showcase your business professionalism. Using this helps signal that your vehicles are well-maintained and that you prioritise the safety of your employees and other road users.
Ideal Placement of Conspicuity Tape
To ensure legal compliance and effective product usage, conspicuity tape must outline the length, width and height of the vehicle. The correct placements are as follows:
- Sides - yellow or white tape that covers 80% of the length, ending within 600mm of the front and rear, with a lower edge 250mm-1500mm from the ground.
- Rear - red or yellow tape should be used to outline at least 80% of the width and placed as closely as possible to the edge. The lower line should be 250mm-1500mm from the ground.
- Corners - white tape should be used to mark upper corners.
- Front (optional) - white tape may outline the front, but this is not mandatory.
Enquire Today
Here at Albert Jagger, we supply a comprehensive range of vehicle safety equipment to help ensure road safety, including a supply of high quality vehicle conspicuity tape. Make sure to check out our range to find something to suit your commercial vehicle.
If you’re unsure on placement, application or even have additional questions regarding the application of conspicuity tape, our experts are more than happy to help. Call our office today on +44(0) 1922 471000 or email [email protected] today. Let our expertise speak for itself!