Knowledge

Home/Knowledge/Details

How much reflective tape is required on the side of a trailer?

In compliance with federal regulations, commercial trailers or trailers that weigh over 10,000 pounds and have a width exceeding 80 inches must be equipped with either reflectors or DOT C2 reflective tape. This requirement not only promotes road safety, but it also helps to protect cargoes and prevent potential accidents.

dot-c2 reflective tape 11

When choosing reflectors, it’s important to consider the type and placement of the materials for maximum visibility. However, when reflective tape is used, the red and white striped type must be used on the bottom and back sides of the trailer, whereas silver or white tape must be applied to the upper back section. On each trailer, the tape must cover:

At least 50% of each side


All of the bottom back


Entire lower rear bar


In addition, the upper rear of the trailer must have an inverted 12 inch “L”.

dot-c2 reflective tape 2

To apply reflective tape to your vehicle, you must first clean the surface of any dirt or mud. It's also important to ensure that the tape is not faded or worn, as this could reduce its effectiveness. Regularly inspecting your reflective tape and replacing it when necessary is a crucial part of maintaining safe driving practices.

If you fail to meet DOT reflection requirements with your reflective tape, you could face fines or other penalties. In the event of an accident, using proper reflective tape could mean the difference between a safe commute and a dangerous one. By following best practices and using quality reflective tape, you can keep yourself and others safe on the road.

dot-c2 reflective tape 8

Dingfei Reflective

DingFei is specialist in road safety industry over 17 years.

Our factory export 60+ reflective products to USA,South American, Europe ect.
Your satisfaction is our priority!

Sincerely hope to serve you with best solution.