WHAT IS THE DOT C2 REFLECTIVE TAPE

Reflective marking tape -----“DOT C2” conspicuity vehicle marking tape is used quite often the regulation outlining the technical requirements to approved retroreflective marking tapes for trucks and trailers

However, what the meaning of “DOT C2” mark on Conspicuity Reflective Tape for vehicle. Most people know that the letters DOT mean “Department of Transportation. Also, some people know that the term C2, C3 or C4 refers to the width of the tape. (2″,3″ or 4”) Most people do not know what it takes for a retroreflective tape for vhicle how to be certified as “DOT C2, C3, or C4”. This DOT reflective tape is meant to help you understand what these requirements are so that you can be sure that you are using the correct product on your vehicle. In the event of an accident, having the proper markings is especially important. We recommend RT-V104 DOT tapes. We invented prismatic reflective tape and this products are respected and recognized around the world. The downsides to using a cheap substitute are simply not worth it.

Color – DOT tape must be made reflective tape red an white alternating colors. The white color on prismatic tapes often looks silver but reflects white at night. The exact wording of the regulation is as follows:

(a) Prismatic Retro-reflective sheeting shall be applied in a pattern of alternating white and red color segments to the sides and rear of each trailer, and to the rear of each truck tractor, and in white to the upper rear corners of each trailer and truck tractor



Spacing -The red and white (silver) segments are required to be a minimum of 12 inches plus or minus 6 inches. That would be between 6″ and 18″ There is an exception where the tape must be trimmed to avoid obstructions when installed. Also, neither the red or white colors can exceed two thirds (2/3) of the total.

There are two types of DOT reflective tape available. A 7″ white / 11″ red and a 6″ white / 6″ red. If you run the numbers you will see that both meet the spacing requirement. On 7/11 tape the 7″ white would represent 39% of the aggregate and the 11″ red would represent 61%. The 6/6 would be 50% each. To the best of my knowledge all 50 states allow you to use either the 7/11 or 6/6type DOT tape. The regulation is quoted below:

(b) Except for a segment that is trimmed to clear obstructions, or lengthened to provide red sheeting near red lamps, each white or red segment shall have a length of 300 mm ±150 mm.

(c) Neither white nor red sheeting shall represent more than two thirds of the aggregate of any continuous strip marking the width of a trailer, or any continuous or broken strip marking its length.



Width – DOT certified tape can be 2″ wide, 3″ wide or 4″ wide. The most popular and cost efficient size is 2 inches but for larger trucks many users prefer the 3 and 4 inch widths in either the 6/6or 7/11. The more visible the truck the better. Also, in the event of an accident it is important to be able to show due diligence when it comes to vehicle conspicuity. The specific regulation is as follows:

(d) Retroreflective sheeting shall have a width of not less than 50 mm (Grade DOT-C2), 75 mm (Grade DOT-C3), or 100 mm (Grade DOT-C4).