Reflectivity Specifications – Most Common Types of Reflective Sheeting

Specifications for the Most Common Reflective Tapes – (www.tapedealer.com) There are several types of reflective sheeting.  Engineer grade is the most common and is known as a type 1 film.  Super engineer grade is a type 2.  High intensity is the brightest glass bead film and is a type 3.  The first prismatic film is …

MUTCD Minimum Reflectivity Standards for Retro Reflective Sheeting / Signs

MUTCD Reflectivity Standards – (www.tapedealer.com) The chart below shows the minimum requirements for retro reflective sheeting and tape for signs and applications that are under the jurisdiction of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). The chart can also be used as a guideline for exempt applications. The …

Reflective Tape for Gate Arms and Railroad Crossings – MUTCD

Gate Arm Reflective Tape Requirements – (www.tapedealer.com) Note – This article addresses gate striping requirements for gates that fall under MUTCD requirements.  These would be gates that open onto a DOT regulated road. Reflective Gate Arm Tape can also be purchased in 1″,2″,3″ and 4″ rolls at www.safety-tapes.com . Section 2B.68 of the 2009 Manual …

How to Install Reflective Tape – Troubleshooting, Removing

Installing Reflective Tape – (www.tapedealer.com) It is basically a peel, stick and press process.  However, some preparation must be done beforehand to insure a long lasting application. Adhesive performance depends almost entirely on surface preparation. Before beginning an installation there are a few factors to consider. First, it is up to the installer to determine …

FMVSS 131 & FMVSS 217 School Bus Reflective Tape Marking Requirements Regulations

School Bus Reflective Tape Specifications – (www.tapedealer.com) School Bus Reflective Tape Regulations: Virtually every state has regulations regarding the marking of school buses.  The main goal of these regulations is to clearly mark with reflective tape the emergency exits of the bus.  This way, if a bus is in an accident, emergency workers can easily …

FHWA Regulations for Reflective Tape at Railroad Crossings (crossbucks)

FHWA Specifications Railroad Crossings – (www.tapedealer.com) The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) regulations require that all crossbucks at rail-highway crossings will need to be affixed with reflective strips by January 17, 2011. By January 17, 2011 a two inch strip of white retro-reflective material must be placed on the back of each crossbuck blade for the …

Flexible High Intensity Reflective Tape – SOLAS Alternative

Flexible Stretchable High Intensity – Alternative to SOLAS Reflective Tape – (www.tapedealer.com) Flexible high intensity reflective tape is a glass bead product that utilizes a polyester topcoat to allow the tape to stretch and conform to flexible surfaces. Some examples of these surfaces would be a traffic cone, a road barrel or a kayak. Also, …

prismatic versus glass bead reflective tape

What is the Difference Between Glass Bead and Prismatic Reflective Tape?

Difference Between Glass Bead & Prismatic Reflective Tape – (www.tapedealer.com) There are two types of reflective tape, glass bead and prismatic.  Glass bead tapes were the first reflective tapes and then in the 1960’s prismatic tape was invented by Reflexite.  It is interesting that prismatic tapes have not replaced glass bead tapes.  Even after 50 …

Federal DOT FMCSA NHTSA Reflective Tape Requirements – Trucks Tractor Trailers

DOT FMCSA NHTSA Tape Specifications – (www.tapedealer.com) Introduction – Trucks exceeding 10,000 pounds and over 80 inches wide must mark their trailers with 2″ wide DOT C2 reflective tape that alternates white and red. (white looks silvery in the daytime). A 6/6 (6″ red and 6″ white) or a 7/11 (7″ white and 11″ red) …

how does reflective tape work

How Does Retro Reflective Tape Work ?

Reflective Tape & How it Works – (www.tapedealer.com) You see reflective tape every day and every night.  But have you ever stopped to think how it works? Reflective tape (also known as retro-reflective tape) works by reflecting light back to the light source only.  In other words, the tape only lights up for the person with …