DOT-C2 Regulation: FM VSS 108, 49CFR 571.108

Conspicuity Tape was required on all new trailers manufactured after December 1, 1993. On March 26, 1999 The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) issued a final rule, which requires any trailer manufactured before December 1, 1993 (80 inches or more wide and with GVWR of 10,001 or more pounds) to be retrofitted with a conspicuity treatment. The effective date of the final rule was June 1, 1999. Motor carriers are required to comply with the final rule by adding the RED & WHITE conspicuity treatment no later than two (2) years after the effective date of the final rule JUNE 1, 2001. Motor Carriers that presently have trailers in operation with conspicuity treatment of a color different than RED & WHITE will have until JUNE 1, 2009 to comply. Alternation RED/WHITE tape on the side and rear of each trailer. • 12" WHITE Strips in the upper rear corners. • 1 ½" wide strip of RED/WHITE tape on the horizontal bar of the rear I.C.C. bumper. • 50% of the length of the trailer shall be treated with 2" wide or two (2) 1" strips applied no further than 1" apart.

Any trailer manufactured before December 1, 1993 required to be retrofitted with a conspicuity treatment.

DOT grade conspicuity tapes are applied to commercial trucks and trailers. This is required by law in the U.S. per Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 108. A study by the DOT’s NHTSA confirms that the reflective tape is extremely effective in preventing underride crashes. DOT grade tapes are also required in Canada, Chile, Brazil, Peru and other countries.

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