Flatbed Truck Dot Reflective Tape Requirements For Straight Trucks
Introduction
Flatbed trucks are widely used for transportation across the world. These trucks are primarily used for hauling freight that cannot fit into enclosed trailers. Due to their open nature, flatbed trucks are more susceptible to accidents than enclosed trailers. To increase their visibility on the road, the Department of Transportation (DOT) has set out reflective tape requirements for straight trucks. In this article, we will discuss these requirements in detail.
What is Reflective Tape?
Reflective tape is a tape that reflects light like a mirror. It is made of a reflective material that is coated with a thin layer of plastic. The tape is designed to reflect light back to its source, making it highly visible in low light conditions. Reflective tape is used on a variety of vehicles, including flatbed trucks, trailers, and emergency vehicles.
Why is Reflective Tape Required on Flatbed Trucks?
Reflective tape is required on flatbed trucks to increase their visibility on the road. These trucks are more susceptible to accidents than enclosed trailers due to their open nature. Reflective tape helps other drivers on the road to see the truck from a distance, reducing the chances of accidents. The DOT has set out reflective tape requirements for straight trucks to ensure that they meet a minimum level of visibility on the road.
DOT Reflective Tape Requirements for Straight Trucks
The DOT has set out specific requirements for the use of reflective tape on straight trucks. According to these requirements, all straight trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of more than 10,000 pounds must have reflective tape on the sides and rear of the vehicle. The tape must be visible from a distance of at least 1,000 feet and must be at least 2 inches wide. The tape must also be applied in a specific pattern to ensure maximum visibility.
Types of Reflective Tape
There are two types of reflective tape that are commonly used on flatbed trucks: engineer grade and high-intensity grade. Engineer grade reflective tape is the most common type of tape used on flatbed trucks. It is made of a reflective material that is coated with a thin layer of plastic. Engineer grade tape is less expensive than high-intensity grade tape and is suitable for most applications.
High-intensity grade reflective tape is a more expensive type of tape that is designed for use in low light conditions. It is made of a reflective material that is coated with a thin layer of plastic, just like engineer grade tape. However, high-intensity grade tape is much more reflective than engineer grade tape and is visible from a greater distance. It is suitable for use on long-haul trucks that travel through areas with low visibility.
How to Apply Reflective Tape on Flatbed Trucks
The DOT has set out specific guidelines for the application of reflective tape on flatbed trucks. These guidelines are designed to ensure maximum visibility and compliance with DOT regulations. Reflective tape must be applied in a specific pattern on the sides and rear of the vehicle. The pattern consists of alternating 6-inch red and 6-inch white segments. The tape must be applied horizontally on the sides of the vehicle and vertically on the rear of the vehicle.
Before applying the tape, the surface of the truck must be cleaned and dried. The tape must then be applied in a straight line, with no wrinkles or bubbles. The tape must also be trimmed to fit around curves and corners. The edges of the tape must be sealed with a clear sealer to prevent water and dirt from getting underneath the tape.
Conclusion
Reflective tape is an essential safety feature on flatbed trucks. It increases the visibility of the truck on the road, reducing the chances of accidents. The DOT has set out specific requirements for the use of reflective tape on straight trucks to ensure maximum visibility and compliance with regulations. It is important to use the correct type of reflective tape and follow the guidelines for application to ensure maximum visibility and safety on the road.