Retroreflective sheeting

Retroreflective sheeting products used on traffic control signs and retro-reflective license plates for vehicles. 

Fig. 21. Retroreflective sheeting in a transportation application. (Left, in daylight. Right, illuminated by headlight at night).

Retroreflective sheeting and reflex reflectors, requirements for semitrailers and trailers manufactured before December 1, 1993. 

Construction — Retroreflective sheeting must consist of a smooth, flat, transparent exterior film with retroreflective elements embedded or suspended beneath the film forming a non-exposed retroreflective optical system. It must meet specific retroreflective and photometric requirements. The sheeting must include appropriate markings, certifying that it meets regulatory requirements. 

Application Pattern — Retroreflective sheeting or reflex reflectors must be apphed in a pattern of alternating white and red color segments to the sides and lower rear of each trailer and to the lower rear of each truck tractor. The sheeting or reflex reflectors on the upper rear comers of each trailer and tmck tractor must be white. 

Rear of Trailer — Retroreflective sheeting or reflex reflectors must be applied to the rear of each trailer as follows ... 

ASTM, E8I0 Standard Test Method for Coefficient of Retrorefiection of Retroreflective Sheeting-, Appearance of Materials, E-12, Vol. 06.01, Annual Book of Standards. Author, Philadelphia (1991). 

Chrysler, S.T., P.J. Carlson, and H.G. Hawkins (2003). Nighttime legibility of traffic signs as a function of font, color, and retroreflective sheeting. Proceedings of die Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting. National Academies, Washington DC. 

Carlson, P. J. (2001). Evaluation of Clearview alphabet with microprismatic retroreflective sheeting. TTI Report 4049-1. Texas Transportation Institute, College Station, Texas. 

LR Lower retroreflective sheeting/reflex reflectors — trailer manufactured on or after 12/1/1993 Reflective Sheeting 3 Y... 

Part 393 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) specifies the required position, color, type of lamps, and reflectors for commercial motor fleet vehicles. All lamps and reflectors for commercial motor vehicles manufactured after March 7, 1989, must meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108 (49 CFR 571.108) in effect on the date of manuficture. Certain trailers manufactured after December 1, 1993, must have retroreflective sheeting or additional reflex reflectors to make them more visible to other motorists imder conditions of reduced visibility. Lamps must light on inspection and when required during regular operation of the vehicle. Permanently secured lamps are required at all times except when temporary lamps are in use. Some examples are a drive-away or tow-away operation or the mounting on projection loads (temporary lamps must be securely attached). When service brakes are applied, all stop lamps on commercial vehicles must be activated. 

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