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ECE 104 HGV Conspicuity Tape
We have written this blog to explain in one document everything you need to know about ECE104 reflective markings, where to fit them and what we have available. We hope it helps you understand the basics.
What is ECE 104?
ECE 104 is a regulation that sets out guidelines for the use of reflective safety markings on the rear and sides of HGV’s. As of July 2011, this high visibility tape must be fitted to the side and rear contours of newly registered heavy goods vehicles over 7.5 tonnes and trailers over 3.5 tonnes.
Where the reflective tape should be applied?
On the rear: It is required that a full box be applied as close as practically possible to the edge of the vehicle in red or yellow conspicuity tape.
On the sides: There are two options here, either a full box or a line marking along the length of the vehicle with additional upper corner markings if the vehicle design allows for this (not possible on tankers & cement mixers etc). White or yellow conspicuity tape can be used.
It is good practice to extend the reflective stripe along the cab (doors etc) to visually allow a marking on the full length of the vehicle, but this is not an obligation. However, it is required to mark a minimum of 80% of the vehicle length (excluding cab). The lower line of the marking tape must be positioned at a minimum of 25cm from the ground with a maximum height of 150cm. This in special cases can be extended to 250cm. The length of the upper corner markings must be a minimum of 25cm. These markings should be positioned as high as practical but within 40cm of the upper extremity of the vehicle. In cases where a top corner marking is not possible due to the shape of the vehicle, a single reflective marking is allowed.
See images below for recommended markings on different vehicles
What to look for when identifying the correct marking tape
The E mark: This is proof that the product has been fully tested at a certified European test institute and meets all the minimum requirements for the regulation. These tests check amongst others, the retro reflective coefficient properties (i.e. how it reflects light), the colour and the durability of the tape. This E mark is permanently printed within the film and duplicated along with the tape at a minimum of 50cm intervals. Beware of counterfeit tapes with the markings printed on the top surface of the tape. Basically if the markings scratch off the tape, it is not a genuine approved product.
The E + number: This number appears in front of the letter E and signifies which test house the tape was approved in. For instance E4 means the tape was approved at an institute in Holland and E 13 indicates the tape was approved in Luxembourg.
The C mark: This means the reflective tape is certified to Class C of Regulation 104. Class C is the correct class for contour marking tapes.
The 104R++++ number: The 104R part of the reference means the tape was approved according to ECE 104. The digits following the 104 mark are unique homologation numbers provided by the test agency to the manufacturer for that particular conspicuity tape.
The Approved ECE 104 marking tapes we stock are as below. Click on the images to view.
Reflexite has manufactured a range of marking tapes that seem to cover every aspect of vehicle conspicuity requirements from rigid vehicles, curtain siders to tankers. Click the links below for more details:
Reflexite Product Identification
Avery Dennison manufacture a range of ECE 104 conspicuity marking tapes. click on the images for more details:
Avery Product Identification
