What is ECE104 Reflective Tape?

ECE104 reflective tape, also called ECE104 conspicuity tape or contour marking tape, outlines the sides and rear of HGVs, trailers and commercial vehicles so other road users can see their size and shape at night and in poor weather.

This guide covers which vehicles need conspicuity markings, how the rear and side markings are laid out, which colour goes where, and what to check before you buy.

Shop ECE104 Reflective Conspicuity Tape

ECE104 and Regulation 48 Explained

ECE104 refers to UNECE Regulation 104, which sets the performance standard for retroreflective markings on vehicles. The rules on which vehicles must carry the markings, and where they go, are set by UNECE Regulation 48, the vehicle lighting regulation, which the UK applies through the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989.

Approved tape carries its approval marking printed at intervals along the roll: the "E" mark with the code of the country that granted approval, the class of marking material, and the approval number. Class C is the class used for vehicle conspicuity markings, and it is the class printed on our tape. If there is no approval marking printed on the tape, it is not approved ECE104 material, however bright it looks.

• Microprismatic retroreflective construction
• Used for side and rear outline marking on HGVs, trailers and commercial vehicles
• Supplied in red, yellow and white
• Approval marking printed along the length of the roll

Which Vehicles Need ECE104 Conspicuity Markings?

In the UK, conspicuity markings are mandatory on:

• Goods vehicles over 7.5 tonnes maximum authorised mass, first used on or after 10 July 2011 (vehicle categories N2 over 7.5 tonnes, and N3)
• Trailers over 3.5 tonnes maximum authorised mass, manufactured on or after 10 July 2011 (vehicle categories O3 and O4)

Size matters as well as weight. Vehicles and trailers no more than 2,100mm wide do not need rear markings, and those no more than 6,000mm long do not need side markings. Tractor units are exempt. There is no requirement to retrofit markings to vehicles first used, or trailers manufactured, before 10 July 2011.

DVSA has checked side and rear conspicuity markings at the annual test since 1 January 2012. At the test, the minimum is correctly positioned side and rear line markings, but the full requirement for your vehicle may still include partial or full contour markings.

Important: requirements depend on vehicle category, age, dimensions and use. Check the current DVSA or Department for Transport guidance, or your vehicle's approval documents, before fitting. A detailed Logistics UK compliance guide to conspicuity markings is published on GOV.UK.

Rear and Side Marking Layout

Rear: a full contour marking, which is a box outlining the back of the vehicle, in red or yellow. White is not permitted on the rear. It should sit as close to the edges as practical, cover at least 80% of the vehicle's width, and be at least 200mm from any stop lamp. Where the shape of the rear doesn't allow a full contour, a line marking is used instead.

Sides: as a minimum, a partial contour: a line along the lower side with corner marks at the upper corners, each at least 250mm long. Sides are marked in yellow or white. The marking should extend to within 600mm of each end of the vehicle and cover at least 80% of the vehicle's length, excluding the cab or drawbar. On a rigid vehicle, the cab area still needs a marking within 600mm of the front, at least 50mm by 50mm. A full contour is also permitted.

Height: the lower line goes between 250mm and 1,500mm from the ground, or up to 2,500mm where 1,500mm is not possible. Upper markings go within 400mm of the top of the vehicle.

Gaps: breaks in a marking still count as continuous if each gap is less than 50% of the length of the shortest element next to it.

Newer type approvals: the 80% figures are the UK rules for vehicles first used from July 2011. Vehicles type approved under later amendments to Regulation 48, from 15 July 2013, use a 70% minimum instead, measured on the overall length including the cab (excluding the drawbar on trailers), and on the overall width.

Front: where front marking is fitted, white is used.

Width: Regulation 104 specifies marking material 50mm wide, with up to 10mm extra allowed, and the vehicle must have room for markings 60mm wide. Our ECE104 tape is 50mm.

Always check the correct layout for your vehicle before applying. Poor placement, the wrong colour or non-approved tape may not meet the requirement.

How much tape do you need?
Enter your vehicle's length and width and choose the marking, and our ECE104 tape calculator works out the metres of each colour and adds the right lengths to your basket.

ECE104 Tape Colours: Red, Yellow and White

Each colour has a different average coefficient of retroreflection, measured in cd/(lx·m²). Red always measures lower than white or yellow, because coloured film returns less light. That is normal for any red retroreflective material.

Rigid Bodies and Curtain Sides

ECE104 tapes are made in different grades for rigid surfaces and for flexible curtain sides. Our ECE104 tape is designed for rigid sided commercial vehicles and trailers, applied to clean, dry aluminium, stainless steel or automotive paint. For curtain-sided trailers, use a curtain-grade ECE104 tape made for flexible fabric.

How to Apply ECE104 Reflective Tape

1. Check the marking requirements and layout for your vehicle before starting.
2. Choose the correct colour for each position: red or yellow at the rear, yellow or white on the sides.
3. Clean the surface of wax, polish, grease, dust and loose material, then let it dry completely.
4. Apply to a surface above +10°C for the best initial adhesion.
5. Press firmly along the full length, paying particular attention to edges and corners.
6. Avoid applying over dirt, rivets, sharp edges, loose paint or damaged surfaces where possible.
7. Allow the adhesive time to bond before heavy washing or pressure washing.

Choosing the Right ECE104 Tape

For regulated vehicle marking, general reflective tape is not a substitute, however bright it is. Check three things before you buy:

• The ECE104 approval marking is printed along the tape
• The colour matches the position on the vehicle
• The grade suits the surface: rigid body or curtain side

Approval for our tape is held by the material manufacturer. Flashback Industries Limited converts and supplies the approved material. If you need evidence for an audit or fleet specification, quote the approval number printed on the tape.

Our ECE104 conspicuity tape is Class C conspicuity marking material, 50mm wide, supplied in red, yellow and white, and cut to any length from 1 to 50 metres. For construction details and retroreflective performance by colour, download the technical data sheet (PDF).

FAQs

Is ECE104 conspicuity tape a legal requirement in the UK?
Yes, for goods vehicles over 7.5 tonnes first used on or after 10 July 2011, and trailers over 3.5 tonnes manufactured on or after 10 July 2011. Rear markings apply to vehicles over 2,100mm wide and side markings to vehicles over 6,000mm long. Tractor units are exempt, and older vehicles do not need to be retrofitted. Check the rules for your vehicle's category and age.

Are conspicuity markings checked at the annual test?
Yes. DVSA has inspected side and rear conspicuity markings at the annual test since 1 January 2012. The minimum checked at the test is correctly positioned side and rear line markings.

How much ECE104 tape do I need?
It depends on your vehicle's length and width and the marking layout. Our ECE104 tape calculator works out the metres of each colour for one vehicle or a whole fleet.

Can I use ordinary reflective tape instead?
No. Where conspicuity markings are required, the tape must be approved to ECE104 and carry the approval marking. General reflective tape does not meet the requirement.

What colour ECE104 tape do I need?
Red or yellow for the rear, and yellow or white for the sides. White is not permitted on the rear. White is used for front marking where fitted.

What does the E mark on the tape mean?
It shows the tape has been type approved. The E mark includes the code of the country that granted approval, and is printed with the class of marking material and the approval number. Our tape is marked Class C, the class for vehicle conspicuity markings.

Can I use this tape on curtain-sided trailers?
Our ECE104 tape is designed for rigid surfaces. Curtain sides need a flexible curtain-grade ECE104 tape.

How long does ECE104 tape last?
Service life depends on exposure, surface preparation, washing, weather and application conditions. Inspect vehicle markings regularly and replace damaged sections.

Can ECE104 tape be used on vans or cars?
Yes, but it is mainly intended for regulated commercial vehicle and trailer marking. For cars and vans where conspicuity marking is not required, see our vehicle reflective tape range.

Shop ECE104 Reflective Tape

Flashback Tape stocks ECE104 reflective conspicuity tape for HGVs, trailers and commercial vehicle marking, in red, yellow and white, with fast UK dispatch.

Shop ECE104 Reflective Conspicuity Tape | Work out how much you need