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DOT Reflective Tape Requirements For Trucks Explained

DOT Reflective Tape Requirements For Trucks

Why the DOT reflective tape requirements for trucks exist and how it saves lives by preventing accidents

According to the DOT requirements, all commercial trucks are legally required to be equipped with highly reflective tape or its equivalent in the form of reflectors, so they are more visible. But drive down any Michigan highway and it’s shocking to see just how many trucks still do not use this product.

A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study found that these requirements are highly effective in preventing crashes. The study estimated that once all heavy trucks in the U.S. have been equipped with this tape, 7,800 crashes each year will be prevented. The study also estimated that 191 to 350 fatalities per year — meaning people killed driving into trucks without this tape in poor visibility conditions — will be prevented, as well as 3,100 to 5,000 people who suffer personal injury from these types of truck accidents. According to the study, this tape greatly reduces side and rear crashes into heavy tractor-trailers.

Regardless, many truck drivers and trucking companies throughout the country and in Michigan neglect to adhere to the DOT reflective tape requirements for their trucks. Since the absence of this tape on trucks has been proven to cause catastrophic accidents, there is very little excuse for why fleets haven’t adhered to the laws for older trucks that are still in service as this product is inexpensive.

Also, if a truck driver is caught driving a newer model truck without this tape, he or she can be cited with a safety violation and the truck can be taken out of service (shut down).

What Are The DOT Reflective Tape Requirements For Trucks?

  • Must use DOT C2 reflective tape
  • Red and white striped for back and bottom sides of trailers
  • Silver or white for upper rear of trailers
  • Must cover at least 50% of total side length
  • Must be along entire bottom of the back
  • Must be on the entire lower rear bar
  • Must have inverted L 12 inches long on upper rear of trailers

Were you injured in a truck accident? Call Michigan Auto Law now!

Were you injured in a truck accident in which the truck driver or trucking company didn’t follow the DOT reflective tape requirements? Contact the truck accident lawyers at Michigan Auto Law now.

Michigan Auto Law is Michigan’s largest and most successful law firm that specializes exclusively in helping people who have been injured in auto accidents.

Our secret? Our attorneys deliberately handle fewer cases than other personal injury law firms.  This allows us to focus more time and attention on our cases.

Unlike other law firms, our attorneys are never too busy to promptly return phone calls and answer questions. 

We have more than 2,000 5-Star Reviews that reflect this care and attention to detail.

More importantly, this client-focused approach leads to better and faster settlements for our clients. Michigan Auto Law has recovered more million-dollar settlements and trial verdicts for motor vehicle accidents than any other lawyer or law firm in Michigan. We’ve also recovered the highest ever reported car accident and truck accident settlement in the state.

If you were injured in a truck accident where the truck driver or trucking company didn’t follow the DOT reflective tape requirements call now (855) 781-7747 for a free consultation with one of our experienced truck accident attorneys. There is no cost or obligation. You can also visit our contact page or use the chat feature on our website.

Call now so we can start making a real difference for you.

Reflective Tape Requirements