Does your fleet meet ECE104 regulations?
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ECE104 is a regulation that establishes guidelines for the use of retro-reflective safety markings on heavy goods vehicles operating throughout Europe.
Since July 2011, all newly registered HGVs over 7.5 tonnes and trailers over 3.5 tonnes operating in Europe are required by law to be fitted with homolgated retro-reflective markings. These must clearly outline the rear and sides of the vehicle to make it visible for up to 1000 metres in low light conditions. ECE104 specifies the standard for the reflective materials used and where and how it must be positioned on the vehicle or trailer.
Conspicuity marking ECE104 is also authorised for smaller trucks, trailers, vans and buses.
Having the best conspicuity markings helps you prevent accidents
Even prior to Regulation ECE 104, fleet managers commonly utilised retro-reflective markings on vehicles because of the multiple, invaluable benefits they bring, primarily helping to prevent accidents, thus saving lives. Other additional benefits include reducing vehicle downtime and repairs, protecting employees on the road and in the depot and finally, presenting a more professional image to customers.
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Help prevent accidents to save lives and reduce vehicle repairsEach accident avoided is less expense on vehicle repairs and potential legal costs.
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Protect all road users and employee livesReduce the risk of employee and road user injuries, both on the roads and in your depots.
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Presenting a more professional image to customersLook the part to show customers you take safety of road users and employees seriously.
Ready to apply reflective conspicuity tape to your vehicles?
Choose the conspicuity tape that fits your needs
3M offers a range of homologated retro-reflective marking tapes that carry the compulsory E-mark and meet all the requirements of Regulation ECE 104. All 3M marking tapes are classified as Class-C, meaning they are the brightest markings permitted. They are easy to apply, resistant to peeling and other damage, and retain brightness and colour even in the harshest working conditions.
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Rigid-sided vehicles
High-visibility conspicuity tape with ECE104 mark for large trucks, trailers, buses, emergency vehicles, rail cars and other applications.
- High retroreflectivity at wide angles
- Easy-to-apply and remove
- Exceeds current ECE104 regulation requirements
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Curtain-sided vehicles
Flexible and stretchable, easy to apply segmented conspicuity tape that delivers high visibility on trucks and trailers with canvas.
- Metalised for canvas surfaces
- Thinner, more flexible and stretchable
- Meets ECE104 regulation requirements
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Comply with regulations, save lives, protect your workers and road users as well as your vehicles.
Government regulations call for conspicuity tape on certain types of vehicles and trailers to help prevent traffic accidents, injuries, and deaths. In 2001, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) published their findings from a three-year study that conspicuity markings had reduced side and rear impacts with truck trailers by 29% and fatalities or injuries by 44% in dark conditions.¹
Italy was the first country in Europe to adopt the regulation in 2006. An evaluation of night-time accidents indicates that the reduction of fatalities in Italy over this period was twice as high as in other West European countries: a 36% reduction in Italy versus an 18% reduction in the rest of West Europe.²
References:
- NHTSA. The Effectiveness of Retroreflective Tape on Heavy Trailers. 2001.
- Source: ERSO-DaCoTa Reports 2012
"In the U.S. alone, truck collisions fell 58% after conspicuity was introduced."
The ultimate guide for vehicle visibility.
Learn about regulations and benefits of reflective conspicuity markings.
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Here is the link to your guide on regulations and benefits of reflective conspicuity markings (PDF, 4.6 MB).
Frequently asked questions about fleet conspicuity markings
Find answers to some of our frequently asked questions about ECE104 conspicuity markings.
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On which category and weight of vehicle ECE104 conspicuity markings are mandatory?
- Trucks above 7.5 tons
- Trailers above 3.5 tons
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What category of vehicle are concerned by ECE104 Regulation?
3 categories of vehicle are concerned so called (M) vehicles with passengers, (N) vehicles for carriage of goods and (O) trailers.
ECE104 is mandatory for Truck and Trailers above 7.5tons and 3.5tons. It is allowed for trucks, buses and vans above 3.5tons and trailers above 750kg.
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What is the regulation for buses?
ECE104 Regulation allows buses to be equipped when above 3.5tons. 3M highly recommends to systematically use 3M™ Diamond Grade™ Conspicuity Markings Series 983 for all buses. 3M also recommends school buses to be mandatory equipped.
Equipping buses can save many lives in case of accident as many people can be affected in accidents with buses.
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Do you offer custom brand logos?
We can print your customer Logo on 3M™ Diamond Grade™ Conspicuity Markings Series 983.
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How are colours regulated in ECE104 regulation?
ECE104 regulation specifies, white on the front, yellow or white on the sides and red of yellow on the back of the vehicle.
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What length of tape should be applied?
ECE104 regulation specifies the quantity of tape to apply on the vehicle. It can be full or partial contour application on the sides but it is a full contour on the back of the vehicle.
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Can ECE104 conspicuity markings be used on smaller vehicles?
ECE104 conspicuity marking can be used on:
- Buses above 3.5 tons
- Vans below 3.5 tons
- Trucks above 3.5 tons
- Trailers above 0.75 tons
Downloadable resources for conspicuity markings
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