ECE 104 Reflective Marking Tape
Approved reflective conspicuity tape for trucks, trailers and commercial vehicles — supplied in 50 metre rolls in amber, red and white for contour marking.
What ECE 104 Approval Means
ECE Regulation 104 is the European approval standard for retro-reflective markings on vehicles. Approved tape is manufactured to a defined reflectivity and durability specification and carries the approval marking along the roll. This matters because conspicuity marking is a regulated fitment on many heavy vehicles and trailers rather than a decorative one — unapproved tape may look similar but will not satisfy an inspection.
Colour and Position
Colour is determined by where the tape goes on the vehicle, not by preference. The established convention across Europe is white or amber along the sides, and red or amber at the rear. White is not used for rear marking, and red is not used along the sides. Getting this wrong is the usual reason marking fails an inspection, so confirm the position before choosing the colour.
Requirements vary by vehicle type, weight and country, and not every vehicle is required to carry conspicuity marking. Check what applies to your vehicle before ordering, particularly for trailers and vehicles registered in more than one jurisdiction.
Applying the Tape
Adhesion is almost entirely down to preparation. The surface must be clean, dry and free of grease, wax and polish residue before the tape goes on — washing alone is rarely enough on a vehicle that has been on the road. Apply in reasonable temperatures rather than in the cold, press the full length down firmly, and avoid stretching the tape as it is laid, since tape applied under tension tends to lift at the ends later. Take care over rivets, seams and curved panels, where the tape needs working down rather than bridging across.
Choosing Reflective Tape
- White or amber for side marking; red or amber for rear marking
- ECE 104 approved for regulated conspicuity marking
- 50 metre rolls — measure the vehicle before ordering quantity
- Prepare the surface properly; adhesion failures are almost always preparation failures
Check the individual product pages for roll width and specification before ordering.
