DOT Conspicuity Tape
CMVSS 108 Reflective — Pre-Cut Rolls
All commercial trailers over 2,032 kg (4,480 lbs) GVWR must have alternating red and white DOT-C2 reflective conspicuity tape. This is a federal requirement under CMVSS 108 in Canada and FMCSA 393.13 in the US. Missing or deteriorated tape is a Level 1 CSA violation that gets your trailer placed out of service.
Federal Requirements
Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
All trailers with GVWR over 2,032 kg manufactured after December 1, 2005 must have conspicuity markings. Alternating red and white segments.
US DOT Requirement (Cross-Border)
For Canada-US cross-border carriers, trailers must meet FMVSS 108 conspicuity standards. Non-compliance results in CSA points and out-of-service orders.
Marking Standard
The tape itself must be DOT-C2 certified. Each segment alternates red (178mm min) and white (178mm min). Total of at least 50% of trailer length on each side.
Where Does Conspicuity Tape Go?
Required Placement
- → Both sides of trailer (lower half, within 600mm of bottom)
- → Rear of trailer (full width, within 300mm of bottom)
- → Upper rear corners (pairs of white strips, 300mm each side)
- → Must cover at least 50% of trailer length on each side
Common Violations
- ⚠️ Faded or yellowed tape (loses reflectivity)
- ⚠️ Missing segments (gaps over 300mm)
- ⚠️ Non-DOT-C2 tape (hardware store tape fails)
- ⚠️ Tape applied over dirt/rust (peels within months)
Level 1 Violation = Out of Service
Missing conspicuity tape is a CSA basic violation. At border crossings, it triggers an out-of-service order. DOT-C2 certified rolls from $39.99.
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