ECE104 Regulation Vehicle Safety Markings

ECE104 is a regulation that establishes guidelines for the use of retro-reflective safety markings on heavy goods vehicles operating throughout Europe.

3M offer a complete range of ECE104 homologated retroreflective safety markings for rigid and curtain sided vehicles.

ECE104 is already in force and mandatory in several countries

From July 2011, all newly registered HGVs with a mass over 7.5 tonnes and trailers with a mass over 3.5 tonnes operating in the UK, will be required by law to be fitted with retro-reflective vehicle safety markings.

Vehicle Safety Markings for ECE104

Vehicle Safety Markings required under ECE104 are 50mm to 60mm of highly reflective material that are applied to HGVs and trailers to increase their visibility.

The passively reflective markings clearly outline the rear and sides of the vehicle, making it visible at up to 1000 metres at night. This means an HGV may be seen by motorway drivers up to 8-9 seconds earlier than those without vehicle safety markings.

Vehicle safety markings give drivers visual clues to interpret the trucks size and speed relative to their own. Drivers subconsciously know that trucks are slower and less manoeuvrable and will incorporate this into their driving decision and reactions.

Application of the Markings

Rear of the Vehicle

A complete contour line marking (box) needs to be applied if the rear of the vehicle is wider than 2100mm. Red and yellow marking tape can be used on the rear, however the Department for Transport states that the UK preference is red.

The conspicuity marking should be as close as practicable to the edge of the vehicle and should equate to at least 80% of the overall width of the vehicle.

Side of the Vehicle

There are two options to choose from, a complete contour line marking or a partial contour marking, see image below. Partial contour markings are the minimum requirement. Yellow and white marking tape can be used on the sides, however the Department for Transport states that the UK preference is yellow.

The conspicuity markings shall equate to at least 80% of:

for motor vehicles, the length of the vehicle excluding the cab
for trailers, the length of the vehicle (excluding the drawbar)

If it can be proved to the satisfaction of the authority responsible for type approval that it is impossible to achieve 80%, the cumulative length may be reduced to 60%.

Full Contour Marking

Partial Contour Marking

Lower Contour Marking

Upper Contour Marking

The lower contour markings must be as low as practicable within the range:

Minimum: not less than 250 mm above the ground
Maximum: not more than 1,500 mm above the ground*

The upper contour corner markings need to be as high as practicable (but within 400 mm of the upper extremity of the vehicle) and a minimum of 250mm in length.

*A maximum mounting height of 2,100 mm may be accepted where technical conditions prevent compliance with the maximum value of 1,500 mm