In the United States and Europe, the use of retroreflective tape to mark up trucks has resulted in major reductions in crashes, including when visibility is critical at dawn, dusk and overnight.

The third edition of the ATA’s Conspicuity Marking TAP, published in October 2024, includes comprehensive advice on how to apply tape to trucks and trailers for a long life, how to maintain the tape and information about unusual cases.

All Safer Freight Vehicles and CLOCS-A vehicles must have conspicuity marking. Conspicuity marking is also referenced in NHVR Vehicle Standards Guide 11, but the ATA recommends that it be used much more widely.

Importantly, the TAP makes it clear that US style red/white block stripe markings are not legal in Australia and should not be used.

The TAP was developed by the ATA’s Industry Technical Council and peer reviewed by James Williams, Avery Dennison. The ATA acknowledges the support of the NHVR in creating the truck graphics used in the TAP.

The ITC welcomes your feedback for the next edition. Send your input in an email to engineering@truck.net.au.