Can I use yellow all round?

Yes, yellow is permitted on both the side and the rear and gives a uniform look.

What about curved surfaces?

Use segmented or flexible tape that conforms to the surface.

Choosing contour marking tape: class, colour and width

Choosing approved tape is straightforward once you settle four things: class, colour, width and surface type. Here you work through them one by one.

1. Class C, always

For contour marking, class C is the required reflective grade. It is the class R48 specifies for this application and ensures the marking lights up well at distance and in poor weather. Tape without that class is not compliant for this purpose.

2. Colour by side

Side: white or yellow.
Rear: red or yellow.
White is not permitted at the rear.

Many fleets choose yellow for a consistent look all round, since yellow is permitted on both the side and the rear.

3. Width

Approved contour and line marking is typically 50 to 60 mm wide. Keep the same width across a fleet for a uniform look and simple stock.

4. Surface: rigid or flexible

For hard, flat panels, standard rigid tape is enough. For curtains, curved surfaces and moving parts, choose segmented or flexible tape that moves without lifting.

Unsure about the right combination for your vehicle? Give us the vehicle type, dimensions and surface, and we will help you choose the right tape.

Check the E mark

On receipt, check that the E approval mark runs along the strip at intervals. That keeps it visible on any cut section and provable at inspection.

Buy on type approval, not appearance

R150 contains several classes of retro-reflective marking material. The letters are not a simple low-to-high ranking: every class has its own requirements and intended use. R48 specifies Class C for the conspicuity contour and line marking discussed here. Material width is 50 mm with a +10/−0 mm tolerance.

Ask for the technical data sheet and type-approval details, not just a photograph of the roll. Product variant, adhesive and surface must be compatible. An E mark supports approval of the product type; it does not prove that colour and placement are correct on a particular vehicle.