ECE R150 defines whether tape is approved. ECE R48 defines where that tape belongs on the vehicle. An approved roll placed incorrectly is still not compliant, so the installation rules matter as much as the choice of material.
At what height?
The marking should sit as low as practical, typically within a workable band above the road, and higher where the lower edge is not possible. The aim is for the marking to show the true size of the vehicle at night and in poor visibility.
Continuous and at the corners
- Side marking runs as continuously as possible along the length.
- Rear marking follows the outline for full contour marking and marks the upper corners.
- Breaks for doors, hinges or components are kept as small as possible.
On curved surfaces and curtain-siders, use segmented or flexible tape that moves with the surface without lifting. Rigid tape tears or lifts on moving curtains.
Colour by side
Colour is part of the approval: white or yellow on the side, red or yellow at the rear. White is not permitted at the rear.
Preparation decides durability
Correct placement stands or falls with the surface. Clean and degrease it, work dry and keep the right application temperature. A dirty, wet or excessively cold surface can seriously reduce adhesion; always follow the product data sheet.
The installation dimensions that matter
Under R48, the lower marking sits as low as practicable, normally 250 to 1,500 mm above the ground. A height up to 2,100 mm may be accepted where technical conditions prevent the normal maximum. Upper contour elements are placed as high as practicable and generally within 400 mm of the top of the vehicle.
The marking should reach close to the vehicle ends. Type-approval provisions use 80 per cent as the normal cumulative horizontal coverage. A lower value is only available where the manufacturer demonstrates technical impossibility to the approval authority. It is not a general shortcut for workshop repairs.
Official sources
Choose the right tape per vehicle type
Full, partial or line marking: order the setup that fits the side, rear and surface.
View tape options →
Frequently asked
Small breaks for structural parts are allowed, but the line should stay as continuous as possible.
Segmented or flexible contour marking tape that moves with the curtain.