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Difficulty: HardExterior Lights and Reflectors Inspection

According to federal commercial motor vehicle safety regulations, retroreflective conspicuity tape applied to the upper rear corners of a commercial box trailer to mark vehicle height and width must consist of alternating red-and-white reflective sheeting.

Answer: Answer

Answer

The statement is False.
The statement is false because Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (49 CFR § 393.13) mandate that retroreflective conspicuity markings on the upper rear corners of commercial box trailers and semi-trailers must be solid white. These markings must consist of two pairs of white retroreflective strips forming an inverted 'L' configuration at each top corner to define vehicle height and width. Alternating red-and-white sheeting is specifically designated for the lower rear horizontal frame and the rear impact guard (underride guard).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the specific component, vehicle type, and mounting location referenced in the statement.
The statement focuses on retroreflective conspicuity treatment (DOT-C2 tape) located at the upper rear corners of a commercial box/van trailer.
Commercial vehicle lighting and reflector regulations establish distinct color and pattern standards depending on the specific mounting location on the vehicle.
2
Analyze federal conspicuity requirements for rear-facing reflective treatments on commercial trailers.
The lower rear horizontal body and rear impact guard require alternating red-and-white retroreflective sheeting across the full trailer width.
Red and white patterns on the lower rear alert approaching drivers to the full width and presence of the vehicle platform at bumper level.
3
Determine the required color and pattern configuration for upper rear corner height and width delineation.
Upper rear corners require two pairs of solid white retroreflective strips, each at least 12 inches (300 mm) long, mounted horizontally and vertically to form an inverted 'L' at each top corner.
Solid white markings provide high-contrast spatial cues against dark night skies without confusing trailing drivers with intermediate red-and-white striping at elevated heights.
4
Compare the regulatory standard with the claim in the statement.
The statement claims alternating red-and-white tape is required on the upper rear corners, which directly contradicts the regulatory mandate for solid white corner markings.
Because upper rear corner conspicuity markings must be solid white rather than alternating red-and-white, the statement is false.

Key Concept

Federal commercial motor vehicle retroreflective conspicuity tape (DOT-C2) color and placement standards on trailer upper rear corners versus lower perimeters.
Estimated Time:1m 15s
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Topics

Exterior Lights and Reflectors Inspection

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