Section 393.11 requires retroreflective sheeting or reflectors on the sides and rear of trailers and semitrailers manufactured after specific dates. The standard is the §393.13 conspicuity treatment — alternating red and white reflective sheeting at the prescribed dimensions.
Common citations
- Sheeting peeled, faded, or covered by mud and not visible.
- Damaged sections from minor impacts or scrapes.
- Sheeting that no longer meets the photometric standard, even if physically intact.
How to prevent it
- Inspect conspicuity sheeting on every pre-trip — faded sheeting from sun exposure is the leading cause of failure on trailers more than five years old.
- Replace sections as needed; full re-treatment is rarely necessary.
- Wash the trailer occasionally. Mud-covered reflective tape is functionally non-reflective and gets cited.
How Roadworthy HQ helps
DVIR exception items in Roadworthy HQ track conspicuity defects against the vehicle, with an automatic prompt to log the repair. Patterns over time identify trailers that need full re-treatment.