For many years, the term “ECE 104 tape” has been the industry standard for retroreflective contour or conspicuity markings used on trucks, trailers and other heavy vehicles. However, the regulatory landscape has evolved.

Today, the relevant approval framework for new retroreflective marking products is UN Regulation No. 150 (UN 150), which incorporates and replaces the former ECE 104 approval requirements within a broader regulation covering multiple categories of retroreflective devices and markings.

So, what does this mean for fleet operators?

Why was UN 150 introduced?

Historically, different types of retroreflective products were covered by separate UNECE (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe regulations). This created multiple approval routes and increased complexity for manufacturers.

UN 150 was introduced to consolidate several existing regulations into a single framework, including:

  • ECE R3 – retroreflectors
  • ECE 27 – warning triangles
  • ECE 69 – rear markings for slow-moving vehicles
  • ECE 70 – rear markings for heavy and long vehicles
  • ECE 104 – retroreflective contour markings for heavy and long vehicles

The objective was simple – to create a harmonised approval system for retroreflective devices while maintaining the safety and performance standards already established under the previous regulations.

As a result, the technical requirements that were previously contained within ECE 104 now sit within UN 150.

Is ECE 104 obsolete?

Not exactly.

Although new approvals are now issued under UN 150, the term “ECE 104 tape” remains widely used throughout the transport industry. Fleet operators, installers and distributors still commonly refer to vehicle conspicuity tape as ECE 104 tape because the original regulation became deeply embedded in the market.

In practical terms, what many people call ECE 104 tape today may actually carry a UN 150 approval.

Think of UN 150 as the modern regulatory framework that now includes the requirements previously covered by ECE 104.

What does UN 150 require for contour marking tape?

For retroreflective contour markings, UN 150 continues to focus on the same core principles that made ECE 104 effective:

High visibility

Approved contour markings must achieve specified retroreflective performance levels so that vehicles remain visible when illuminated by headlights at night or in poor weather conditions.

The purpose is not only to make a vehicle visible, but also to help other road users recognise its size, shape and position sooner.

Colour compliance

UN 150 maintains strict requirements for approved colours.

Typically:

  • White or yellow markings are used on vehicle sides.
  • Red or yellow markings are used at the rear, depending on the application and local vehicle regulations.

The colour must remain compliant both in daylight and when illuminated at night.

Durability and environmental performance

Contour marking materials are subjected to testing designed to demonstrate long-term performance in real-world conditions.

Testing includes resistance to factors such as:

  • Weather exposure
  • Temperature variation
  • Moisture
  • Ageing
  • Wear and abrasion

The goal is to ensure that approved materials continue to perform throughout their service life.

Product identification and approval markings

Approved materials must display the appropriate approval markings so that compliance can be verified. This allows installers, fleet operators and enforcement authorities to identify approved products and distinguish them from non-certified alternatives.

Installation requirements remain important

Even the highest performing reflective material can only deliver its intended safety benefits when installed correctly.

The established contour marking principles carried forward from ECE 104 include:

  • Markings should identify the vehicle’s overall shape as clearly as possible.
  • Side markings should identify as much of the vehicle length as practical.
  • Rear markings should identify as much of the vehicle width as practical.
  • Where markings are not continuous, gaps should be kept to a minimum.
  • Markings should generally be mounted between 250 mm and 1,500 mm from the ground where practical.

The objective is always the same – to provide a clear visual outline of the vehicle so that other road users can quickly recognise its dimensions.

Why does this matter for fleet operators?

Research and real-world experience have consistently shown that conspicuity markings improve the visibility of heavy vehicles, particularly during hours of darkness and adverse weather conditions.

For fleet operators, using approved contour marking materials helps to:

  • Improve vehicle visibility
  • Support regulatory compliance
  • Enhance road safety
  • Reduce the risk of side and rear impact collisions
  • Maintain a professional fleet appearance

Looking ahead

While “ECE 104 tape” remains the phrase most people recognise, UN 150 is now the current UNECE framework governing the approval of retroreflective contour marking materials.

As the industry continues to adopt products approved under UN 150, the underlying objective remains unchanged – helping heavy vehicles remain clearly visible and recognisable in all operating conditions.

When selecting contour marking tape, operators should ensure they are choosing certified products that meet the latest approval requirements and are designed to deliver long-term performance in demanding transport environments.

High performance contour marking tape from Lakeside Group

Ensure your vehicles remain visible, compliant and road ready with premium contour marking tape from Lakeside Group. Designed to deliver outstanding durability, reflectivity and long term performance, our solutions help fleets meet the latest industry standards while enhancing safety on the road.

Further reading: What is Reflective Tape? The Ultimate Guide to ECE 104 Reflective Tape >

Learn more about air gap VS solid construction contour tape in our blog Solid Construction vs Air-Celled Conspicuity Reflective Tape >