Buy Reflective Tape Online in Australia
Reflective + Conspicuity Tape Selection — Quick Reference (ADR / AS 1906)
Reflective tape (conspicuity / hi-vis tape) = self-adhesive material applied to vehicles + trailers + machinery + signage + PPE to make them visible at night + low-light. Selection by retroreflective class + colour + adhesive backing.
| Tape Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| Class 1 Retroreflective (Premium) | Highway + heavy vehicle + ADR Reg 13 compliance |
| Class 2 Retroreflective | General hi-vis + lower-speed environments |
| White / Yellow (Forward / Side) | Vehicle conspicuity per ADR |
| Red / White (Rear) | Rear marking — ADR mandate |
| Red / Yellow Diamond Pattern | Heavy vehicle + container conspicuity |
| Self-Adhesive (Acrylic) | Long-term outdoor + vehicle |
| Magnetic-Backed | Temporary signage + removable |
| Conformable / Curved-Surface Grade | Tank + cylinder + curved equipment |
Compliance: AS 1906 + ADR 13 govern reflective tape on AU vehicles. Heavy vehicles require Class 1 conspicuity tape rear + sides. Surface MUST be clean + dry + above 10°C for adhesive bond. Critical: Wrong-grade tape = compliance failure + reduced visibility = safety risk. Brands: 3M, Orafol. Companion: safety equipment, marking tools, safety tapes.
Reflective Tape and Conspicuity Tape for Australian Industry
Reflective tape (also called conspicuity tape or hi-vis tape) is the self-adhesive material applied to vehicles, trailers, machinery, signage, and PPE to make them visible at night and in low-light conditions. AIMS Industrial supplies reflective tape across the grades and colours specified by Australian transport, workplace safety, and asset identification standards.
The reflective tape grades we stock
- Class 1 (high-intensity prismatic) — the highest reflectivity grade, specified for trucks, trailers, and emergency vehicles under ADR 13/00
- Class 2 (engineering grade) — for general signage, plant identification, and workplace marking
- Vehicle conspicuity tape — red and white striped marking compliant with ADR 13/00 for heavy vehicle marking
- Coloured reflective tape — yellow, white, red, blue, and green for specific identification and warning applications
- Hazard-marking reflective tape — black and yellow chevron patterns for marking hazards and edges
Where reflective tape is required
Australian heavy vehicles must carry conspicuity marking under ADR 13/00 — red and white striped tape on the rear and sides of trailers and trucks above specified gross weight. Workplace safety markings on plant, equipment, and pedestrian routes commonly use reflective hazard-pattern tape under AS 1319 (safety signs). Roof anchor and fall protection installations often require reflective marking for visibility during emergency response.
Surface preparation and adhesion
Reflective tape adhesion depends on surface preparation more than tape grade. Clean the substrate thoroughly with a degreaser (Septone or CRC products work well), let it dry completely, and apply within the working temperature range printed on the tape. Apply firm pressure across the full width of the tape after positioning. For curved surfaces or vertical applications subject to weathering, primer is sometimes specified — check the product data sheet.
Sizes and pack quantities
Reflective tape is stocked in standard widths of 25mm, 50mm, 75mm, and 100mm, in roll lengths from 5m through to 50m for fitout work. Bulk roll quantities are available on indent for fleet and large-scale identification programs. Custom widths and pre-cut shapes can be sourced through our distribution channel for specific requirements.
Companion ranges at AIMS
Reflective tape sits alongside our broader identification and safety range — see safety tapes and labels, safety signs, pipe markers, and hi-vis vests for the related products.
Need help speccing reflective tape for vehicle compliance, plant marking, or PPE application? contact our team — we'll match grade and quantity to your application.
People Also Ask — Reflective Tape
Q: What reflective tapes does AIMS stock?
DOT-C2 conspicuity tape (truck and trailer marking per ADR requirements), reflective marking tape (workshop and warehouse hazard marking), high-intensity prismatic tape (longest reflection distance), and reflective vinyl tape (custom-cut for signs and markings). Various colours: white, yellow, red, orange (combinations available). Workplace standards: AS 1742 (traffic control), ADR (Australian Design Rules) for vehicle marking, AS/NZS 1906 (retroreflective materials). Match tape to application — workshop hazard marking vs vehicle marking are different specifications.
Q: What's DOT-C2 conspicuity tape?
DOT-C2 (US Department of Transportation Class 2) reflective tape: red and white striped reflective tape required on commercial trailers and trucks for visibility at night. Australian equivalent: ADR-compliant reflective marking per Australian Design Rules. Standard format: 50mm wide, alternating red-white sections, applied to trailer sides and back. Used wherever roadworthiness requires nighttime visibility. AIMS stocks DOT-C2 compliant tape sized for typical trailer and truck applications.
Q: Reflective tape vs LED lights — when to use each?
Reflective tape: passive visibility (requires external light source — headlights at night), no power requirements, no maintenance, works in all conditions. Standard for trailers, fixed barriers, hazard marking. LED lights: active visibility (self-illuminated), visible without external light, requires power source. Used for active hazards and warning equipment. For trailers and fixed visibility: reflective tape. For active hazards (mining vehicles, construction equipment): LED + reflective combination.
Q: How do I apply reflective tape correctly?
Surface preparation: clean and dry, free of dirt, oil, and rust. Surface temperature 10-30°C for best adhesion. Cut tape to required length, peel backing, apply with firm hand pressure to ensure full contact. For curved surfaces, work the tape progressively around the curve. Avoid stretching — reduces reflective effectiveness. For permanent applications, allow 24 hours for full adhesion before exposure to weather. Quality tape (3M, Reflexite) outlasts cheap alternatives by years.
Q: How long does reflective tape last?
Quality reflective tape: 5-10 years outdoor exposure with proper application and surface prep. Cheap tape: 1-3 years before reflectivity degrades. UV exposure is the primary degradation factor. Visible signs of degradation: reflectivity drops (most easily seen at night), surface dulls, colours fade, edges lift. For commercial vehicle applications, replace before reflectivity falls below visible standard. For workshop hazard marking, monitor visually and replace at first sign of significant degradation.