FMVSS 131 & 217 School Bus Reflective Tape Requirements – Online Reflective Tape Store
Virtually all states mandate reflective markings on school buses. Regulations concerning reflective tape are normally found within the regulation that deals with the rest of the bus as well. (ie exits, seats, seatbelts, fire extinguishers, etc.)
Marking generally involves 2 inch prismatic reflective striping in a school bus yellow color down sides of the vehicle. Also, 1 inch striping around exits. A summary of the federal exit marking regulation is below.
FMVSS 131 & FMVSS 217
School Bus Regulation:
Each opening for a required emergency exit shall be outlined around its outside perimeter with a retroreflective tape with a minimum width of 2.5 centimeters and either red, white, or yellow in color, that when tested under the conditions specified in S6.1 of Standard No. 131 (49 CFR 571.131), meets the criteria specified.
- 1″ strip used to mark side emergency exit windows
- 1″ strip used to mark back emergency exit windows
Private buses are not as regulated as school buses. However, the same type of markings are recommended especially if the bus transports children.
Steven Cole (Economics, MBA – University of West Florida , Business & Innovation – Stanford University) 25 years of experience in the reflective safety business. Specializing in accident reduction for vehicles through increased visibility.