Got DOT Tape on ur Trailer ?

Check mine as part of pretrip as well as whenever switching trailers.

 

It doesn't even take any extra time. You can check them while inspecting your crossmembers or rear lighting.

 

Few seconds can save a FEW hours and $ down the road.

 

yup. tx is bad also.

TX will also pull you over if your mudflaps are over the 6inches from the ground. Sailing. That's why we have mudflap weights on them and other trailers have a metal piece anti sail device.

DOT is on the lookout for any violations. lol.

 

The tape on the tractors is required from 1997 and newer w/ no 'retro-fit' provision for older stuff like they did on trailers.

The two white inverted 'L' shapes on the upper part of the cab/sleeper and the red/white either across the back of the cab/sleeper -or- two red/white sections on plates across the tops of each mudflap.

I've seen this written up in several states so they are getting around to enforcing it.

Most of my new hires are suprised when I bring it up.

I usually find the white is still onthe upper portion but I don't see the red-white on the flaps...susally ther are two new flaps advertising the used truck store, and a NEW annual FHWA inspection saying the 'just purchased' used truck meets federal standards!

 

Two brand new KW's with inspections that the dealer took off the mudflaps and put there own on. Asked them how it passed the inspection and they had no idea about the tape. Just because it's a dealership doesn't mean they know anything.

 

Mine's a '96 - hahaaaa!

 

Mine is a '79 and still meets modern guidelines. No reason to shy away from conspicuity in the name of safety.

 

I got dinged in Arizona because one of the reflectors on the tractor fell off. I'll be honest, I never gave them a second thought before. Whats funny is that the exhaust pretty much blocks them on the right side anyways where it had fallen off.

 

I honestly have never given the DOT Tape much thought. But in retrospect, I've never had an issue with them missing, covered, extremely dirty, etc. I just bought a trailer that was missing DOT Tape across the bumper that I bought and put on it. Although it's not a straight piece, it's the 12" sections spaced out across the bumper.