Reflective vinyls are essential for road signage and vehicle conspicuity, ensuring visibility in low-light and nighttime conditions. This guide explains the retroreflective classes (RA1, RA2, RA3, and ECE 104), how they differ, and when to use each type.
Quick Glossary
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RA Class: Retroreflective performance class under BS EN 12899-1.
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RA1 < RA2 < RA3 (increasing brightness).
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Design Types:
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Type A = enclosed glass bead
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Type B = encapsulated glass bead
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Type C = microprismatic
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TSRGD: UK Traffic Signs Regulations & General Directions (public roads).
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ECE 104: Vehicle conspicuity regulation for HGV/PSV reflective outlines (Class C tape).
At-a-Glance: What to Use Where
| Use Case | Recommended Class | Typical Construction | Service Life |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private/estate/low-risk signs | RA1 (Type A or C) | Enclosed bead or low-power prismatic | 5–7 yrs |
| UK permanent road signs | RA2 (Type C preferred) | High-intensity prismatic (HIP) or encapsulated bead | ~10 yrs |
| Motorway/overhead/critical visibility | RA3 (Type C) | Full-cube microprismatic (Diamond Grade) | 12+ yrs |
| Temporary traffic management (Chapter 8) | RA2 (sometimes RA1 on unlit minor roads) | HIP or encapsulated bead | 3–10 yrs |
| Vehicle conspicuity (ECE 104) | Class C tape | Microprismatic rigid or curtain grade | 8–10 yrs |
RA1 — Engineer Grade (Type A or C)
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Entry-level reflective sheeting.
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Best for: Private roads, car parks, estate signage.
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Pros: Flexible, cost-effective, easy to handle.
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Cons: Lowest brightness; not allowed on public road signs.
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Typical life: 5–7 years.
RA2 — High-Intensity (Type B or Type C HIP)
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The UK standard for most permanent road signs.
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RA2B (Type B): Encapsulated bead, honeycomb appearance.
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RA2 (Type C / HIP): Microprismatic, brighter and more efficient.
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Best for: Regulatory, warning, and directional road signs.
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Pros: Higher brightness, durability, widely approved.
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Typical life: 10–12 years.
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Examples:
RA3 — Diamond Grade / Premium Prismatic (Type C)
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Full-cube microprismatic sheeting — the brightest available.
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Best for: Motorways, overhead gantries, critical hazard areas.
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Pros: Maximum brightness and wide-angle visibility.
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Cons: Higher cost, stiff, only suited for flat panels.
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Typical life: 12+ years.
ECE 104 Vehicle Conspicuity Tape
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Mandatory for HGVs/PSVs.
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Must be Class C tape with E-mark.
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Types:
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Rigid grade (continuous strip) for solid bodies.
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Curtain grade (segmented/mesh) for curtainsiders.
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Colours: White/yellow (sides), red (rear).
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Life: 8–10 years.
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Application: Clean, dry, minimum application temperature; adhesives are aggressive.
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Examples:
Common Product Families
3M
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RA1: Series 3430 / 7930
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RA2: HIP 3930
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RA3: Diamond Grade DG³
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ECE 104: 983 tapes
Avery Dennison
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RA1: T-1500 / T-2500
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RA2: T-6500 HIP
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RA3: OmniCube T-11500; T-7500 MVP
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ECE 104: V-6700B, V-6790
ORAFOL (ORALITE)
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RA1: 5500 / 5510 / 5710, 6710
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RA2: 5810, 5910
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RA3: 6910, 9910
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ECE 104: VC 104+
Nikkalite
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RA1: 8100
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RA2B: Ultralite 800
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RA2: Ultralite Extra 600
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RA3: Crystal Grade 92000
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ECE 104: tapes
Application Do’s & Don’ts
✅ Do
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Clean surfaces thoroughly with IPA before application.
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Apply dry and above the minimum temperature.
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Overlap sheets consistently.
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Use approved overlays, laminates, and inks.
❌ Don’t
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Mix different brands on the same sign face.
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Use wet application methods.
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Ignore orientation arrows — prismatic films require correct alignment.
FAQs
Q: Is RA1 allowed on public roads?
A: No. RA2 is the baseline for public signage.
Q: What’s RA2B?
A: Encapsulated bead construction (honeycomb look).
Q: Do I need RA3 everywhere?
A: No. Use RA3 selectively where visibility is critical.
Q: Can I print directly on reflective vinyl?
A: Yes depending on material— with approved inks and overlays.
Created by Sign Trade Supplies — Technical Content Team
Last updated: 29 September 2025
Contact: orders@signtradesupplies.co.uk