We've all been there or had to help someone who has no idea what reflective sheeting is or what reflective sheeting grades are or what grade they should be using. We are here to help guide you on the grades of reflectivity and what each is primarily used for so that you will have a better understanding of what you will need and what each type reflective sheeting is used for.

     In the United States, the Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration issues the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). The MUTCD sets minimum standards, provides guidance, and ensures uniformity of traffic control devices across the states. States may issue additional regulations or a supplemental manual on traffic control devices. So if you are working on a federal or state project you will need to check the guidelines in the MUTCD manual and any state issued regulations. When working on a local project, check with the city or local engineering department for any specific requirements they may have.

     When driving at night, a car’s headlights illuminate objects in the surrounding environment. The light scatters from these objects and is reflected in all possible directions. A fraction of the scattered light will end up at the person driving the car and make the surrounding environment visible.

     Fortunately, the critical surfaces of our roads and the important traffic signs along it are marked with retroreflective materials. Retroreflectivity simply refers to the property of a traffic sign or device to reflect light back to the driver to increase nighttime visibility. Retroreflectivity degrades over time, necessitating the need for systematic replacement of signs and work zone devices to maintain the retroreflectivity standards established and required by FHWA.

• 1.  Engineer Grade Reflective Sheeting (EG) is the most basic type of retroreflective sheeting, also referred to as Type l. Typically specified for use on non-critical street and road signs such as parking signs or way-finding signs and daytime work zones. It has less reflectivity than its counterparts. Engineer grade reflective sheeting is also used often for reflective stickers and decals and generally lasts approximately 5 years.
• 2.  High Intensity Prismatic Grade Sheeting (HIP) sheeting is made up of prismatic cells. When a light beam lands on a sign with HIP sheeting, the light hits the sides of the prismatic cells and reflects back at a wider angle than it came. This means more light is reflected back towards the source of the light. HIP is used mainly for reflective traffic and road signs, barricades or other road construction zone devices, and traffic delineators such as cones or barrels. This material has mid to long-range durability, and typically will last about 10 years and returns approximately 32% of light back to its source. Visibility of signs with HIP sheeting is from 800 to 1,200 feet away.
• 3.  Diamond Grade Retroreflective Sheeting (DG) is the most efficient type of retroreflective sheeting. Fluorescent colors help make the sign more visible in any light condition. All school zone signs must use DG sheeting. It returns approximately 60% of the light sent its way and is designed to be used on traffic control signs and work zone devices. DG retroreflective sheeting is visible from between 1,300 and 1,600 feet away and can last for 12 years or longer

Formal List of Sheeting Types

Beaded Sheeting

• 1.  Type I is an engineering grade, retroreflective sheeting. Historically it has been composed of enclosed-lens glass-bead material. Modern versions may be of a prismatic construction. Type I sheeting has the lowest performance of all Types. Agencies specify it for signs where brightness during nighttime is less critical, such as “No Parking” signs. Type I should not be used for black-on-yellow warning signs or any legend on overhead or shoulder-mounted white-on-green signs.
• 2.  Type II is a super-engineering grade, medium-to-high intensity retroreflective sheeting typically composed of enclosed-lens glass-bead material. Common applications for Type II include permanent highway signage, construction zone devices and delineators.
• 3 . Type III is a high-intensity retroreflective sheeting comprising encapsulated glass-bead retroreflective material or unmetallized, microprismatic retroreflective-element material. Type III is used where an intermediate amount of retroreflectivity performance is required, including permanent highway signage, construction zone devices and delineators.

PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU KNOW THE SPECIFICATIONS FOR YOUR JOB

     Always make sure to consult the most current and applicable sources for retroreflectivity requirements, as standards and regulations may be updated over time. Complying with these requirements is crucial to ensure the safety and effectiveness of traffic signage and devices.

The following is a list of where you can find the answers you need:

• 1.  Federal or National Transportation Agencies: Use the MUTCD manual when working on federal projects.
• 2.  State Departments of Transportation: State transportation departments typically publish their own specifications and standards for traffic signs. These can often be found on their websites or in official publications.
  
• 3.  Municipal or Local Governments: local municipalities may have their own requirements for signage retroreflectivity. These requirements may be published on the websites of local transportation or public works departments.
• 4.  Contract Documents: If you are working on a specific project, the retroreflectivity requirements may be specified in the contract documents. These documents, including project plans and specifications, should outline the standards and specifications that contractors must follow.

     In the world of traffic safety and signage, the quest for the ideal reflective sheeting can often seem like a complex journey. However, as we've explored in this blog, understanding reflective sheeting doesn't have to be a mystery. By delving into the various types, factors, and regulations surrounding reflective sheeting, you can make informed choices to ensure your signage and traffic control devices not only meets safety standards but also serves its purpose effectively. Whether you're a transportation professional, a business owner, or simply someone interested in road safety, this guide empowers you to navigate the reflective sheeting landscape with confidence. So, as you embark on your journey to find the perfect reflective sheeting solution, remember that knowledge is your greatest ally in creating safer, more visible roadways for all.