Reflective Marker Plates: A Quick and Easy Way to Keep Your Road Signs Visible at Night

Keeping road signs visible at night is essential to keeping drivers safe on roadways. When visibility drops, the risk of accidents increases. That’s why many DOTs and sign manufacturers recommend reflective marker plates for night visibility. Check out this blog post from Stanley R Harris that explains everything you need to know about reflective marker plates.

What Does a Reflective Marker Plate Do?

A reflective marker plate sits between a road sign and the ground to reflect light up towards drivers. If a sign isn’t directly illuminated by a vehicle's headlights, it’s very difficult to see. DOTs install reflective marker plates on signs that are not directly lit by vehicles (i.e. signs that are too high or too low for headlights to reach). DOTs typically place reflective marker plates on signs that are installed above or below the driver’s line of sight. These include signs that are too high, too low, or installed on a bend in the road. Reflective marker plates also help make signs more visible when it’s foggy or rainy outside.

Why Are Reflective Marker Plates so Important?

Drivers who don’t see a road sign could make a dangerous mistakes, like merging on the highway at the wrong time or going through a stop sign. Without visibility, drivers may end up veering into another lane or onto the shoulder. When a road sign isn’t illuminated at night, it’s easy to miss. That’s why so many DOTs use reflective marker plates to increase visibility.

How to Install Reflective Marker Plates

Installing a reflective marker plate is a quick and easy process. You can attach the plate to your sign with mounting tape or staples. If you use mounting tape, be sure to use a tape that’s designed for signs in areas with heavy foot traffic. Once you have the plate and sign prepared, put on some gloves to protect your hands and fingers. Place the plate against the sign, peel the backing off the plate, and press the plate against the sign. Be sure there are no gaps between the plate and the sign. Once the plate is attached, you can install the sign to your post or other structure. Be sure to keep the plate clean and free of debris to ensure it reflects light properly.

Are There Any Downsides to Using Reflective Marker Plates?

While reflective marker plates are an important safety feature, they do have a few downsides. First, they are only effective when placed properly against a sign. If the plate is loose, it won’t reflect light and won’t be effective. First, the plate needs to be placed against the sign so that the reflective surface is facing the driver. Second, the plate needs to be aligned properly so that the word or number on the sign is clear. If the plate is loose, it won’t reflect light properly. A loose plate may also flap around in the wind and be distracting to drivers.

Wrapping Up

Reflective marker plates are a quick and easy way to ensure that your road signs are visible at night. They’re an essential feature on signs that are installed above or below the line of sight. If your DOT installs reflective marker plates, be sure to follow their instructions for installing the plates. This ensures that the plates are installed correctly and that they’ll reflect light effectively.