National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

49 CFR Part 571

Summary: This notice requires that trailers which have an overall width of 80 inches or more and a GVWR of more than 20,000 pounds, except trailers manufactured exclusively for use as offices or dwellings, be equipped on the sides and rear with means for increasing their conspicuity. This will enhance the likelihood of their detection at night and under other conditions of reduced visibility. Trailer manufacturers will be given a choice of installing either retroreflective sheeting or reflex reflectors. NHTSA estimates that the incidence of accidents involving trailers struck in the side or rear by other vehicles could be reduced 15 percent by enhancing conspicuity as required by this rule.