Reflectors

What is a reflector?

Reflectors are objects that reflect light beams back towards their source, without re-emitting or altering the light itself. This reflection occurs because the reflector is designed to scatter or reflect the incident light in a specific way. In the context of vehicles, reflectors are often used to increase the visibility of vehicles, cyclists or pedestrians in low-light conditions.

Why is a reflector important?

• Safety first: reflectors greatly increase visibility, especially in low light conditions. They warn other road users of the presence of a vehicle or person.
• No power required: Because they reflect light and do not produce it, reflectors do not need a power source. This makes them reliable in all conditions.
• Legally mandatory: In many countries, reflectors are legally required on vehicles, especially at the rear, to increase safety on the road.

Different reflector colours

Different colours of reflectors are available. A total of three different colours are possible: amber, red and white. Each colour is for a different place on the vehicle.

Red reflectors: red reflectors are intended for the rear of a vehicle. They should never be placed on any other side of the vehicle. This has to do with road safety. From the colour, a fellow road user must be able to tell which side of the vehicle it is. Red reflectors come in three different shapes: rectangular, triangular and round.

Amber reflectors: amber reflectors are designed for the side of your vehicle. The colour amber is the technical term for the orange colour commonly seen on the roads. The orange reflectors must only be used on the sides of your vehicle. This is also to ensure road safety.

White reflectors: a white reflector is intended for the front of your vehicle. Just like the red and orange reflectors, the white ones must not be fitted on any other side.

Reflectors for semi-trailers, trucks and work vehicles

Which reflector you need depends not only on the colour. The type of vehicle and its position also play an important role.

On a semi-trailer, reflectors help to make the front, rear and sides clearly visible. This remains important when you uncouple the semi-trailer or park it in the dark.

On trucks and semi-trailers, reflectors make the vehicle’s length and contours more visible. This enables other road users to assess the vehicle’s size more quickly, for example when overtaking or manoeuvring.

Reflectors are also important on work vehicles in the construction, agriculture and industrial sectors. They make slow-moving and stationary machinery more visible, both on site and on public roads.

As a reflector does not require any power, it continues to function even when the vehicle’s lights are switched off. This makes a reflector a simple and reliable addition to your vehicle’s lighting system.

Would you like to fit your vehicle with the right model? Then take a look at our complete range of reflectors and choose the reflector that suits your application.