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DGT Glossary
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Reflector (catadioptric)

A reflector (catadioptric) is a device without its own light source that indicates a vehicle’s presence by reflecting external light toward an observer near that source.

Legal definition

Device used to indicate the presence of a vehicle by reflecting light from a source independent of that vehicle, with the observer near the source. Retroreflective registration plates and the retroreflective plates and signs excluded in this point are not considered reflectors.

RDL 6/2015, Annex I, point 44 (translation)

Definition

A reflector (catadioptric) is a device without its own light source that indicates a vehicle’s presence by reflecting external light toward an observer near that source. It is a passive signalling device.

Key facts

  • Passive element: it doesn't emit light, only reflects it.
  • Rear vehicle reflectors are always red.
  • Trailers and semi-trailers must carry red triangular reflectors on the back.

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