IRC Code 35: Exploring the Best Materials for High-Visibility Road Markings

India’s expanding highway network and smart mobility initiatives demand safer, more durable infrastructure. RoadVisionAI enables data-driven compliance through AI road inspection supported by the Pavement Condition Intelligence Agent, helping agencies align with IRC Code 35:2015 standards.

High-visibility road markings guide drivers, protect pedestrians, and improve traffic discipline across highways and urban corridors.

As the saying goes, “A road well marked is a journey half safe.”

Road Markings

1. Why High-Visibility Road Markings Matter

Road markings function as continuous visual communication tools. They:

  • Regulate Traffic Flow
  • Warn Drivers Of Hazards
  • Support Lane Discipline
  • Improve Pedestrian Safety
  • Enhance Visibility In Low-Light Conditions

Clear and reflective markings significantly reduce accident risks and improve overall pavement safety.

2. Overview of IRC Code 35:2015

IRC Code 35:2015 defines specifications for materials, application methods, visibility levels, and maintenance requirements for road markings in India.

The code outlines:

  • Approved Road Marking Materials
  • Minimum Retro-Reflectivity Standards
  • Application Techniques
  • Performance Monitoring
  • Maintenance Practices

To strengthen compliance with IRC road marking standards, authorities can leverage automated verification through the Construction Monitoring Agent.

3. Approved Road Marking Materials Under IRC Code 35

IRC Code 35 categorises materials based on durability, traffic load capacity, and service life expectations.

3.1. Thermoplastic Road Marking Material

Thermoplastic is the most widely used permanent marking material in India.

Key Properties

  • Applied In Molten Form
  • Rapid Cooling And Hardening
  • Strong Pavement Adhesion

Advantages

  • Long Service Life
  • Excellent Retroreflective Performance
  • High Wear Resistance

Best Applications

  • Highway Lane Markings
  • Stop Lines
  • Pedestrian Crossings
  • Urban Arterial Roads

Thermoplastic markings play a major role in ensuring durable pavement safety.

3.2. Solvent-Based And Waterborne Paints

Paint-based systems are economical and used mainly for short-term applications.

Types

  • Solvent-Based Paints
  • Waterborne Paints

Advantages

  • Easy Application
  • Lower Initial Cost
  • Suitable For Temporary Markings

Limitations

  • Shorter Lifespan
  • Lower Night-Time Visibility

Best Applications

  • Work Zones
  • Diversions
  • Low-Traffic Streets

3.3. Cold Applied Plastics (CAP)

Cold Applied Plastic provides high durability without heating during installation.

Key Properties

  • Two-Component System
  • Strong Adhesion
  • Textured Application Capability

Advantages

  • High Skid Resistance
  • Durable Colour Retention
  • Audible And Tactile Feedback

Best Applications

  • Bicycle Lanes
  • Raised Crosswalks
  • Tactile Edge Lines

3.4. Preformed Adhesive Tapes

Preformed tapes are factory-manufactured reflective strips used for quick deployment.

Key Properties

  • Ready-To-Install Strips
  • High Initial Reflectivity

Advantages

  • No Drying Time
  • Minimal Equipment Requirement

Limitations

  • Higher Initial Cost
  • Moderate Durability Under Heavy Traffic

Best Applications

  • Intersections
  • Crosswalks
  • Temporary High-Visibility Zones

4. Colour Coding as Per IRC Code 35

Standardised colours improve consistency nationwide:

  • White: Lane Lines And Pedestrian Crossings
  • Yellow: No-Overtaking Zones And Medians
  • Blue: Bus Lanes
  • Green: Bicycle Lanes
  • Red Or Purple: Hazard Zones

Uniform colour coding reduces driver confusion and enhances traffic engineering reliability.

5. Retro-Reflectivity And Night-Time Visibility

Retro-reflectivity ensures visibility during night driving and adverse weather conditions.

IRC Code 35 recommends embedding glass beads within marking materials. Larger beads perform better in wet conditions.

Monitoring retroreflective road markings can be strengthened using the Rapid Road Damage Assessment Agent for field-based validation.

Because what cannot be seen cannot be avoided.

6. Factors To Consider When Selecting Road Marking Materials

Material selection depends on:

  • Traffic Volume
  • Weather Exposure
  • Pavement Type
  • Application Quality
  • Maintenance Planning

Integrating smart road maintenance through the Enterprise DMS & Workflow Agent  ensures systematic inspection tracking and lifecycle management.

7. Performance Evaluation And Maintenance

IRC Code 35 mandates periodic assessment of:

  • Wear Resistance
  • Daytime Visibility
  • Night-Time Retro-Reflectivity
  • Skid Resistance
  • Colour Retention

Digital monitoring improves accountability and strengthens compliance with national traffic engineering standards.

8. Final Thoughts

Selecting appropriate materials under IRC Code 35:2015 is a direct investment in public safety. Durable and highly visible road markings improve guidance, reduce crash risk, and support long-term highway infrastructure performance in India.

Better markings today mean fewer accidents tomorrow.

9. RoadVisionAI And Smarter Compliance With IRC Standards

RoadVisionAI enhances road safety technology using AI-powered pavement analysis and compliance tracking.

Through the Pavement Condition Intelligence Agent  and Construction Monitoring Agent, agencies can:

  • Monitor Marking Performance
  • Detect Surface Deterioration
  • Plan Maintenance Proactively
  • Strengthen IRC Compliance

With intelligent insights and automated validation, India’s roads can become safer, smarter, and more sustainable.

FAQs

Q1. What is IRC Code 35:2015?
It is the Indian Roads Congress standard defining approved materials, visibility requirements, and performance criteria for road markings in India.

Q2. Which material is best for busy highways?
Thermoplastic is recommended for high-traffic highways due to its durability and strong retro-reflectivity.

Q3. How does thermoplastic compare with waterborne paint?
Thermoplastic lasts longer and provides better night visibility, while waterborne paint is economical and suitable for temporary applications.