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

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High-visibility road markings are a critical component of traffic safety. As India’s road network continues to expand and modernize, the need for consistent, durable, and highly visible road markings becomes paramount. The IRC Code 35:2015 by the Indian Roads Congress provides an authoritative framework to guide the selection, application, and maintenance of road marking materials across different traffic and environmental conditions.

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In this comprehensive blog, we delve into the best materials recommended in IRC Code 35 for high-visibility road markings, detailing their types, properties, and suitable applications.

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Why High-Visibility Road Markings Matter

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Road markings are not just lines on asphalt — they guide, warn, and regulate traffic. Especially in conditions of low visibility such as nighttime, rain, or fog, properly applied road markings serve as visual cues that prevent accidents, manage traffic behavior, and enhance pedestrian safety.

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Overview of IRC Code 35:2015

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First introduced in 1970 and revised significantly in 2015, IRC Code 35 was developed to unify and standardize road marking practices across India. This code includes specifications for material selection, visibility standards, performance criteria, and application techniques tailored for Indian road conditions, both in rural and urban environments.

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Approved Road Marking Materials under IRC Code 35

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IRC Code 35 identifies four primary categories of road marking materials, each suited for specific use cases depending on traffic density, road type, and durability needs.

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1. Thermoplastic Road Marking Material

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Thermoplastic is currently the most preferred material for permanent road markings in India.

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• Properties:
  • Applied hot and solidifies upon cooling
  • Contains resins and plasticizers that bond strongly with the pavement

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• Advantages:
  • Quick drying time
  • High durability (service life of 2–3 years)
  • Excellent retro-reflectivity when combined with glass beads
  • Superior wear resistance on high-traffic roads

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• Best For: Lane lines, pedestrian crossings, and stop lines on highways and urban roads with high vehicle volume

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2. Solventborne and Waterborne Paints

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Paint-based markings are economical and commonly used for temporary or short-term applications.

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• Types:
  • Solvent-based: Traditional, longer drying time, emits VOCs
  • Waterborne: Environmentally friendly, quicker drying, safer for workers

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• Advantages:
  • Easy to apply
  • Low-cost option for temporary traffic arrangements

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• Limitations:
  • Shorter lifespan
  • Less retro-reflectivity compared to thermoplastics

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• Best For: Temporary work zones, re-routing, and low-traffic urban roads

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3. Cold Applied Plastics (CAP)

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Cold applied plastic is a two-component material offering superior performance in terms of color retention and texture.

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• Properties:
  • Applied without heating
  • Suitable for textured or raised markings

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• Advantages:
  • Long-lasting color and luminance
  • Good tactile feedback (audible and vibratory)
  • Skid resistance
  • Requires no large equipment for application

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• Best For: Colored pavements, bike lanes, tactile edge lines, and areas requiring raised markings

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4. Preformed Adhesive Tapes

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These are factory-manufactured tapes with embedded reflectors, applied directly onto the pavement.

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• Properties:
  • Available in various widths and colors
  • Conform to ASTM D4592-12 standards

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• Advantages:
  • Quick installation with no drying time
  • High initial reflectivity
  • Does not require specialized operators

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• Limitations:
  • Higher initial cost
  • Moderate durability (3–6 months based on traffic)

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• Best For: Intersections, crosswalks, and high-traffic areas needing frequent replacements

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Recommended Color Coding in IRC Code 35

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Each color used in pavement markings carries specific meaning as per IRC guidelines:

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• White: General lane demarcation, stop lines, pedestrian crossings

• Yellow: No-overtaking zones, median lines, parking restrictions

• Blue: Dedicated bus lanes or public transport corridors

• Green: Non-motorized vehicle lanes, bicycle paths

• Red/Purple: Hazard-prone or shared-use areas

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Ensuring Visibility and Safety: Retro-Reflectivity

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Retro-reflectivity plays a crucial role in night-time road safety. IRC Code 35 emphasizes the use of glass beads in marking materials to reflect vehicle headlights back to the driver.

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• High retro-reflective coefficients improve visibility distances

• Larger glass beads (minimum 1 mm) are preferred, especially in wet conditions

• Beads are embedded during application and also sprinkled externally

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This technique ensures that road markings remain visible even during inclement weather or low-light conditions.

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Key Considerations When Choosing Road Marking Materials

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The effectiveness and durability of road markings depend on multiple factors:

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• Traffic Load: Heavier and more frequent traffic requires more durable materials like thermoplastic or cold plastic.

• Environmental Conditions: Wet or foggy areas need enhanced retro-reflectivity.

• Road Surface Type: Asphalt and concrete affect material bonding.

• Application Quality: Proper cleaning, drying, and skilled application are vital for performance.

• Maintenance Plan: Periodic inspections ensure markings meet visibility and safety standards over time.

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Performance Assessment and Maintenance Guidelines

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IRC Code 35 mandates regular assessment of road markings to evaluate:

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• Wear Durability
• Day and Night Visibility
• Skid Resistance
• Color Retention
• Luminance and Retro-reflection Values

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Maintenance and reapplication cycles should be based on traffic volume and environmental exposure, with warranty and inspection records properly documented.

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Final Thoughts

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Choosing the right road marking material isn’t just a technical decision — it's a matter of public safety. IRC Code 35:2015 provides a robust framework that helps road engineers and authorities make informed choices based on durability, visibility, application feasibility, and cost-efficiency.

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Whether you're marking a village road, a city intersection, or a national expressway, the right material — applied correctly — can save lives.

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