Road Studs & Reflective Markers in Canada
Road Studs & Reflective Markers — Types, Placement & Winter Use (Canada)
1) What are the main types of road studs used in Canada?
- Passive reflective studs (“cat’s eyes”) — no power; rely on retro-reflectors to return headlight beams.
- Solar LED studs — self-powered flashing/steady LEDs for high-visibility approaches and hazards.
- Temporary/parking markers — lower profile markers for lots, docks, and warehouse entries.
On public roads or municipal work, follow the authority’s manual for the accepted device list and placement rules.
2) Solar vs. passive reflectors — which should I choose?
Solar studs excel where you need active visibility (curves, crossings, dock edges). Look for long runtime, robust sealing, and plow-safe height.
Passive studs are low-maintenance and snowplow-friendly when installed flush. Best for guidance lines in parking lots and private roads.
3) Housing materials & durability (aluminum, PC, glass).
| Material | Pros | Watch-outs | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cast Aluminum | High impact, plow-resistant, long life | Needs anti-corrosion finish in salt | Roadside & exposed parking lanes |
| Polycarbonate (PC) | Lightweight, UV-stable grades available | Choose reinforced/plow-safe profile | Lots, campuses, private drives |
| Glass/Ceramic | Excellent retro-reflectivity | Can chip if not recessed/plow-safe | Controlled sites, warm regions |
4) How are studs fixed? Adhesive vs. anchors vs. recess.
- Epoxy/PU adhesive on clean, dry asphalt/concrete; follow cure times strictly (cold slows cure).
- Anchor/bolt-down for heavy-duty housings or where adhesive alone isn’t enough.
- Recessed installs (core-drill shallow pocket) to sit flush and protect from plow blades.
FR/EN: Montage affleurant conseillé en zone de déneigement / Flush mounting recommended in plow zones.
5) Spacing & placement basics for lots and approaches.
For parking lots/private drives, practical spacing for guidance is often 3–6 m between markers on straights, tighter on bends/entries. For public roads, spacing and taper use must follow your provincial/municipal manual.
6) Colour conventions — where do white/yellow/red/blue fit?
Colour meanings can vary by jurisdiction. In general guidance contexts: white for lane/edge, yellow for opposing/dividers, red for “do not enter/ wrong way” facing, and blue sometimes for accessible/EMS indicators in lots. Always follow the colour rules in the applicable Canadian manual or specification for your site.
7) Winter performance — plows, freeze-thaw, salt.
- Choose low-profile plow-safe studs and/or recessed mounting.
- Use adhesives rated for freeze-thaw cycles; avoid installs below manufacturer’s minimum temp.
- Prefer anodized/aluminum with sealant or UV-stabilized PC; rinse salt where practical.
8) Solar specs: battery, IP rating, flash rate, runtime.
- Battery chemistry: LiFePO4 or high-grade NiMH for cold tolerance.
- Ingress protection: Aim for IP68 sealing for wet/snow conditions.
- Flash pattern: Typical hazard flash ~ 60–120 FPM (flashes per minute).
- Runtime: Full winter night coverage after a short winter day; check spec sheets.
9) Care & replacement checklist (EN/FR).
- Inspect quarterly for loose studs, fogged lenses, dead LEDs, or cracked housings.
- Verify retro-reflectivity at night (vehicle test pass).
- FR/EN: Remplacer les dispositifs endommagés immédiatement / Replace damaged devices immediately.
10) What to bundle with studs for a complete system?
- Reflective signs & boards for warnings
- Traffic posts/delineators for tapers
- Traffic cones for quick works
- Cable protectors at crossings
- Convex mirrors at blind curves
- Wheel stoppers at bay ends
Important Legal/Compliance Note (Canada)
This guide is informational and not legal advice. Use of road studs and reflective markers on public roads in Canada references the MUTCDC and the applicable provincial/territorial or municipal manuals (e.g., Ontario OTM Book 7, Québec Tome V, BC TMM, Alberta Traffic Accommodation in Work Zones). Where rules differ, your authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) prevails. Consult the AHJ or a qualified traffic professional before deploying on public right-of-way.
Explore more
The Biri Group is a supplier of building materials that specializes in the production and manufacture of road and traffic safety products, including traffic signs, building materials, and hoses.
At Biri Group, we are dedicated to providing innovative solutions for road and traffic safety. Our portfolio includes a wide range of products, including traffic signs, building materials, and hoses. Our state-of-the-art production and manufacturing unit, Biri Industries, located in RAK, allows us to efficiently produce products to meet the demands of the market.
Our commitment to excellence extends beyond just our products. We believe in building long-lasting relationships with our customers and partners and providing exceptional customer service. Our team of experts is always available to assist with any questions or concerns and provide guidance on selecting the right product for your needs.
At Biri Group, we are constantly striving to improve and offer better, stronger products. We take pride in our ability to adapt to the changing market and provide innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of our customers.
Thank you for considering Biri Group for your traffic safety needs. We look forward to the opportunity to serve you and help make your roads safer.