Fifth  Edition 2018  DREFT TANZANIA STANDARD  
 
 
 
MEDC9 (5685)  P3 - Road vehicles — Retro -reflective 
registration plates f or motor vehicles and trailers — 
Specifications  (Rev. TZS 300: 2010)  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TANZANIA BUREAU OF STANDARDS  
  
 This Tanzania Standard  was published under the authority of the Executive Council of 
Tanzania Bureau of Standards  on 2010 -07-27. 
 
The Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) is the statutory national standards body for 
Tanzania, established under the Standards Act No. 3 of 1975 , amended by Act No. 1 of 1977.  
 
The Mechanical Engineering Divisional Standards Committee (MEDC) , under whose 
supervision this Tanzania Standard was prepared, consists of representatives from the 
following organizations:  
 
College of Engineering and Technology , University of Dar es Salaam  
* Mechanical Engineering Industries Development Agency  
* Ministry of Infrastructure Development  
ALAF  
Weights and Measure s Agency  
            Tanzania Industrial Research and Development Organization  
            * National Inst itute of Transport  
 
 
The organization s marked with an asterisk (*) in the above list together with the following 
were directly represented on the Technical Committee entrusted with the preparation of this 
Tanzania Standard:  
 
Daima Associates Limited  
Surfac e and Marine Transport Regulatory Authority (SUMATRA)  
Transport Resource Centre  
Traffic Police  
Masasi Signs Limited  
Sign Industries Limited  
Autozone Co Limited   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tanzania Bureau of Standards  
P O Box 9524  
Dar es Salaam  
Tel:  022 2450206/2450298/2450 949 
Fax: 022 2450959  
E-mail: info@tbs.go.tz  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
1 
  
Road vehicles — Retro-reflective registration plates f or motor 
vehicles and trailers — Specifications  
 
  
0 Foreword   
 
.In avoiding the manufacturing of the sub -standard registration number plate s and promoting 
use of uniform plate numbers, the first edition of this Tanzania Standard was published in 
1987  and revised on 2008 . The standard has been revised to take into account size of the 
number plate s, minimum values of coefficient of retro -reflection R A and c hromaticity co -
ordinates and luminance factor  for green, red, blue and b lack colour of the number plates  
 
This fourth  editio n cancels and replaces the third  edition (TZS 300: 2008 ) which has been 
technically revised.  
 
The performance of retro -reflec tive number plates at night depends in general, on their area 
and photometric properties. Other factors include the age of the number plate and its location 
in relation to vehicle paths.  
 
The specified test conditio ns for photometric, mechanical and durabi lity performance simulate 
as far as practicable the most common in service conditions and requirement. It should be 
stressed here that the maintenance practice drastically should not affect the retro -reflective 
performance and render the device ineffective . 
 
In the preparation of this Tanzania Standard, reference was ma de to the following publication:  
 
ISO 7591: 2008, Road vehicles — Retro -reflective registration plates for motor  
vehicles and trailers  — Specifications,  published  by the International O rganiz ation for 
Standardization  
 
For the purpose of deciding whether a particular requirement of this Tanzania S tandard is 
complied with , the final value, observed or calculated, expressing the result of a test shall be 
rounde d off in accordance with TZS 4 (see clause 2). The number of significant places 
retained in the rounded off value should be the same as that of the specified value in this 
Tanzania Standard.  
 
 
1 Scope  
 
This Tanzania Standard  specifies the minimum requirements for retro -reflective registratio n 
number plates for  motor vehicles and their trailers.  
 
In particular, this Tanzania Standard specifies the photometric and colorimetric characteristics 
required and also the test specifications applicable to registration number plates.  
 
NOTE  — Retro -reflecting number plates may be manufactured from any material which 
performs satisfactorily in service, providing the requirements of this Tanzania S tandard are 
met. 
 
  
  
2 References  
 
The following referenced standards  are indispensable for the application of this Tanzania 
Standard . For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the 
latest edition of the referenced document (including an y amendments) applies:  
 
TZS 4: 2009 , Rounding off numerical values  
 
TZS 23: 1979, Textiles  — Test for colour fastness — Colour fastness to light : Xenon 
arc 
 
 
3 Terms and definitions  
 
For the purposes of this Tanzania Standard , the following terms and definitions apply : 
 
3.1 Registration plate  
 
Rigid support with retro -reflective properties designed to bear the vehicle registration number  
 
3.2 Retro-reflective material  
 
Material in which the reflected rays are preferentially returned in directions close to the 
opposite of the direction of the incidents rays . 
 
3.3 Coefficient of retro -reflection  (RA) 
 
Quotient of the coefficient of light intensity R of the retro -reflective surface of surface area A. 
The symbol is  RA (RA = I/E -perpendicular. A ). Coefficient R A is expressed in candelas per lux per 
square metre (cd.lx –1.m –2). 
 
3.4 Observation angle (α) 
 
The angle between the straight lines joining the centre of a test piece to the centre of the 
receptor and the centre of the illumination  (see a nnex D) . 
 
3.5 Entrance angle ( β) 
 
The angle between the normal at the centre of a test piece and the straigh t line joining the 
centre of that test piece to the source of illumination (see fig . D.1). Both the observation and 
entrance angles are always in the same plane and on the same side of the line joining the 
centre of the source of illumination  (see annex D) . 
 
3.6 Rotation angle (ε) 
 
The angle measured from arbitrary starting point, through which the retro -reflective device is 
rotated, during the photometric testing, about an axis normal to, and passing through the 
centre of the test piece.  
 
3.7 Illuminance at  the retro -reflective  device  
 
The expression used conventionally to designate the illuminance produced by the source of 
and passing through the centre of the test piece.  
 
 
 
 
 
3.8 Coefficient of luminous intensity (C LI)  
3  
The quotient expresse d in candela per lux (cd/1x) ob taine d by dividing the luminous intensity, 
in the direction considered, by the illuminance at the retro -reflective surface for given 
observation, e ntrance and rotation angles. It  is referred to as the ‗C LI‘ value.  
 
3.9 Angular substance of the retro  reflective device  
 
The angle subtended by the greatest dimension of the visible area of the effective reflex 
surface from a specified reference point . 
 
 
4 Photometric specifications  
 
4.1 Minimum values of coefficient of retro -reflection  
 
The minimum  values of the coe fficient of retro -reflection of the retro -reflective part of the 
sample subjected to testing as per 4.3 shall comply with table 1.  
 
Table 1 – Minimum values of coefficient of retro -reflection RA 
 
                                                            Values in candelas per lux per squar e metre  
 
Colour  Observation  
Angle (α)   
 
 
        4° Entrance 
angle (β)  
 
         30°  
 
 
RA Maximum  
 
White  0.2° 
 
0.5° ′ 140 
 
50 60 
 
28  
250 
 
Yellow  0.2° 
 
0.5° 100 
 
33 36 
 
20  
250 
 
Green  0.2° 
 
0.5° 60 
 
20 22 
 
12  
45 
 
Red 0.2° 
 
0.5° 30 
 
10 12 
 
6  
45 
 
Blue 0.2° 
 
0.5° 10 
 
3 4 
 
2  
20 
 
Black  0.2° 
 
0.5° - 
 
- - 
 
-  
20 
 
4.2 Uniformity of retro -reflection  
 
If local variations in luminance are apparent when a sample plate having a retro -reflective 
background, but no  legend, is  observed under retro -reflective viewing conditions, photometric 
measurements shall be made at an  observation angle of 0.2° and an entrance angle of 0.5° to 
check the amount of variation.  
 
Relative measurements shall be made, in the region of the observed variation, of the 
coefficient of retro -reflection of 3 areas, each 50 mm x 50 mm. The ratio of the highest to the 
lowest reading shall not exceed 2.  
 
 
4.3 Test specifications  
  
4                                                                                               Samples shall be measured with CIE standard illuminant A at the required geometr ies defined 
in the CIE goniometer system in the co -planar geometry.  
 
NOTE  – The entrance angle shall be oriented in such a way that the entrance angle 
and observation angle are on  opposite sides of a line between the illuminant and the 
centre of the sample . 
 
 
5 Colorimetric specifications  
 
5.1 By day  
 
The colour of the retro -reflective surface of the samp le subject to testing as per 5.2  shall be 
contained within  the area defined by the chromaticity co -ordinates and comply with the 
luminance factor as shown in table 2.  
 
Table 2  — Chromaticity co -ordinates in daylight and luminance factor  
 
Colou r Axes     Co-ordinates    Luminance  
      1               2   3     4  factor  
 
White  X 
 
Y 0.303 
 
0.300            0.368 
 
           0.366 0.340 
 
0.393 0.274 
 
0.329  
≥15 
 
Yellow  X 
 
Y 0.498 
 
0.412            0.557 
       
           0.442                0.479 
 
0.520 0.438 
 
0.472  
≥12 
 
Green  X 
 
Y 0.026 
 
0.399            0.166 
       
           0.364                0.286 
 
0.446 0.207 
 
0.771  
≥7.0 
 
Red X 
 
Y 0.648 
 
0.351            0.735 
       
           0.265                0.629 
 
0.281 0.565 
 
0.346  
≥2.5 
 
Blue X 
 
Y 0.140 
 
0.035            0.244 
       
           0.210               0.190 
 
0.255 0.065 
 
0.216  
≥1.0 
 
Black  X 
 
Y    - 
 
   -    - 
 
   -    - 
 
   -    - 
 
   -  
≥1.0 
 
The colour of the retro -reflective surface of the samp le subject to testing as per 5.2  shall be 
contained within the area defined by the chromaticity co -ordinates in table 3.  
 
Table 3  – Chromaticity co -ordinates at night  
 
Colour  Axes   Co-ordinates  
   
     1               2   3     4 
White  X 
 
Y 0.45 
 
0.513             0.348  
 
           0.404  0.417  
 
0.359  0.372  
 
0.405  
Yellow  X 
 
Y 0.513 
 
0.487            0.500 
       
           0.470              0.545 
 
0.425 0.572 
 
0.425 
 
Green  X 
 
Y 0.007 
 
0.570            0.200 
       
           0.500             0.322 
 
0.590 0.193 
 
0.782 
 
Red X 
 
Y 0.650 
 
0.348            0.620 
       
           0.348              0.712 
 
0.255 0.735 
 
0.265 
 X 0.140            0.244 0.190 0.065  
5 Blue  
Y  
0.035        
           0.210               
0.255  
0.216 
 
Black  X 
 
Y    - 
 
   -          - 
 
         -    - 
 
   -    - 
 
   - 
 
 
5.2 Test specifications  
 
5.2.1 Daylight conditions  
 
The test sample shall be illuminated by CIE standard illuminant D65 with the illuminating and 
viewin g conditions for the 45°/0° geometry or the 0°/45° geometry.  
 
5.2.2 Night conditions  
 
The test sample shall be illuminated by CIE standard illuminant A at an entrance angle of 4° 
and the measurement shall be taken at an observation angle of 0° 20'.  
 
 
6 Security features  
 
The genuineness of the number plate shall be controlled by adding  security features which 
are not easy to duplicate  by unauthorized manufacturer s. The following features shall be 
included in the  manufacturing  process of the registration num ber plates.  
 
6.1 Hologram  
 
The registration number plate shall have a hologram with hidden text inside which reads the 
manufactures name and/or registration trade mark  and shall be hot stamped and minimize the 
possibility of forgery.  
 
6.2 Watermark  
 
The hi dden watermark shall indicate two letters ―TZ‖ to represent  the national symbol . This  
shall be simulated  by use of an angled watermark.  
 
6.3 Embossing  
 
The number plate shall be embossed  and t he reflective sheeting applied to flat metal  shall be 
able to pe rmit embossing.  The embossing shall be up to 2 mm.  
 
7 Resistance to heat and low temperature  
 
7.1 The samp le subjected to testing as per 7 .2 shall show no appreciable cracking or 
distortion of the surfaces.  
 
7.2 The test sample must be exposed to the follo wing conditions in the order shown:  
 
a) 12 hours consecutively at a temperature of (65 ± 2) °C with a relative humidity of (10 
± 5) %;  
 
b) hour at a temperature of (23 ± 2) °C and (50 ± 10) % relative humidity;  
 
c) 15 hours consecutively at a temperature of – 20 °C . 
 
7.3 The sample is examined after resting for 4 hours under normal laboratory conditions.  
 
  
6                                                                                               8 Adhesion to the substrate (in the case of reflective sheeting o r 
coating)  
 
After the test of resistance to heat and low temperature the sample plate has to retu rn to (23  ± 
2) °C for one hour before carrying out the test.  
 
The adhesion of applied or bonded retro -reflective products is verified as follows:  
 
a)  It should only be possible to remove products that were applied by any method, in 
pieces without using a too l thus preventing their re -use on any other vehicle.  
 
b)  It shall be impossible to remove bonded products (adhesive films) from any substrate 
without applying a force of at least 10 N per 25 mm of width exerted at a speed of 300 
mm per minute perpendicularly  to the plate.  
 
 
9 Impact resistance (in the case of reflective sheeting or coating)  
 
9.1 Three sample units shall be t ested in accordance with annex B  using a 1 kg mass which 
shall impact  on the background material as near as possible to the geometric cen tre of the 
number plate.  
 
9.2 The sample unit shall be conditioned for 2 h and then t ested in accordance with annex B  
at a temperature of (23  ± 2) °C and a relative humidity of 35 % to 50 %. The impact energy 
shall be 7.5 J. Any  crack on either face of the  sample unit shall be limited to within a radius of 
20 mm of the centre of impact. No  part of the  registration number plate shall become 
detached, otherwise the unit shall have been deemed to fail. All three  sample units shall meet 
these requirements.  
 
9.3 In cases of doubt,  after the tests the value of R  for the retro -reflective background shall be 
measured in  accordance with 4.3. The measurements shall be taken over an area of 25 mm 
radius around the impacted  area at an observation angle of 0° 20 ′  and at entrance angles of 
5° left and 5° right only and shall be not less  than 80 % of the values given in table 1 in 4.1.  
 
 
10 Bending resistance  
 
10.1 After 60 seconds under th e test conditions described in 10 .2, maximum deflection shall 
not exceed  25 mm. 
 
10.2 The sample shall be conditioned prior to testing at a te mperature of (23  ± 2) °C for at 
least 2 hours  and shall be tested at a temperature of (23 ± 2) °C. The test sample shall be 
positioned as shown in figure 1. One end shall be embedded to sec ure it and the other left 
free. The free end shall be 80 mm from the embedded position. 10 mm from the edge of the 
free end, weight M shall be suspended and attached at a point in the longitudinal axis of the 
plate. The total weight (including weight M and  the suspension system with its fastener) must 
be 3 kg.  
 
A vertical gauge shall be placed at the end of the sample to measure its deflection when the 
weight of 3 kg is applied.   
7 
 
Key: 
1 – Weight and shapes ensuring positioning of the plate without crushin g of the borders  
2 – Plate before strain  
3 – Plate weighted with 3  kg mass  
4 – Positioning table  
 
NOTE – The diagram is not scale . 
                           
Figure 1 — Bending test — Arrangement of apparatus  
 
 
11 Resistance to water  
 
11.1 After the test a s per 11 .2, the sample shall show no signs of deterioration that could 
reduce its efficiency.  
 
11.2 Submerge the test plate for a period of 24 h consecutively in deioni zed water at (23 ± 2) 
°C, and then allow it to dry for 48 hours at normal room temperatu re. 
 
 
12 Cleanability  
 
A test sample smeared with a mixture of lubricating oil and graphite shall be easily cleaned 
without damage to the reflective surface when wiped with a mild aliphatic solvent such as 
heptane, followed by washing with a neutral deterg ent. 
 
13 Resistance to fuel  
 
13.1 The sam ple subject to testing as per 13 .2 shall show no visible change that could reduce 
its efficiency.  
 
13.2 Submerge a portion of the sample for 1 minute in test fuel composed of 70 % n-heptane 
and 30 % toluol (by volu me). Examine the sample on removal from the bath.  
 
14 R esistance to saline mist  
 
14.1 The sampl e subjected to testing as per 14. 2 shall show no corrosion that could reduce 
its efficiency.  
  
8                                                                                               14.2 Subject a sample plate to the action of a saline mist for two cycles of 22 hours each, 
separated by an interval of 2 hour s at room temperature during which the sample is allowed 
to dry.  
 
The saline mist shall be produced by atomizing, at a temperature of (35 ± 2) °C, a saline 
solution obtained by dissolving 5 parts ( m/m) of sodium chloride in 95 parts ( m/m) of 
deionized water.  
 
After completion of the test, wash the sample plate with water, dry with a cloth, then examine 
it. 
 
 
15 Durability  
 
15.1 After this test as per 15 .2, the color  shall still meet the chromaticity  requirements in table 
2 and the  coefficient of retro -reflection shall not be less than 50 % of the  values in table 1 at 
the 0° 20′  observation and  5° entrance angles.  
 
The luminance factor shall not be lower than 80  % of the values in table 2.  
 
15.2 Subje ct a sample plate to a source of illumination in accordance with the  TZS 23  (see 
clause 2)  until blue  standard No. 7 has faded to No. 4 contrast of the grey scale.  
 
 
16 Marking  
 
The registration plates shall be marked with manufacturers name or registratio n trade mark.  
 
The plates shall be marked with the TBS  Standards M ark of Quality . 
 
NOTE – The TBS Standards Mark of Quality shall be used by the manuf acturers only 
under licence from TBS. Particulars of conditions under which the licen ces are 
granted may b e obtained from TBS.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
9 Annex  A 
(Normative)  
 
Sampling procedures  
 
A.1 Sampling  
 
Nine test samples of each colour shall be submitted to the laboratory for approval testing.  
 
One of the samples shall be a completely finished plate rea dy to be mounted on a vehicle and 
representative of current production. It shall be used for checking the dimensions, shape, 
letters and numerals for compliance with the existing regulations.  
 
A second sample shall be a completely finished plate but with n o legend, to be used for the 
check on uniformity of retro -reflection.  
 
The seven other test samples shall be finished plates representative of current production but 
with only one letter and two numerals located in the centre and leaving on the sides free 
areas of at least 10 cm2 for the various tests. Where clear -coating of the outer surface of the 
plate is necessary  the test samples must be clear -coated.  
 
A.2 Tests   
 
Sample No. 1 shall be checked for compliance with the photometric and colorimetric 
charact eristics given in clauses 4 and 5. This sample shall be retained by the laboratory for 
future reference . 
 
Sample No. 2 shall be cut into two parts of equal size; tests for compliance with clause 7.  
 
Sample No. 3 shall be tested for compliance with clause 10.  For each test, a different part of 
the plate shall be used.  
 
Sample No. 4 shall be tested for compliance with clause 11.  
 
Sample No. 5 shall be tested for compliance with clauses 12 and 13. For each test, a different 
part of the plate shall be used.  
 
Sample  No.6 shall  be tested for compliance with clause 14.  
 
Sample No. 7 shall  be tested for compliance with clause 15.  
 
Sample No. 8 shall be the completely finished plate.  
 
Sample No .9 shall be the completely finished plate, but without legend to be checked for 
uniformity of retro -reflection.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
10                                                                                               Annex  B 
(Normative ) 
 
Method of test for impact resistance  
 
B.1 Apparatus  
 
B.1.1 General  
 
The apparatus shall be as  shown in figure A.1. 
 
B.1.2 The number plate holding fixture  
 
The number plate holding fixture shall consist of a piece of steel channel 400 mm x 250 mm x 
75 mm on which two sample supports of 75 mm x 10 mm are located in a vertical position, 
resting on the long cross section edge, across the width of the flat face of the steel channel. 
The spacing of the support plates shall be equidistant from the centre of the steel channel. 
The distance between the inside faces of the support plates shall be 250 mm  (see figure A .2). 
 
Clamping of the test sample to each support shall be by means of a 9 mm square b ar. The 
bar is the same length as the support plate and shall be retained in alignment by a pair of 
vertical steel bars attached to each end of the support plate. A 20 mm square steel bar shall 
be attached to the top of the alignment plates, in a horizonta l position, to form a bridge over 
the support plate and clamping bar. The M8 set screws located in the threaded holes 
positioned in the centre of the span of each bridge bar shall be used to apply pressure to the 
clamp bars.  
 
B.1.3 Falling mass  
 
The fallin g mass (striker) shall be constructed from steel rod and shall have a spherical 
striking nose of 6.5 mm radius. It shall be used with a drop tube of any suitable material which 
is straight and which has an inside diameter slightly larger than the falling m ass and does not 
restrict its free fall.  
 
B.2 Determination of impact resistance  
 
The impact resistance value shall be calculated by multiplying the height of the fall by the 
mass used.  
 
B.3 Method  
 
Lay the test sample flat with the front surface uppermost  and with an equal overhang at each 
end. Tighten the set screws to a torque of 7 Nm to secure the test sample. Raise the mass to 
the required height and retain it by the location pin. When the number plate and apparatus 
have attained the required condition s, remove the pin and allow the mass to fall freely.  
  
11 
 
 
 
NOTE 1 – All dimensions are in millimetres . 
 
NOTE 2 – The diagram is not scale . 
Key:  
 
2 – Hole drilled through tube for height of location pin  
3 – Steel or plastic tube (30 to 35 internal diameter)  
4 – Steel angle section (indicative)  
5 – Number plate holding fixture (see figure A.2)  
6 – Tube end shall be no more than 10  mm above the number plate. A hard rubber pad is 
placed under the sample in the striking area to prevent damage to the spherical rad ius of the 
falling weight, should breakage of the number plate occur  
7 – Length of string attached to eye ball for raising the weight in the tube  
8 – Striker of an appropriate mass of 1 kg  
9 – 6.5 radius  
10 – Diameter of falling weight should be approximat ely 1.0  mm less than internal diameter of 
tube  
 
Figure A .1 – Apparatus for impact resistance test  
 
 
 
  
12                                                                                               
 
 
NOTE 1 – All dimensions are in millimetres . 
 
NOTE 2 – The diagram is not scale . 
 
Key:  
 
1 – Level Adjustment  
2 – Number plate sample  
3 – Bridge bar  
4 – Screw  (M8) 
5 – Clamping bar 
6 – Support plate  
7 – Bridge bar  
8 – Clamp bar  
9 – Sample plate  
10 – Support plate  
11 – Bolt (M6)  
 
Figure A.2 – Number plate holding fixture  
  
13  
Annex C 
(Normative)  
 
Requirements for letters and numerals  
 
C.1 Sizes  
 
All letters and numerals shall have the height of 70  ±1 mm . The letters and numerals shall be 
uniform and shall have thickness of 12 ± 2mm.  
 
C.2 Space and margin  
 
The space between adjoining letters and between adjoining numerals must be not less than 
10 ±2 mm and th ere must be a margin between the nearest part of any letter or numeral and 
the top and bo ttom of the plate of at least 12  ±2  mm. The distance between the centers  of 
adjoining letters and numerals shall be 45 ±2 mm. The border thickness shall be 6±1mm.  
 
C.3 Plate Size  
For single line plate size shall be (520 ±5 x 110 ±5) mm  
For double line plate size shall be (340 ±5 x 180 ±5) mm  
 
C.4 Motorcycles   
 
Sizes of letters and numerals and their corresponding space requirements for motorcycles 
shall not be less th an half the dimensions prescribed for motor cars.  
 
C.5 Recommended shapes of numerals and letters  
 
 
 
 
  
14                                                                                                
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
15  
 
  
16                                                                                                
 
  
17 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
18                                                                                               Annex D 
(normative)  
 
Optical layout for photometric test  
 
 
 
 
Figure D 1– Optical layout for photometric test