Trash receptacles and storage containers: reflective markings.

Senator Archuleta's legislation modifies California's safety marking requirements for large trash receptacles and storage containers placed on public roadways, adjusting compliance deadlines and technical specifications for reflective materials.

The measure revises existing exemptions by allowing containers with reflectors applied before January 1, 2025, to maintain compliance without meeting new marking standards. For non-exempt containers, the law maintains requirements for eight strips of reflective tape—each two inches wide and two feet long—placed horizontally at the top and bottom corners. Storage containers transported by truck and trailer may now use fluorescent yellow, red, white, or alternating red and white reflective tape, though these must incorporate more specialized retroreflective sheeting materials than previously required.

The law preserves enforcement provisions that impose graduated fines starting at $100 for initial violations and reaching $1,000 for third and subsequent infractions, with proceeds directed to an Accident Prevention and Road Safety Fund. Local government entities remain exempt from these requirements, while the Attorney General and local prosecutors retain authority to enforce the marking standards.