Reflective tape is defined as a thin film that reflects light or radiation back to its source through the use of glass spheres or artificial prisms. Glass bead ribbons reflect using tiny glass beads that act as parabolas and guide light back to its source. Prism tapes use artificial prisms or mirrors to collect light and send it back to the source. When a clear color is applied to the surface of either tape, the reflected light is colored.
One of the most important features of reflective tape is its ability to collect light, change its color and send it back to the source. That's why red stop signs can be seen at night. Yellow yield signs can be seen at night. and many more. Without this feature, night driving would not be the same as it is now.