Pavement Marking Materials Questions & Answers

Answer 1: Section 1504 of MAP-21 requires the glass beads used in pavement markings on Federal-aid projects contain no more than 200 parts per million of arsenic or lead, as determined in accordance with Environmental Protection Agency testing methods 3052, 6010B, or 6010C.

Answer 2: The State DOT's specifications for glass beads used in pavement markings should be revised, if necessary, to comply with Section 1504 of MAP-21. Additionally, the State DOT must certify that the product is in compliance with Section 1504 by 1) testing the product using the statutorily mandated testing methods, 2) having the tests performed by an independent testing lab, or 3) requiring the manufacturer to certify that the product has been tested and meets the statutory requirements. If relying on the manufacturer's certification, State DOT's are encouraged to review and determine the acceptability of the manufacturer's testing procedures and quality assurance plan. The State DOT may also require the manufacturer to use an independent testing lab. Copies of certificates of compliance, and test results when applicable, should be retained with project records. (Updated 11/1/2012)