What is the requirement for cone placement at night along tapers?

The requirement regarding cone placement at night along tapers is that it is prohibited. This policy is fundamentally rooted in safety considerations. When traffic cones are used along taper areas, especially at night, visibility becomes critical. Tapers are designed to guide vehicles to safely navigate around construction zones or other obstructions, and if cones are not adequately visible, they can create confusion or hazardous situations for drivers.

Prohibiting cone placement at night in taper areas ensures that drivers are clearly guided by more visible traffic control devices or signage. It reduces the risk of accidents and improves overall traffic flow by ensuring that the indicators directing vehicle pathways are both consistent and easily recognizable.

In contrast, the other options suggest various levels of allowance or requirements for cone placement that do not align with safety best practices. Using reflective tape, making cone placement required, or deeming it optional would not adequately address the critical visibility and safety challenges present in nighttime driving conditions around taper zones.