[Tony1]

As we have been watching the blue plate all the time, we would say the white plate in Europe looks nicer...

In the UK they are white at the front and yellow at the rear. This is to help drivers on dark nights identify if the car in front is facing them or not.

(In Germany they are white at both ends of the car and in the Netherlands they are both yellow)

 

[Tony1]

I imagine it's actually to help more during the day rather than at night. At night the white vs red lights will be a better visual indicator.

The design was for when cars were parked in the dark and there were no streetlights I was told. (no red or white lights then)

There is also a rule that you must not show a red light at the front of the vehicle or a white at the rear except when reversing.

(KITT would not pass a UK MOT)

 

[Tony1]

I had red tinted number plate lights and an argument with the MOT tester

I've been having light related discussions in Germany with the TUV tester who insists the LED lights on my S90 need to be fitted with beam deflecting stickers (even after showing him the instructions from Volvo.DE that say they don't need to be fitted as the light beam is flat.

 

[Tony1]

Just trying to think why it matters which direction a parked car is facing.

No idea - it is one of those things lost in the mists of time from the 1960's