Here's WHY EURO-spec cars are SAFER (and better looking)! | Euro Spec Cars vs North American Spec

[@Kerleem]

What do you prefer? North American Spec vehicles, or EU (Rest of World) spec vehicles? Also, Red or Amber rear turn signals? Let me know below! Also, I know there are some smaller markets (CIS, GCC, China) where there are smaller regional differences, but most of the differences I covered here still apply.

[@Joe3D]

I've heard american cars (Chevrolet) have WAY better air conditioning than german. Could you talk about this???

[@Kerleem]

@@Joe3D It's hard to test that for sure but I'd believe it as the US has a large warm south

[@byronchavarria4954]

American 🇺🇸 Style

[@gerrevandermeer7500]

I mean, odd to say, this time I am team AMBER!

[@hachiroku8677]

I do like amber side markers and have always felt like the car is "incomplete" without them. Besides, they provide safety in intersections because they let us know the presence of an oncoming vehicle at night. However, I really don't like red turn signals. I believe the US should adopt the European rule for turn signals.

[@MartijnV452]

I prefer the European spec especially the amber turn signals. Note that the rear fog light is not allowed in rain, only fog or snow. The rain makes in blinding. The front fog lights are allowed in fog, heavy rain or snow

[@Kerleem]

Indeed!

[@gmcminitruck]

If only more people would have passed their driving exam they would have know about the fog light and rain. Wait a minute...

[@jeroenrat6289]

Agree. Still some people tend to use the rear fog light with just a little bit of moisture in the air, very annoying! Even if the view distances is at least 1km they turn on the fog light, just don't. Use rear fog light only when visibility is less then 50meter.

[@TheMW2informer]

Wait, you have a law that says when you can and can not use fog lights??? So if I want my fogs on at night or dusk because I think it makes my car look better do I get a ticket? There’s people here that add rear fogs and have them on all the time, I think that it adds safety.

[@MartijnV452]

In the Netherlands there are rules when you can use your fog lights, it is in the name what they are designed for. That you think it looks better is not a really good argument because you don’t see it en others are not gonna say: look at that car cool fog lights.

[@electricalinput5999]

I just wish the US would either completely get rid of or lower its 25 year import law so that we who are stuck in the states can at least import euro spec cars easier. Even lowering the age so that it matches Canada's 15 year import law would be a large improvement.

[@Kerleem]

AMEN! I agree 150%! I wish automotive KZbinrs would start such a petition.

[@Babihrse]

What you can't get a European car till it's 3 generations old? Huh people driving around with mark4 golf GTi's

[@dublinpaul1]

I'm from Ireland but live in Maryland so I'm very familiar with everything you say. I definitely prefer Euro spec and I can't stand red turn signals especially the shared brake and turn. Being a euro car fan what really burns me up is the majority of modern BMW, Mercedes and Audi have red shared brake and turn in the US!! I used to love the fact they had amber signals over here for a long time.

[@Kerleem]

Yes I hate the way the German brands switch them to red for North America 😩

[@dublinpaul1]

@@Kerleem I watched some more of your videos last night, you're saying all the things I say repeatedly! And I'm a BMW fan who has a cop Crown Vic and a Grand Marquis!... if you're interested there are some videos I made in the mid 80s driving around Dublin where you see lots of cars from that period

[@automation7295]

@@dublinpaul1 But strangely, Mercedes C-Class W205 still has amber bulb or LED stripe where amber turn signal would be, they just re-wire turn signals to the brake lights. I love how German cars and other cars still have amber bulbs, but non-functional by default for North America. Good thing nearly all road vehicles have amber turn signals in Europe.

[@MrJordanwain]

@@KerleemI’ve seen a few American registered BMWs in the UK with the red turn/ tail lights and it it takes about 3 looks before you believe you’re eyes!? I’m guessing these are members of the military as I doubt anyone is bringing their car over from the US for a holiday 😂

[@morrisjvan]

@@Kerleem Yeah, tooling up to replace a perfectly good light cluster with an inferior unit, is madness.

[@Sander1678]

I happen to live in the Netherlands and yes we have very strict rules about licenseplates. They are issued by a branch of the government and you're not allowed to make any changes to them or slap some stickers on them. So American plates are cooler looking and more fun but in the end I think licenseplates are a serious matter that serve a purpose and therefor have to be readable at all times.

[@Kerleem]

Yes very true!

[@scottdelinger1]

The North American plates are issued by government as well, in case you’re thinking the individual did that. The majority of Florida plates look like that; Georgian plates (from the state, not the country) have peaches on them. Tourism plays a role in North American plates.

[@agn855]

@@Kerleem - in Germany (and I guess all over Europe) the license plates' font has been designed to be easily scan-/detect-/readable by radar and traffic manage systems. Another reason why obscure plates like in the States are not/used prohibited.

[@Tapped-o9k]

Deam a red turn signal is insane

[@Kerleem]

I agree. Especially when it’s shared with the brake light.

[@HPsawus]

Red turn signals are crazy man I have no idea how that’s deemed safe If someone’s braking with their indicator on, is it easy to tell that the blinker is on ?

[@Kerleem]

Yep exactly that’s a problem sometimes. Especially when you add the complexity of a brake light bulb being burnt out. Then you really don’t know sometimes

[@rigobertogarza7945]

Mexico also gets the euro-speced versions! living in a bordertown in texas right next to mexico, you see mexican cars all the time! I see many mexican germans bmw, mercedes, audi and they are always euro speced and have amber turn signals, they are also almost always fully optioned out.

[@Kerleem]

Love it!! You also see cars that aren’t sold in the US!

[@AlvKadeco]

European automotive engineers are several decades ahead of North America in every single aspect, this is why

[@Kerleem]

You said it not me 😆

[@peterfireflylund]

Except for Tesla’s, of course.

[@shilombaba]

Never, EVER use rear Fog light when it's raining ! I see people doing it too often, it's driving me nuts. Fog light under heavy rain will blind people behind. It makes things worst. It is actually forbiden in many european countries.

[@Kerleem]

Good point but in the states people use flashers, which is worse in my opinion

[@happyundertaker6255]

Oh in Germany a lot of drivers don’t know how to use the rear fog lights either. They’re only allowed if visibility is under 50 m According to § 17 of the German Road Traffic Regulations, rear fog lights may only be used in Germany if the visibility due to fog is less than 50 m .The visual impairment must not only be caused by rain. If the visibility due to fog is less than 50 m (the same requirement as for the use of the rear fog light), the speed may not exceed 50 km/h. Therefore, a maximum speed of only 50 km/h is permitted when using the rear fog light. A yellow indicator light dashboard is mandatory. Often drivers forget to turn off the rear fog light after passing through a fog and blind all traffic behind them while going faster.

[@Kerleem]

Interesting! I would think Germans (of all drivers) would know the rules the best :)

[@MrKarlWilhelm]

@@Kerleem I think german driving discipline decreased a lot in the last 10 years. 10 more years and driving will be a mess. But maybe we are not even allowed to drive anymore in 10 years 😂 The green dream 😇

[@Bloemplantstuifmeel]

In the Netherlands it is the same, rear fog lights are only allowed when visibility is less then 50m. For front foglights it must be less than 100m. I am always amazed when, especially in Belgium and France, drivers turn on their rear fog lights in heavy rain. They are so bright it hurts your eyes in those conditions.

[@daniellofgren1165]

Also, one intresting thing to note is that the switch to turn on the rear foglights are usually quite quirky contructed in most cars. Usually a switch which you pull one extra step to activate the rear fogs. So many people drive around with both rear and front fog lights turned on - when what they really wish is just to look a bit cooler with the front fogs on.

[@powertothebauer296]

@@Kerleem They know the rules from driving schools, but a lot of them don't know/ or can estimate what 50 m distance are , and a lot drivers panic when the drive into a fog bank. And if the visibility is under 50 m than you can use the Fog Lights , and in the same time you have to adjust your speed so you can stop your vehicle inside the visibility range

[@yngvildrthevoracious]

I've yet to meet a North American that didn't envy the amber signals once they learned of them, let alone experienced it through a trip to Europe usually. Meanwhile, I live in a very important touristic area and crossed paths with a USA diplomatic vehicle (huge, very weird plates front and back) and I'm happy it was at traffic lights because it had the red turn signals and it confused the eff out of my French mind (I didn't know about the difference, back then)

[@Kerleem]

Exactly!

[@christianbryant5617]

I have factory led amber signals on my Mazda and I wish everyday that they were red LED’s.. in the past, amber signals were a sign of low class, only seen on economical cars. They just don’t look as classy as red

[@Snowfox456]

The thing with the NA plates as well is the design itself. If it were like for example in Japan, which uses a similar size but (for private vehicles) dark green text on a white background - that is, a plain background - they'd be a lot easier to read. Compare the old white-on-blue Michigan plates, yellow-on-black California etc. Printing an elaborate design on the plate background makes it so much more difficult to read the plate.

[@Kerleem]

Yeah absolutely true. I still like the wider format though. Japanese plates are also kind of ugly in my opinion 😅

[@TheMW2informer]

We do have what I’d call the best plate design in the world here in North America, look up the Northwest Territories plate. It’s in the shape of a polar bear.

[@312ezii]

i like my plates hard to read tho

[@supermaster2012]

EU plates also have to be retro-reflective and in some countries with terrible climate like Sweden the plate numbers have to be stamped rather than printed.

[@funkypaul2822]

In Belgium the rear fog light can only be used when visibility is less than 100m, due to fog, snow or heavy rain. Front fog lights can be used when visibility is less than 200m. The four blinkers can only be used when the vehicle has broken down and creates a security hazard. But some people opt for American style light s configuration. And fail when they pass their first vehicle inspection (APK) after four years. Nice video! Good rhythm, clear info, not too detailed, we like it!!

[@yeahnoway111]

"Front fog lights can be used when visibility is less than 200m. " Thats kinda stupid cuz the whole point of fog lights is to be used when theres a layer of fog on top of the road, and you cant see the where road is or the marking without the fog lights.. but visibility forward can be very good in those conditions.

[@funkypaul2822]

@@yeahnoway111 That's why front fog lights are mounted as low as possible. There's always a zone, 40cm to 60 cm (1ft-2ft) above the road where there's no fog. So, your front fog light beam shines in that zone and increases visibility. Front fog lights also have a wide beam, generally over 120°, to increase visibility on the side and the markings in the middle of the road. Now, all this won't work if you're driving an elevated truck with 37" tires, since then your front fog light beam will shine above this 2ft-2ft fog free zone. Here in Europe, where people drive with " normal size vehicles" (LOL), front fog lights are a standard feature on the better car.

[@yeahnoway111]

@@funkypaul2822 yeah thats what I am saying

[@funkypaul2822]

@@yeahnoway111 , indeed! 😁

[@jeroenrat6289]

So that's why I see cars with Belgium plates using rear fog lights when it rains. Annoying!

[@daniellofgren1165]

There is a saying "the grass is greener on the other side" which I think applies nicely to this. People who like to mod their cars in Europe loves US style headlights and those orange parking lights. And if you can succeed in using red rear blinkers legally, or the small license plates - wow then you are really cool. As far as I understand, the same thing goes for enthusiasts in NA.

[@Kerleem]

Yeah, of course there is some aspect of the "rose-colored glasses" phenomenon, but some of the things I've mentioned are objectively about safety (rear fog lights, amber turn signals, side turn signal indicators).

[@STAK_22]

@@Kerleem .... Exactly! And the Styling looks More Sophisticated, Upscale, & Elegant!

[@DreitTheDarkDragon]

Honestly as European, there is only one thing I like about US and it's not even about cars itself - traffic lights are far in front of you, so you can always see them. In Europe you can't stop anytime later as you won't see if you're green or not. Also sometimes even standing at proper place you have to turn your head around to see traffic light above you.

[@dr.oetqer]

​@@DreitTheDarkDragon Most moderately newer traffic lights, at (Dutch) intersections, have 'traffic regulation systems', which detect oncoming traffic for all lanes, and based on some kind of formula regulates the order and timing of the lights. Because of 'early' detect sensors in the roads, there is almost never a need to stop perfectly at the line and you'll be fine if you stop a few meters from the lights so you can still see them. As for the traffic light placed at the other side of the intersection, in the US that's easier because the roads are much wider, with more lanes, and less complex in general. In most of Europe that wouldn't work in my opinion.

[@TheEulerID]

"And if you can succeed in using red rear blinkers legally, or the small license plates - wow then you are really cool." So you think it's cool to have an inherently inferior type of braking and direction indicator? Also, a system that the majority of European drivers will not be used to reacting to? Also, plates are the size they are for a reason, which is to improve readability and play an important part in law enforcement and hence road safety. In all, you seem to prefer more hazardous designs simply on the basis of aesthetics.

[@gmcminitruck]

Red indicators = yes (although I have to admit amber is safer). Small license plate = yes (or if possible at least EU spec rear and US spec front) Side markers = yes (give a little more 'show' to the side of the vehicle) Side indicators = yes of course Convex mirror = no opinion (and why not both..) Driver education = YES!!! (know what you do and how to do it)

[@SergeiK1]

Actually IMO, the mirrors are the most important part (maybe except for education). My European BMW had NO blind spots. I was able to see a car front with the corner of my eye and still see it in the side mirror: both left and right.

[@supermaster2012]

You can have smaller plates in the EU, they are called "Alpha-Romeo plates" and all member states issue them.

[@gmcminitruck]

@@supermaster2012 what are Alfa Romeo plates? Never ever seen those in the Netherlands. We do have 12.8 plates, but those can only be obtained under very strict circumstances upon imported vehicle registration.

[@supermaster2012]

@@gmcminitruck they're smaller narrower plates meant for Alpha Romeo plates. If you check the front of any Alpha Romeo car, the plate is mounted to the side and has the size of a motorcycle plate.

[@gmcminitruck]

@@supermaster2012 maybe in some EU countries like Italy and Switzerland (since the front plate is smaller anyway). But countries like Germany and the Netherlands only have the fullsize EU plate. No exceptions for Alfa Romeo. Alfa; with an F, not PH!!!

[@GerarddeVries]

BMW's in the US do have fog lights but they are disabled. You can enable them in the software. In fact most US specific lighting options can be adjusted to EU spec. I brought my BMW with me after staying in the US and it needed no physical changes.

[@Kerleem]

Oh nice

[@RossBayCult]

Which Bimmer did you bring? I brought over an X3 G01 from 2019. I had to order the light switch that had the rear fog light button on it and the amber colored LCI tail lights. I haven’t received them yet in the mail. But I’m guessing it’s not just plug and play right?

[@GerarddeVries]

@@RossBayCult I brought over a 2016 435i convertible. You can take the fog light button out and take of a small bit of plastic from the button and it will work, you need to re-program the lights also btw ( I used BimmerLink to do this) . There will be no fog light logo on the switch but that is not mandatory. You also did not have to replace the tail lights. Red indicator lights are allowed on import cars.

[@supermaster2012]

@@GerarddeVriesred indicator lights are not allowed intrastate however, it shows up on EUCARIS as a suspended vehicle and you will get your car immobilized the moment a cop runs your plate, which is pretty common police protocol in most member states. If you want to use a vehicle like that outside your country you need to get temporary green plates and you're only allowed to drive like that for up to 60 days.

[@bmw803]

I read somewhere that the FMVSS in Canada has allowed ( NOT REQUIRED ) Euro spec headlights. At least they understand that U.S. spec headlights are terrible and very dangerous. Instead of worrying about foreign entanglements, maybe we should update some of those safety features.

[@miles5600]

wdym by euro spec headlights?

[@RadeonEvolved]

Another slight lighting regulation difference is that ECE does not allow piggybacking existing lights for DRLs, where as in NA piggyback of DRLs via the use of reduced-power highbeam/low beams or even turn signals are allowed, most examples of this setup in NA usually use reduced power high beams however some vehicles also use the low beam for this function. Examples include the last few generations of US spec Corollas where the Bi-LED headlights run at reduced power low beam mode for DRL, some earlier VW Golfs (Mk5's i think?) with Xenon lights also used this setup but with the xenon low beam burning at full intensity. In the EU the closest you will see with this setup use a dual-filament bulb where the filaments serve different purposes, examples include the MK6-7 Golfs with a H15 lamp in the high beam lamo chamber using a 15W and 55W filament, with the 15W used for DRL and the 55W as highbeams. Also to note, DRLs are allowed to stay on in full DRL brightness in the "parking" light setting in the US, only turning off with the low beams. Whereas ECE rules state DRLs must turn off or dim as soon as parking/position lights are activated.

[@phueal]

You don't really need amber turn signals or side turn signals in the US because Americans don't indicate when turning.

[@Kerleem]

🤣

[@JOSHUACHIOCCI]

In the UK red indicators (turn signals) are illegal. Some vehicles come with side markers normally integrated into the headlights. Lorries coaches and other large vehicles have side markers and I think it’s by law because the bigger vehicles, and they need to be visible to see

[@raycardy4843]

I agree with his observations - in the UK (as in much of Europe), the number (licence) plates have to conform to government regulations as to size of characters, etc. Almost all are also reflective to improve visibilty, (and white for the front, yellow for the rear so you can tell which way the car in front is facing!), they are usually permanent on the car (we used to have a disc on the windscreen to show we'd paid the road tax, but now it's all electronic), so police and ANPR cameras can tell if your car is taxed, etc. Same for the amber turn signals, rear fog lights, etc. A lot of cars that have front fog lights fitted such that when headlights are on, and you are turning - the front fog light on that side comes on to help you see kerbs, ditches, etc. Rear fog lights are great - as long as you know to turn them off when not needed, so you are not dazzling other cars! DRL's (daytime running lights) have been standard on all new cars for many years now - although these are now so bright, some people forget to turn on their main lights at night, so you can't easily see them from behind! One of the biggest changes the US could make to road safety though would be to have mandatory vehicle inspections - the number of death traps I've seen in other channels on here where 'customer declined repairs' and simply drove away - that would NOT be allowed over here!

[@Kerleem]

Agreed, thanks for watching!

[@Interceptor810]

I 100% agree on everything, espcially the blinkers and mirrors Honda had a feature on the Civic and the Accord until 2017 where you had a blind spot camera for the passenger mirror and it would be shown on your infotainfment screen. It was kinda useful but I thought to myseld what do you do for the driver side

[@Kerleem]

Yeah the Honda camera is cool. And blind spot monitors are becoming common in the US and Canada, but if the mirrors were like the EU-spec ones, you would have much less of a blind spot in the first place.

[@scottdelinger1]

2017 Fit has the passenger-side camera as well.

[@no-damn-alias]

Switzerland and Ukraine also allow red turn signals. Saw some European spec Audi for example with red turn signals and I looked it up. Ukraine mostly has US spec cars imported but they don't have to change it

[@kleex_the_original]

Vehicle license plates of Switzerland. Long format and high format. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vehicle_registration_plates_of_Switzerland

[@no-damn-alias]

@@kleex_the_original most of Switzerland's vehicles have long format plates

[@Kerleem]

@@no-damn-alias Yes, but also square style for the rear and a small plate for the front. I don't like the inconsistency

[@no-damn-alias]

@@Kerleem As I said, you can choose. The small front is almost like a Swiss trade mark

[@AndrewTheRadarMan]

Italy and Switzerland in particular have the best front license plates. They're much smaller and are integrated well into car designs.

[@Kerleem]

Yea they are still narrow and wide but I don’t like the mismatched sizes front and rear

[@dinkoblazek9637]

​@@KerleemI agree. It just looks stupid, the front plate in Switzerland is even samaller than the US plates and it looks to small on pretty much any car

[@TheEulerID]

Those plates have a functional role, and it is not for styling. They are there to allow the vehicle to be identified, potentially at speed and at a distance which is important in law enforcement and road safety. Making them smaller just to satisfy some aesthetic requirement compromises that important role.

[@supermaster2012]

@@Kerleemyou can just buy Alpha-Romeo plates for the rear which are the same size as Swiss front plates.

[@MrAronymous]

"Integrated well into car designs" .... of only Fiat and Ferrari who are obsessed with longtitudinal grills.. On all other cars they are smaller than the manufactured plate-position that comes in standardized European size, sometimes even indented on the bumpers... it just looks silly.

[@jonathanpowell3769]

I remember the issues with fog lights in the eighties. They were manually switched and didn’t cancel when the engine was turned off. So, after a bout of fog, there would be cars with fog lights on on sunny days and this would go on for weeks. Now, fog lights automatically cancel when the engine is turned off.

[@Kerleem]

Yes indeed!

[@CodeDonut]

the side amber markings are there to lessen T-Bone incidents since in darkness you can see cross traffic easier due to the amber reflecting off of your headlights.

[@Kerleem]

Agreed

[@balkanca]

As some folks have already pointed out, the grass is always "greener" on the other side. Many in the U.S. think the rest of the world is "cool" and modify lighting, etc. as such, while some think the U.S. is "cool" and modify as such. In the end, for better or for worse, each country has their own set of conditions on which requirements are based. Red turn signals are not a problem per say; on your Grand Marquis, have someone hit the brakes while the turn signal is on and you'll notice the blinking side cancels out the brake light, so the turn signal is clearly visible. This is essentially "cleaner", since you don't have both red and yellow - both primarily colors - making it confusing, depending on design and whether incandescent or LED. Of course, you also have the third eye brake light, or CHMSL, so those behind you are aware the brakes are applied. Of course, Ford did this as a cost cutting measure, since the '98-'03 Crown Victoria had a four bulb set up in the rear vs. the two bulb in the '98-'11 Grand Marquis. Starting '04, both vehicles got the two bulb set up by default. But it works and isn't so cluttered or confusing.

[@Kerleem]

I disagree. There are studies that have proven the Amber rear turn signals are safer and easier to distinguish from brake lights. It’s a cheap cost saving measure by most automakers for the US/CAN market because they can.

[@javianjohnson8746]

I never thought I'd say this about a wagon, but this BMW wagon is really beautiful 🔥

[@Kerleem]

Yes I still love it and think it’s one of the best looking wagons on sale these days 🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@greened6503]

Regarding rear turn signals in the US, while the US allows either red or amber in the rear, what the US does strictly regulate regarding turn signals, front and rear, is the size of them. With the North American-spec Mercedes example you showed with the red rear turn signal (really its right brake light doing the blinking), the little LED strip that would otherwise be used as an amber turn signal, probably doesn't meet the minimum size requirement for North America. In North America, brake lights and turn signals also need to be distinguishable from each other while the brake lights and turn signals are simultaneously functioning. This turn signal size rule is also why we in the US don't get those thin strip LED sequential turn signals. Though it's an outdated rule, the first "flash" of the turn signal has to meet that minimum size requirement; this is why the Ford Mustang coupe with its sequential rear turn signals are allowed, because that first light that lights up is large enough; one little LED light flashing first would definitely not meet the size requirement. If you notice, though, for the Mustang EV with sequential rear turn signals (amber ones at that, even in the US), the whole LED strip lights up first, which meets that initial flash size requirement, and then it gradually gets dark in sequence from the inside towards the outside edge of the car. Incidentally, in California and some other US states, white front turn signals are still allowed.

[@sjokomelk]

I was going to comment this too. The US regulations is about the size/area of the illuminated part of the taillamp, while in RoW it is the light output that decides. So a EU style yellow turn signal might be small, but brighter than the large US red one. But that is not allowed in the US. 😞

[@Kerleem]

Yep!

[@maxencec172]

As a European, I like euro spec cars by far, but I personally like the amber side markers when it's integrated in the headlights

[@Kerleem]

I mean that's better than the added on reflector but is that because it's just 'different'?

[@maxencec172]

@@Kerleem yeah it's mostly because those aren't on cars in Europe and I think it looks cool and like other comments said, it adds "show" to the car. But again, grass always looks greener on the other side haha. I largely prefer euro cars though. Much better looking and safer

[@maxencec172]

@@Kerleem when I go to car meets, a lot of cars have a permanent amber light within the turn signal light to look like US spec cars

[@arturkaczmarski2944]

Hi, i agree 100% and two things i think are quite important too; first European car have bigger side windows (i saw in a hellcat, there was super small in my opinion) and the second thing is that in European car we have universal symbols just like on road, symbols no writing so it’s easier and immediate to understand.

[@Kerleem]

Definitely a lot of differences from a design perspective, but that wasn't necessarily the focus here.

[@computer_toucher]

​@@KerleemWell using standardised iconography is safer than text though. Quicker to process at a glance. Look at a dashboard from 1985 in the US compared to Europe and Japan. All text on the US cars, it looks bad and is a mess.

[@coladict]

I'm a European and a driver, and for the life of me, I don't know which fog light marker is for front and which is for back. Maybe it's in the car manual somewhere, but often times they don't actually connect symbol to label.

[@Kerleem]

LOL you should know! The one with the waves on the left is front, the waves on the right is rear

[@MrJordanwain]

The Amber on the front side and red on the rear side help to identify which way a car is pointing. I like this when they are LEDs inside the light cluster.

[@Kerleem]

The rest of the world manages without this

[@TheEulerID]

You have trouble knowing which direction a car is pointing? In the daylight, you can see the car and at night the headlights/red running lights rather give that away.

[@SurgeDashcam]

I live in the UK and I have never once struggled to tell if a car is facing away from me or towards me lol. Even if you did struggle, the legal requirement of daytime running lights will give that away anyway. Red on the back, white on the front. Also, what if they're not signalling? You just can't tell? Indicator colour is not the solution to this "problem", especially since it only works when people are signalling.

[@MrAronymous]

The actual purpose is to make a car visible from the side. But this legislation was from an era when fronts and backs of vehicles was very boxy and flat.

[@Marty_Deslions]

I think I would say a mix of both. Amber turn signals in the back are obviously safer, but side markers/reflectors like in the US are also safer than no side markers/reflector like in EU. The convex side mirror is also safer than the american flat one, IMO. And in terms of the licenseplate, I personally would like the smaller one, its less shouty. I mean, its my car, its not owned by the goverment. Tho in terms of broad car regulations I think a large plate is better for the police/goverment to check, so "baddies" can be recognized more easy.

[@Kerleem]

Good perspective. I generally agree with you. A mix of both would be ideal!

[@EnriqueGomez-gp9ol]

Apart from Volvo, European cars usually don't have side markers, but they are allowed. Both must be amber but the rear one can be red only if it's embedded in the tail light. A model that particularly shows these differences is the 3G Toyota Prius. The EU model has the front lights and tail lights all white without side markers, except for the rear foglight that's clearly visible in red on the driver's side. This model also has front blinkers in the bumper, probably to comply with US regulations, that don't allow the turn signal to be in the same light where the main beam is.

[@miles5600]

The US also doesn’t require side markers but car makers usually out them on for “safety”

[@henrikvonjyndevad]

The rear fog light is only on one side because the drivers behind should be able to distinguish a fog light from a breaking light in bad weather. When the other side lights up red, you know it's breaking.

[@Kerleem]

That’s true, and I have changed my thinking about this since I made this video. I’d still argue that the CHMSL helps differentiate brake lights vs rear fog lights

[@AMV12S]

I'm Brazilian and I would pick this Grand Marquis over the BMW all day. 🤘

[@Kerleem]

🤣🤣💯💯

[@NGGPeter]

NA specs are safer with the front amber side marker and reflector. In poor visibility conditions like snow or fog, it helps to be able to tell the front side of a car with the amber front side marker illuminated, as well as an amber reflector if it's parked with the lights off. It's there for safety despite it looking uglier. Good choice importing the Grand Marquis, though. I have an '03 and I'd take that with me too.

[@Kerleem]

I disagree that it helps that much, head lights are visible from the side of almost any car today. Besides a lot of cars integrate the front Amber market light into the headlight assembly anyway.

[@Kerleem]

👏🏽 for the Grand Marquis though

[@sflscott11]

The problem with the rear fog lights is that when they are illuminated, they diminish the visibility of brake lights.

[@Kerleem]

I’ve realized that having the rear fog light on one side (or the center) makes it a bit easier to distinguish from the brake lights.

[@STAK_22]

I prefer EU Spec ALL THE WAY! Amber Rear Signals, & the License Plates mainly.

[@Kerleem]

💯

[@iallso1]

I moved from the UK to NZ and from highly reflective plastic number plates to pressed steel with painted numbers, its like going back to the 1970s.

[@Kerleem]

Hah yeah good point!

[@jackseivlog3978]

In norway you can use parking light + front fog lights during the day insted of DLR. Many young people here use cuz it looks cooler.

[@Kerleem]

Yeah I do think it’s a cool look but I was reading yesterday that misuse of fog lights in the Netherlands can result in a fine 😒

[@agn855]

There were times (before digitalization of the licensing service) where getting a tiny license plate was kinda luxury thing and therefore favored by snobs (especially as you had to pay extra to be allowed to select it from a pool of available ones) keyword "Wunschkennzeichen". While OTOH it was favored by motorcycle drivers - bc being forced to attach a huge plate AKA "Pizzablech" to your classy motorcycle was felt as kinda "penalty".

[@Kerleem]

interesting!

[@crazymonkeyVII]

Great video, one comment. In the Netherlands (and probably other EU countries) fog lights are ONLY allowed during fog, and are explicitly NOT ALLOWED IN RAIN!!!!! Due to blinding effects it may produce...

[@Kerleem]

Thanks!

[@buddy1155]

You are wrong, only the rear foglight can't be used during rain. _"Mistlicht. Het mistlicht aan de voorkant mag u alleen gebruiken als mist, sneeuwval of regen het zicht ernstig belemmeren. Het mistachterlicht mag u alleen gebruiken bij mist of sneeuwval waardoor het zicht minder is dan 50 meter. Bij zware regen mag u het mistachterlicht niet gebruiken."_ Source: Dutch government

[@crazymonkeyVII]

@@buddy1155 okay, so the distinction is you're not allowed to use the BACK mist light, but the front one is allowed in bad visibility. However, most cars nowadays only come with a back mist light. And so you're only allowed to turn that on when it's not raining.

[@alexmonroe613]

In Europe we used to have twin rear "high intensity lights" (fog lights). When switched on, research showed that drivers were slower to realise the car in front was braking (even with the third high level brake light).: - thus only one rear fog light is now specified.

[@Kerleem]

That actually kind of makes sense. Although the CHMSL helps solve that problem

[@alexmonroe613]

@@Kerleem 100% although as I said, even with a CHMSL, research showed a slower reaction time/realisation time that the car in front had started to brake - thus only one High intensity rear light is now specified in most of Europe and the UK

[@awilhammer]

My 2020 Kia optima is more European spec than American. I have separate yellow turn signals in my rear, and I have turn signals in my mirror. My Kia is an base model as well.

[@Kerleem]

Yes, nice!

[@gargoyle7863]

Rear fog lights can go for good. Most people don't use them correctly, blind others and the problem they wanted to solve is caused by reckless driving and not weak rear lights. (They became mandatory after some severe mass collisions in the 1990s caused by inappropriate speed during fog.) I hope they make them optional or abolish them all together.

[@Kerleem]

I see where you’re coming from. I’ve seen them used properly a few times and found them quite helpful, but I agree. With LED technology nowadays, rear tail lights are usually good enough.

[@Awesome_Aasim]

The interesting thing is that a lot of these EU/NA vehicles include these features anyway for the most part because it is cheaper. Oftentimes it is disabled electronically or in software though. For example there would be an amber turn signal on cars like the Tesla anyway, it just isn't active unless enabled in software which most don't know how to do.

[@Kerleem]

Yeah in some cases. Like rear fog lights. But other things (like the mirrors) are different for both markets and it drives me nuts.

[@agn855]

There were times (before digitalization of the licensing service) where getting a tiny license plate was kinda luxury thing and therefore a favored by snobs (especially as you had to pay extra to be allowed to select it from a pool of available ones) keyword "Wunschkennzeichen". While OTOH it was favored by motorcycle drivers bc being forced to attach a a huge plate AKA "Pizzablech" to your classy motorcycle was kinda felt as some sort of "penalty".

[@Kerleem]

nice!

[@phabio7839]

I have to agree with you on everything... but one statement: EU spec plates aren't pretty. They are like a prison serial number, but for for cars. A bureaucratic obligation. A visually ugly price to pay to be able to drive a car on public roads. Some EU member states allow shorter plates (Germany) or smaller plates (motorcycle: Belgium, Luxembourg) or simply non-standard, to fit special vehicles (Netherlands, France - although I don't think they are legal in the latter, only "tolerated"). Then there's the two-line (almost) square version... you're basically driving with a street sign glued to your car... And of course very few states in the EU allows vanity plates (choosing what text appears on the plate) and when they do, it's expensive (Belgium). None to my knowledge allows car owners to choose alternative plate designs. In some states, it is possible to choose the plate's letters/numbers but only according to the spec for that state (e.g. in Luxembourg you can only choose any 4 or 5 number, or 2-letter & 4-digit combination that's available). Can you feel I REALLY don't like EU plates ? :) But for all the rest, I agree. That said, I am myself driving a US spec vehicle (apart for the license plate, which is a smaller "motorcycle" plate as allowed in Luxembourg). Why? I bought a US spec vehicle and was offered to convert it to EU spec for a very affordable price (not legally required in Luxembourg but a must if I later want to sell it to a buyer living in another EU state). But I chose to keep it "original" simply because it looks "exotic" on European streets. I suppose having EU specs on certain premium vehicles in the US, or US specs on some imported vehicles in the EU simply answers the urge to have something "different". To stand out. Like driving a 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis with 5mph bumpers in Amsterdam ... ... why does it still have those bumpers in 2004 btw?

[@Kerleem]

I agree, the non-wide EU plates are awful, and they are the exception, and yes I do wish there was some level of personalization (I used to have custom license plates in Florida as well), but in terms of the wider look and 'safety' I think it's better. I do like the France has the department information which is kind of like the United States state identifier too.

[@deus_ex_machina_]

That's a pretty bleak way to view license plates! Given the point of license plates, legibility should be the priority, and the clean and professional EU license plates are up to the mark. In a vacuum, I would've described them as 'plain' rather 'clean and professional', but compared to the hideous US license plates, so often designed by amateurs who's aesthetic sensibilities are surpassed by Helen Keller, which come in a dizzying array of possibilities that are neither appealing nor legible, I am forced to appreciate EU simplicity. I suppose American plates have collector's value as kitsch americana, which in my opinion, is their only redeeming feature. Can you tell I REALLY don't like NA plates? 😉 That last paragraph echo's @Daniel Löfgren's comment "The grass is greener on the other side".

[@tietosanakirja]

I was expecting mentions of the car suspension or engines. I recall hearing that Golf GTI in NA would have a stiff rear axel, while euro spec would have independent suspension and better handling. Also NA would have larger engines, but the euro spec would have higher tuning and better fuel economy.

[@Kerleem]

There's way too many details like that to make a video on...at least for me. There's much more granular market specific differences all over the world. I wanted to cover the most apparent aesthetically and regulatory differences...especially considering safety.

[@Mekkiceh]

6:12 : People are being dumb about the rear fog lights in France too, by using them under rain. It's extremely annoying as it dazzles the one behind.

[@sinthujankethes]

I agree with almost everything you say with Euro spec lights looking better than North American (NA) spec lights EXCEPT for the front amber parking lights for NA Spec cars because if rear amber turns provide clearer and less ambiguity with the light function then the same with goes for the front end especially for parking and you can tell from the side profile the amber light indicates the front of the car whereas the red parking light indicates rear of the car. Plus a lot of car makers integrate and design those side markers really well, both the amber and red. Look at the Mustang, Challenger , many Asian and European cars. I don't know if you would get alot of support from people who want the license having a larger display role on cars as they in Europe then NA since it takes away alot of real estate from the design of the car. But I will admit the slimmer Euro plate does fair better, I just wish all car makers either made space for the front plate mounts without drilling into the bumper or all countries collectively agree to just have rear plates. Not this hog bodge in the middle I think all cars in NA should have rear fog lights because they are beneficial in heavy fog and rain and we shouldn't be missing out on that safety feature. Fogs light, even for the front, seem to be like car jewellery instead of safety features sort of and bit of luxury feature too

[@tyler_schecter5805]

I find the amber reflectors and side marker lights to be more dangerous than anything. In poor lighting conditions they can look like turn signals

[@Kerleem]

True but I guess they don’t flash so…

[@bjork03]

Also the EU-spec license plate in Sweden, you can get a clener license plate called the American plate, which is a smaller (both in width and height) EU but without the EU marking, which gives it a cleaner look. but that's my opinion.

[@Kerleem]

Oh interesting

[@TheApp9]

Nearly every European country has white license plates. I think the yellow doesn’t fit to every Color but with white you can make nothing wrong. The fog light at the rear is only allowed to be used at views under 50m and if put on, or are not allowed to drive faster than 50 km/h. But nobody knows this ;)

[@Kerleem]

Yeah, I do wish NL had white license plates, but I have gotten used to the yellow ones now.

[@TheApp9]

@@Kerleem Maybe it’s just that I am used to see white plates. Regarding yellow, did you know that French cars in the 70th, 80th and partly 90th had yellow headlights? Not yellowish but dark yellow. I assume they though they are for better contrast. But today this totally changed but I remember as a kid, driving with my parents to France, wondering about the yellow lights. If interested, you may Google „yellow French lights cars“. Thanks for the hart and answer. It is said that come from WW2, to distinguish own from enemy vehicles. Don’t be sure about that, inserting yellow bulbs in German vehicles seemed not that hard ;) But until 1993 yellow lights were mandatory in France. And today light gets „colder“ and colder. More white. Halogen, xenon, led…

[@smurgy99]

In the UK its white at the front and yellow at the back. This doubles the chance of reading plates in bad lighting, assuming yiu get the chance to see both ends of the vehicle.. The rear is yellow so it doesnt reflect back into the following drivers eyes at night

[@gotham61]

The EU often follows the USA with safety equipment requirements. Things like anti lock brakes, airbags, electronic stability control, and backup cameras were all required in the USA before Europe.

[@Kerleem]

I did not know this, but it kind of makes sense. The price point of entry level vehicles is much lower in Europe and they often have reduced features. This was probably the case back in the day with safety stuff as well.

[@phueal]

Backup cameras still aren't required in Europe, but personally I think that's because of the size of car. Almost all European cars have a good view out of the rear windscreen because they're smaller, whereas US "trucks" you basically can't see anything out of the back. So in Europe a reversing camera is a luxury, in the US it’s a necessity.

[@Kerleem]

@@phueal Good point, although I do think backup cameras should be mandated here now too.

[@gotham61]

@ Backup cameras have been required on new cars in the EU since 2022. They have been required in the USA since 2017

[@phueal]

@@Kerleem they’re great I agree, and much safer, but as you point out we have a lot of cheap low-spec cars on the market - and when you’re talking about upgrading those to have a reversing camera you’re not just talking about the camera you’re also talking about the screen it needs on the dashboard, probably a whole low-end infotainment system. It’s definitely going to add a lot to the price of those low-end cars…

[@supermaster2012]

Keep in mind that while the red lights are legal in NL, they aren't in the rest of the EU so although the car is homologated in the EU you cannot actually drive it outside NL like that. This status shows up on EUCARIS as "suspended for interstate use for regulatory failure", so cops will stop you the moment they run your plate and the computer tells them to immobilize your vehicle. They're even instructed to remove the plates from your vehicle so that you cannot run away from the country in it (you're not legally required to pay administrative fines imposed by EU member states that you are not a resident of). Defeats the entire purpose of the Schengen free movement treaty.

[@Kerleem]

I don’t know if that’s actually true. I’ve seen MANY American spec vehicles with red turn signals outside of NL and no one cares

[@supermaster2012]

@@Kerleem there might be other exemptions in other member states under certain circumstances but that just means they cannot leave their own member state either. Special homologation vehicles do not qualify for interstate usage in the Schengen area.

[@CivicSteve85]

if you want amber turn signals on the Grand Marquis grab a set of Croun Vic after market tail lights and i think you need to add a couple bulbs and wires. You can either get a 2 wire to 3 wire converter box or you can do the old way which is what I've used is clip the brake signal off of the turn signal stick in the front. The current wires will now be turn signals only then run your brake signal wire from the third brake light. Thats the easiest way to do it.

[@Kerleem]

Nice! Indeed that's a popular option!

[@supermaster2012]

Driving with fog lights on in good visibility conditions is actually illegal because they are blinding as hell (they're mounted parallel to the road as opposed to looking downward)

[@Kerleem]

Yep

[@Ashley_van_Schooneveld]

For instance the front sidemarkers and reflectors are not required in Europe but are not outlawed. On my 2013 BMW X5 it had red turn signals and brake lights from 2 different light assemblies, I also coded front side markers off for a more Euro look. On my 2017 X5 both the brake light and turn signal use the same LED light. I think some older BMW like the E83 X3 and the E65 7 Series had amber rear turn signals on their US spec models.

[@Kerleem]

Yeah exactly

[@stevewandel9317]

The rear fog light thing is an EU requirement, not the rest of the world. China, Japan, and many asian countries, plus Australia, New Zealand, South Africa don't require them. Still get if fitted as standard. eg my Skoda has them anyway.

[@Kerleem]

Good point

[@masimilianzo]

As an Italian living in the US, I think changing lanes here is way harder/unsafe than it should be. Driver-side rearview mirror is flat and has a HUGE blind spot. You always have to double and triple check before changing lane. It almost makes blind spot detection systems a necessity while in Europe you can live without them (or resort to add on wider FOV mirror that you stick on the main mirror, which work but are horrible aestethically).

[@Kerleem]

I know right?!! It’s so dumb, I wish the US regulations would just allow a wider FOV left mirror. American nonsensical bureaucracy at its finest. 🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️

[@TheEulerID]

@@Kerleem I believe that the US introduced the regulation because there were a number of accidents where the driver blamed the convex driver side mirror because it made approaching vehicles appear to be closer, and moving more slowly than they were. Legal cases followed. Of course, there are probably a lot more accidents caused by the blind spot due to lack of coverage, but it's rather more difficult to a driver to blame the manufacturer of a car with a flat driver side mirror having limited coverage than one which gives a misleading perspective. Personally, I much prefer greater coverage. In general, if I can see an approaching car in my driver door mirror, yet I can't see them in the rear view one, then they are too close to pull out in front of on a high speed highway.

[@dancoulson6579]

For me, as a european, I actually prefer the big american looking saloon. And I absolutely love the red turn signals at the rear, it looks so sophisticated to me. And I love the chunky bumpers that extend beyond the bodywork too.

[@Kerleem]

haha you are in the minority but glad to hear that you enjoy it!

[@BenRawson78]

I prefer the amber indicaters (turn signals (I'm UK based)), however not a fan of the new versions where they turn off the white side light to use it as the indicaters and the indicater runs along the LEDs rather than being a solid flash. Not sure if you're aware, on UK spec cars (not always the same as EU spec) when you park your car, turn the engine off and take the key out the ignition if you turn the indicator on from the steering column (i.e. not the hazards) the indicators on whichever way you switch the lever will light up and become the side lights.

[@Kerleem]

Yes I have seen that. Pretty cool but I rarely see it used

[@BenRawson78]

With well lit road in towns and cities there is no need to use them, I've occasionally seen them used on winter evenings when driving though the countryside when it's dark and where there is no street lights

[@JCJW101]

@@BenRawson78 I also hate the parking/side lights doubling up as indicators. I find it really distracting.

[@Abi-bi6cb]

@@Kerleem They're parking lights, only really used when parked on unlit roads with speed limits above 30mph (UK)

[@gmcminitruck]

Dual rear fog should be illegal! It can be confusing with brake lights, and that's something you don't want in poor visibility conditions.

[@Kerleem]

Good point! never thought of it like that.

[@astina7574]

literally no. because fog lights are separated from brake lights. dual fog lights are not as common as single fog light, and if there are dual fog lights, they're as far from brake lights as possible. you simply cannot mistake them. you might. i won't, not now not ever.

[@gmcminitruck]

@@astina7574 wrong. Often all lights are in the same cluster. So the foglamp will be a few centimeters away from the indicator, taillight and brake light.

[@astina7574]

@@gmcminitruck idk what kind of cars you been watching from the back... but 99% of cars have them separated for that reason. and in no way can you confuse fog lights for brake lights as they are much brighter, and in a designated spot.

[@gmcminitruck]

@@astina7574 in Europe a lot of cars do not have the fog light in a designated and separate spot on the back of the vehicle, but are they pay off the taillight cluster. Cars where the fog light is indeed separate, it's usually one. LED aside, pretty much all brake and fog lights are 21W which means brightness is the same. In poor visibility conditions -less than 50 meters and not due to rain- when the rear fog light should be used, there should be no second guessing if the vehicle in front of you is just driving or braking. Hence one lamp only.

[@Timmie1995]

I live in the Netherlands, and was passed by 2 American style pick-ups yesterday on the highway. The first one drove very dangerously, so I was looking out for his turn signal so I knew to watch out when they would pass me. I could barely make it out, because the front indicator was just a blinking white light next to the headlights, and the rear indicator was red, next to the rear lights. It's baffling that the Netherlands even allows these on the road, it's incredibly dangerous. Why is that allowed in the US?

[@dr.oetqer]

[NL] If I'm not mistaken, the vehicle (safety) requirements are different for cars imported from North America. That's the reason you can buy American sized Dutch license plates and, see those combined red brake-tail-blinker lights. I thought all new vehicles which are entering the EU for the first time, have to get some sort of type rating before the can be registered.

[@Timmie1995]

@@dr.oetqer That would explain why these cars are allowed. It's weird though, that there are different standards for those cars.

[@H982_FKL]

There's 1 thing I think the U.S. does better and that's the side reflectors. They're really helpful in reflecting light from other cars' headlights, making the cars' position and size more apparent while viewing from the side. This reduces the chance of side-impact collisions whether cars are at intersections, cars are crossing each other's paths, or a parked car. Also, that amber gives an excuse to have a different accent color that "sticks out." Whether they're ugly to you or not is subjective. I think if done right, they look good. Let's be more nuanced and not be "anti-American" here.

[@Kerleem]

I think with modern headlights, the amber side reflectors are pretty useless. I think the rest of the world does just fine without them and there is mass chaos or an increase in side collisions without them. Modern headlights and tail lights are much brighter and generally 'wrap around' the sides of cars helping them be visible from the side at night when lights are on. Why doesn't the US mandate side turn signal repeaters is the real question if there is concern about side visibility....

[@Kerleem]

Thanks for watching and commenting nonetheless :)

[@bertemmens152]

Red or Amber rear turn signals; it doesn't matter. Most drivers have the habbit not to use them at all, especially BMW, Audi, Mercedes and Volvo owners.

[@Kerleem]

🤣🤣🤣

[@arnomeesters1]

as you are/were in the netherlands, you MUST know, that its NOT allowed to use fog lights with heavy rain, its strictly forbidden here !!

[@Kerleem]

Good point!

[@TaurusPresents]

Informative video and nice to see all those comparisons between regulations between North American cars and European ones. 👍 With regard to safety, I prefer European regulations, but I love old American cars, preferably with a V8 block. I just saw when I was editing my video 'Saturday Night Cruise 2022-10 part 17' that I had come across you. I realized during the edit that I knew the Instagram name on your car as a subscriber to my KZbin channel. You can be seen for a while at the end of this video. Because I'm more involved with cars than with people, I didn't notice at all that you were present at the Saturday Night Cruise. Maybe we'll run into each other another time at a meeting. Although I am not much of a talker and mainly want to film. 😉 Greetings Jos 👋🍀

[@Kerleem]

Hey so cool to hear! I was also going to post a video on the Saturday night cruise as well, I just haven’t edited it. Thanks for watching and subscribing 😀

[@TheEulerID]

The KZbin channel Technology Connections has a big rant about North American turn signals combining function with stop lamps. As he states, it introduces an ambiguity into signally, that might only take a second or two to work out, but it is often just at a critical point you need to know if when that red light flashes on, it's a brake light and not a turn signal. If one of the brake light bulbs is out, it's even worse, even if we now have high level brake lights too. Personally I'm surprised that it's legal to drive around in Europe in an American spec car that is now registered in Europe without conversion to amber light signals. It certainly wouldn't meet construction and build regs in the UK, but maybe there are exceptions for personal imports. Also, in the UK at least, the size of what we call the number plate (which aren't just numbers) is strictly regulated (along with things like font size, letter spacing and so on), so those US size plates would be a problem for registering in the country. I don't know what the rules are in the rest of Europe. Note that this is nothing at all to do with styling, and everything to do with readability at a distance. There is another issue in that European drivers will not be familiar with those combined brake/indicator lights and that is potentially dangerous driving in Europe. On the subject of rear fog lights, their misuse is a big bug-bear for me. They are very bright and dazzling and can mask other lights. They are only ever required if there is very thick fog. Otherwise they are a menace due to the dazzling (they use the same wattage bulbs as the brake lights). They should never be used in rain, which makes the dazzle worse. In the UK the Highway Code states that they should not be used unless visibility is less than 100 metres (rule 236 and 226). There was a time when they were first introduced onto cars when many people just felt the need to use read fog lights at the slightest provocation; in very light mist, a bit of gentle drizzle and they were a right royal pain in the neck, especially when people forget to turn the damned things off. Personally, I think if you can't see the normal rear lights in fog in time to stop you are driving too fast for the conditions. I'd rather, unequivocally, know that it was the brake lights that I was seeing (which is why I prefer a single rear fog light if we must have such things. Fortunately, they are now used very sparingly by almost all drivers.

[@Kerleem]

Indeed!

[@stevewandel9317]

Didn't cover the rear red side markers. A lot of manufacturers now incorporate those into the rear light housings now on US spec cars, but still look goofy when lit up

[@Kerleem]

Yeah true but nowadays they’re integrated well enough into the rear light that it’s not separate and often the same on EU spec cars.

[@vincenzodigrande2070]

North American spec also requires different bumpers, at least on some car models I know from the past the European bumpers are sticking out way less, and the North American spec often makes these cars look absolutely hideous.

[@Kerleem]

Oh god yes. I had footage I didn’t include of North American “bumperettes” that are added to the Mercedes CLA and Porsche 911. It’s absolutely awful.

[@vincenzodigrande2070]

@@Kerleem It almost feels to me like an attempt to boost American car sales and degrade European and Japanese car sales. "If you can't beat them, at least make them look ugly."

[@michaelb771]

I still don’t get why some cars in EU in reverse only display on one side of the car and not both back lights?

[@Kerleem]

Often times one side is used for the rear fog light. So it's a "cost cutting" thing. So driver's side has rear fog, and other side has reverse light (legally you only need one reverse light). I hate the asymmetry too.

[@Lisbonese]

I definitely prefer the amber turn signals but the license plates I would have to say the US because they have variety and designs while European plates are all basically the same plain style.

[@Kerleem]

Yeah I do like the designs of the US ones and personalization options.

[@tomsun3159]

Rear fog lights (at least in Germany) are NOT allowed in heavy rain, and ONLY if visibility is below 50m (which also limits appropriate speed to 50 km/h) and outside city limits. If you can drive safely faster than 50 km/h there is no reason to turn on rear fog lights. Of course you see a lot of fast drivers with turned on rear fog lights with high speed at only slight rain, but thats against the rules. Perfectly there is a control in the car that limits topspeed to 50 km/h if rear fog light is turned on. I don't know hoe the rules are in our neighbourstates like Netherlands, France, Luxemburg, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Chech republic, Poland and Denmark. How are the exact regulations in these countries, under what circumstances to turn on and speed restrictions. The reason for using only ONE fog light is to distinguish between Brake lights (2 plus additional high brake light) and rear fog light (ONE), unfortunately they opened the regulation to TWO foglights which caused some accidents due to misinterpretation (someone in front of you in dense traffic turned on rear fog lights, and you thought he was braking, so you hammered into brakes and someone crashed into your car, of course the person causing the accident by turning on needless the rear fog light had no problem)

[@Kerleem]

yeah that makes sense. I am becoming more used to the look of just one rear fog light.

[@christianbryant5617]

It seems that having side reflectors is safer, which America has and Europe doesn’t.. I think it makes the car look cooler and more distinctive too. Amber rear turn signals do not look as clean as red. Red blends in and if you cannot tell a turn signal apart from a brake light, which EVERYONE CAN, then you shouldn’t be allowed to drive. The rest of the world doesn’t always have Amber signals either. It’s a European thing mostly..

[@Kerleem]

Most other countries use amber rear turn signals. And the "Blending in" factor is not safer...it makes it more difficult to distinguish brake lights from turn signals.

[@SergeiK1]

After I had BMW 530d in Europe and x3 35i, I just hate US side mirrors. The EU two-zone version is SOOO much better. Amber turn signals are definitely better as well but I can live with both.

[@davidcolin6519]

Rear facing fog lights should NOT be used in rain, no matter how heavy the rain is. That is because they are high intensity, and it can cause following drivers to be dazzled by the reflections off the road etc. PLEASE don't use fog lights in the rain. This is particularly true for motorcyclist following you. When you can't clear the water pouring down your visor and some idiot has their fog lights on, it very quickly becomes dangerous.

[@Kerleem]

Good point

[@MrAronymous]

You prefer rear fog lights on both sides? No you don't, lol. Saying this makes me instantly believe you've never been in a situation where you needed to use them (extremely dense fog, in the Netherlands visibility below 50m). The reason there's only 1 allowed per car is because these lights are extremely bright and thus will blind you if suddenly visibility gets better, or god forbid it starts raining. It makes it much more clear to put one bright light per car. Also makes your break lights more visible, as you will be able to distinguish 2/3 break lights more easily. As a side-catch for the manufacturer they can design the light housing symmetrically because the other side can use the reverse light. Two reverse lights are allowed (and you will usually find those on cars that have the fog light seperately on the bottom), but not mandatory, one is enough.

[@Kerleem]

To be clear, 2 rear fog lights are allowed, and you may see this on many vehicles in Europe. My BMW 1 series had two rear fog lights. I liked the symmetrical aspect of it...to me if a car just has one rear fog, it should be in the center, but that's not always possible. I understand what you're saying though about causing more issues and being confusing with brake lights.

[@Cheeseburgerperson141]

I love amber signals. I plan on swapping my 08 grand marquis tail lights to the amber crown vics and for my firebird

[@Kerleem]

nice! what country is it in?

[@Cheeseburgerperson141]

@@Kerleem oh I’m in the USA actually. I’m probably the only American that dislikes red turn signals lol. I’ve always loved amber, and cars we’ve had were all red turn signals

[@matthewpetersen1491]

The Crown Vics used to have rear amber turn signals, I guess I don't understand why the mercury didn't have them as a standard, luxury, or even an option.

[@Kerleem]

Yeah certain generations of the US crown Vic have Amber turn signals in the rear, not all of them. Not sure why it was inconsistent

[@vw72713]

​@@Kerleem The Canadian export Vics have amber turn signal lenses on the rear. The US don't, because not required.

[@krown4d]

Most modern US cars now have updated and have amber and turn signals on the mirror. However, we are still far behind as the US doesn't allow cameras as side mirrors, so some models are water downed, which sucks. America, in general, gets the crappy less equipped model compared to the models home country.

[@Kerleem]

Yes, amber side mirror turn signals are becoming more common, but I'm still annoyed by red rear turn signals in the US.

[@freddiejansen307]

And on the front i like sidemarker orange with looking to the Front white turnsignals better also dynamic ones and then mirror blinker orange.. For the us style you could take clear glass units with chrome coated bulb so it could still be amber when turned on License plate size don't matter to me

[@Kerleem]

Interesting idea with the bulb

[@shaclo1512]

I like the EU specs more but I prefer the US license plates

[@Kerleem]

Because they are more colourful and artistic?

[@shaclo1512]

@@Kerleem yes and they are smaller, don't cover too much of the beautiful car :D

[@Badfinger7761]

Excellent video. I live in Canada and we have pretty bad weather a good portion of the year. I have observed the exact same things as you re North American lighting standards. I much prefer the EU/Rest of the World standards as I believe they are a safer and more superior design. Canada just follows the U.S. in whatever they do because of trade deals and not because it makes any sense considering our weather and geography differences. Frustrating.

[@Kerleem]

I know right? I’d like to see Canada deviate a bit more with automotive regulatory stuff but it will definitely complicate the economic aspect of things.

[@Badfinger7761]

@@Kerleem I agree. Canada needs to join the EU/Rest of the World specs and let the U.S. do what it does. Trade deals shouldn’t result in poorer standards but unfortunately it does.

[@urgeeked3977]

@@Kerleem Well if Mexico vehicle regulations can get away with it, I don’t see why Canada can't do the same thing in theirs?

[@AYaXOnE]

I don't like the red turn signals, but i like the amber parking lights at the front/side.

[@Kerleem]

I prefer the euro look (no ambers) but on some cars, the ambers do look good.

[@gerrevandermeer7500]

Interesting video! One question though. Are RED rear turn signals required in the US or don't they actually care that much what color the turn signals are apart from aesthetics? Because if so, why do european car brands ditch the amber rear turn signals in the US on their new brands. I even notice that the most modern electric european vehicles that are just released don't have them. Why? I mean it is more expensive to adapt to US standards right and it makes no sense only if amber turn signals aren't allowed. Another thing is. I also, in these times, don't understand why some people still prefer red turn signals over these gorgeosly designed animated amber led turn signals. I find that aesthetically more pleasing and they are so noticable when you are behind a car you even get blinded by these beautiful bright yellow animated turn signals. I love truly love them and to me it is much better looking than the red ones. Yet I find it mindbuggeling when it comes to traffic, people prefer "aesthetics" above safety.

[@Kerleem]

Red isn’t mandatory. It’s a “doesn’t matter” situation. there’s an old outdated law that says that rear turn signals have to have a certain brightness and surface area so that’s partially the reason some European cars switch it to red turn signals in the US. I guess the amber light wasn’t big enough or something. It doesn’t make sense to me.

[@SSyclone]

I didn't even know there were such things as rear fog lights. That was an interesting thing you pointed out 👍

[@Kerleem]

Required in the EU!

[@thespochanal2]

us in uk if we were to import us cars then the law over here is you must have amber indicators on your car witch makes the us spec car useless as there all red indicators not may are amber though they look cooler its also very hard to tell if it indicating or breaking proberly the rules are different in the netherlands witch i didnt think would aloud it there. very intresting video tbh to know what differance are over there compared to over here hope your enjoy european life and are getting used to many rules and regs. since we left the eu we still do have the eu law but intergrated into the uk one also your lucky cos you can drive in europe with the blue and whire eu logo while uk has to make do with a uk flag and uk on the reg plate (used to be gb for the whole of the uk part from scotland and wales witch both have there own cyu is wales and sco is scotland) but thanks though fully intresting and that

[@scottdelinger1]

Letter heights are almost identical. The Dutch plate is more legible because it doesn’t include a tourism ad on it!

[@Kerleem]

Haha but there’s something unique and special about North American plates having more designs. But yeah less function maybe

[@MB-mj2xb]

There's also the symmetrical headlight beam pattern in NA cars vs asymmetrical for the rest of the world

[@Kerleem]

I wasn’t aware of that!

[@InTeCredo]

Thanks so much for showing the difference between US and ECE versions. However, there is one issue I have with ECE regulations: size and illumination as well as design factors. Apparently, lot of designers in the last twenty years have gone overboard with the LED and neon bulbs without any consideration whether they were easily visible and clearly communicable amongst the drivers in various road conditions. The young designers seem to forget about the ageing drivers, especially over 50 years of age. The LED and neon bulbs might be coolest and awesome from the design (and young) perspectives but hell to look at for the ageing people. ECE doesn't have the minimum allowable size for the turn signal indicators and brake lamps as US does. This explains why the certain European vehicles-destined for the US market-end up with least-common-denominator red taillamps. ECE just measures the amount of light illuminating from the certain distance. The problem is that the manufacturers try to cram as much as possible into smallest size, which led to the eye-piercing brightness and glare at night, especially when stopping behind the vehicles. Think of Maglite with smaller and larger reflectors: the latter is less "painful" to look at than the former. My two biggest peeves are clear lens and silver reflectors as well as rail-thin brake lamps, tiny night illumination, and turn signal indicators. Volkswagen Passat (B6 and B7) and Tiguana (2007-2011) have the clear lens and silver reflectors: they are hard to discern under the bright daytime condition. Secondly, the turn signal indicators and brake lamps in some vehicles (like the BMW estate in this video) are so close to each other that they seem to blend in together or that they are hard to tell apart without the CHMSL. This is where ECE needs to rework as to make the taillamps more "friendly", especially for the people with age-related eye conditions.

[@Kerleem]

Good points!

[@TheEulerID]

An excellent point. As you say, stylists have been going mad with the freedom that LEDs give them and have sacrificed visibility for style. I would like to see a proper, objective standard for the visibility of turn indicators as I find this insidious creep of style over function potentially dangerous, and I'm not getting any younger either. This isn't just an issue for other drivers, but for pedestrians as well, who are often overlooked in such matters (although especially in the USA where modern fashions in larger vehicles with high bonnets has surely contributed to the dramatic increase in pedestrian fatalities, but that's, maybe, a different matter).

[@Irsu85]

A turn signal is yellow, brakelights are red. How else am I supposed to know what the car in front is gonna do? (even though I don't drive, although I bike so fast that I keep up with the cars in my hometown's center)

[@Kerleem]

That's the problem!

[@mecharoo]

also in us cars the warning lights in the dash are usually text whereas in eu it's mostly symbols

[@Kerleem]

Good point. I think most symbols are mostly the same worldwide nowadays but yes, my Mercury Grand Marquis definitely had more text

[@abcdefgh1279]

It's crazy how one gigantic country, that relies on planes and cars, does not care about safety on the road. Everything you show in this video is objectively safer and it isn't new, or hard to implement. I think that if you force people to adapt to new regulations, there would be much confusion, like with the roundabouts in the US.

[@Kerleem]

^^THIS!! There's so much more too. Like the outdated headlight regulations which prevent adaptive beam headlights from being used in the US. They JUST changed the regulation, but it will take some time for the US to catch up to Europe for headlight technology.

[@DriveNRoam]

The flat US mirror is really nonsense. I just went to the US not long ago, rented a Malibu (switched to a Yukon later), which has a small and flat mirror. The flat mirror sucks for the following reasons: 1. Very big blind spot. The blind spot is so huge that sometimes, I have to turn my head three times to check it when I merge onto the highway. With EU curved mirrors, the blind spot is way smaller, and usually we only have to turn our head once to check it. Most of the time we can even see across two lanes with the EU mirror. While we are all supposed to turn our head and check the blind spot for every lane change, it would be way safer if the time it takes to check the blind spot is shorter, so that we don't need to take our eyes off the front that much. 2. Cannot easily judge the distance & speed of cars from behind. With the flat mirror, everything looks bigger (compared to curved mirror) and the field of view is small. So, most of the time, you can only see either one of the grill of the car from behind or the ground, but not both. Being able to see both is very convenient when it comes to judging speed and distances. It is so bad that sometimes I just directly turn my head to see. To me, I feel like checking the passenger side mirror in the US is even easier and clearer than checking the driver side. 3. Bad for reverse parking. The flat mirror is usually set up for normal driving so it will not be tilted downwards (unless for some more expensive cars that will tilt the rear mirror downwards automatically when you shift into reverse). And since the field of view is small, I will not be able to see the parking lines on the floor when I am reversing. The flat mirror is a really dangerous thing, especially when sometimes the right lane just merge suddenly and the on ramp is pretty short in US. Hence I have no clue why the US regulation force all cars to have flat mirrors. While they are setting their speed limit to be as (unreasonably) slow as 130 to 105 kmph (which in the end, makes everyone sleepy and distracted), claiming 'speed kills', but are not willing to learn from the Germans (which are able to achieve a much lower fatality rate despite having 70% of its Autobahn being speed limit-free) and do things that really make the road safer, such as better driver education, better lane discipline (eliminate undertake and enforce the keep right rule), better highway design, and get rid of the flat mirrors.

[@Kerleem]

I agree with you completely!

[@lieutenant297]

Even though I live in Evrope I can see sometimes red turning signals on US cars but I like it

[@Kerleem]

It’s allowed in some countries like here in NL

[@lieutenant297]

@@Kerleem really?