Why are there many red turn signals on cars in America?! (vehicle, red light)

[Mattias]

Why are there many cars that have red lights on turn signals here in the USA?
Well, in Europe all cars have yellow turn signals, and never red.
Red is hard too know because it's same color as the back lights. Yellow is easier too see.

I would never ever buy a car with red turn signals

[backdrifter]

mod cut: orphaned

The Federal regulations simply require either red, amber, or white (I believe) turn signals at the rear of a car while European countries have regulations requiring different standards for automobile lighting including required amber (and possibly white) turn signals at the rear. One thing you see in Japan and Europe is the side marker light near the front doors or on the mirrors. You rarely see that in North American vehicles.

Personal peeve of mine... Cars whose indicators are not separate from the brake lights, so you only have one brake light on when the turn signal is on. You mostly only see that on American cars and trucks.

[Lmejh]

If the light is blinking, that's how you tell if it's a turn signal, whether it be red or amber. Yeah, they probably should enforce this better but I guess it's just something to get used to if you're coming from Europe.

[S6Sputnik]

[quote=Mattias;52156
I would never ever buy a car with red turn signals[/QUOTE]

Silly, since it doesn't matter. In reality it is not the color but the location and motion that matters. I even own an European car in the USA that came with all RED tail lights.( 95 Audi S6)

[Drover]

Originally Posted by Mattias

Why are there many cars that have red lights on turn signals here in the USA?
Well, in Europe all cars have yellow turn signals, and never red.
Red is hard too know because it's same color as the back lights. Yellow is easier too see.

I would never ever buy a car with red turn signals

How hard is it to know? In nearly 20 years of driving, I have never been confused about what it means when a red light on one side of the car, and not on the other side, is blinking. I don't know anybody else who has been either.

[Deez Nuttz]

Yep I too have never been confused.

[Bydand]

Originally Posted by Drover

How hard is it to know? In nearly 20 years of driving, I have never been confused about what it means when a red light on one side of the car, and not on the other side, is blinking. I don't know anybody else who has been either.

Originally Posted by Deez Nuttz

Yep I too have never been confused.

Neither have I. Why is it that when somebody sees something that isn't exactly like it is in another Country, we are wrong and their way is right? Gets old after a while.

[studedude]

Originally Posted by Lmejh

If the light is blinking, that's how you tell if it's a turn signal, whether it be red or amber. Yeah, they probably should enforce this better but I guess it's just something to get used to if you're coming from Europe.

Unless it's icy and you have to pump your brakes. It's not the color as much as the fact that most turn signal and brake lights use the same bulb. You are behind a vehicle and one brake light comes on. Is he turning or is the light out? Much less a problem if the high mounted center brake light is working. I'm old enough to have driven many years before center brake lights. Changing the color would be safer.

[ArizonaBear]

That does perplex me as well..............why amber rear directional indicators are not mandatory here in the USA.

Piece of trivia here: our 1950's-60's cars sold in Australia, etc. typically had the amber lenses where the backup lights were.

[GregW]

I prefer amber turn signals. I find them easier to distinguish from the tail and brake lights. Now to get drivers to use turn signals what ever color they are.