Why are number plates white at the front and yellow at the back?

Answer 1

Ok, quick history lesson for you here: cars first had to be registered all the way back in 1903. The first Number Plates to be issued were made up of 1 letter and 4 numbers... there were variations over the years as each combination ran out. But it wasn't until 1973 the appearance of plates was changed for the first time. Cars now had to have reflective number plates... black text on white at the front, and black on yellow at the back. It's quite a simple explanation really... they did it so that unlit cars could be seen more easily at night... if your headlights shine on a yellow plate... you know it's the back of the car in front.. if they shine on a white plate... it's obviously the front.

Answer 2

If you look in your rear-view mirror its easy to see the white number plates, whereas the yellow ones at the back will be easily visible to the car behind, with it's headlights on.

Answer 3

Vision at night. White is the only colour you should see shining on the front of a vehicle other than indicators. Yellow is the most noticeable true colour.

Answer 4

Black lettering on white is easiest to see.
However, it is illegal in the UK to show any white light (including reflective surfaces) to the rear unless you are reversing, so another colour had to be found. Yellow is the next-best colour for black lettering to show up against.

Answer 5

Not an answer but how is it for the cameras use when it was bought in in 1973? And they were not reflective then. Front and rear identification!

Answer 6

Yellow for anti-glare from the headlights behind

Answer 7

Just because.

Answer 8

I go with Daniel on this one

Answer 9

because they are

Answer 10

not...they are the same