What if the yellow headlights of our childhood made their return to the roads in 2025 ?

© Komorebi Photo/Unsplash

If you grew up in the last century, then you probably remember a time when video games didn't require any loading, your phone was connected to a cord, and the headlights on your family car were yellow. Indeed, for 50 years, yellow headlights were synonymous with a car registered in France. But since 1993, and to comply with the rest of Europe, France has required white headlights on all new vehicles. However, like cassettes, vinyl records, Laserdiscs and video game cartridges, these good old yellow headlights have recently resurfaced.

Towards the return of yellow headlights?

For the record, in France, from 1937 onwards, all vehicles on the road were equipped with yellow headlights. A specific feature that, according to some, allowed for better visibility in difficult conditions (in addition to limiting glare), but which also made it possible to better distinguish French vehicles from German or Italian ones in the event of war.

© Renault

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Still is it that this specificity will continue over the years, until 1992. In Europe, many countries have already switched to white headlights, and this is what France will also do. following year. Since then, while yellow remains possible for fog lights, headlights must be white, in accordance with European regulations. For several years now, apart from collector cars and old models, it has been very rare to come across recent vehicles with yellow headlights.

However, in recent months, we have seen some car concepts equipped with yellow headlights. This is particularly the case at Renault, with the Fl4wer Power concept, which was exhibited with this retro-style lighting touch. It must be said that the vehicle claims a “hippie chic” side and an inspiration straight from the 1970s, and is reminiscent of the Renault 4 Safari and Savane.

© Renault

Among many car manufacturers, the trend is clearly towards “neo-retro” (hello electric R5). However, while some elements with a nostalgic tendency remain in line with the standards in force today, things may be more complicated with regard to a possible return of yellow headlights, since only vehicles approved before 1993 can be equipped with them, in accordance with ECE 48 regulation of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe.

Finally, let us recall that by equipping your vehicle with yellow headlights, you may be penalized for “non-compliant lighting“, in the event that the approval receipt report for a new car indicates the initial presence of white headlights. You have been warned.

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