The reflectors on the front fenders..

Question

Did anyone else notice the reflectors on the front fenders of a lot of 2008 model cars? Some might be before '08..

Is there a new law that requires new cars to have the reflectors that I don't know about?

To be honest, it doesn't look that terrific.

examples:

http://news.cnet.com/i/bto/20080224/bmw-M3coupe-11_540x345.jpg

http://www.thetorquereport.com/2008_mercedes_benz_c_class.jpg

Answer 1

This has been a legal requirement in Europe, Asia and Australasia since the 1970's. Maybe the car manufacturers are trying to minimise the number of modifications they have to make to cars for different markets?

Answer 2

Side marker lights and yellow blinkers in the front have been required on vehicles since 1964.  Yellow up front, red in back.  They supposedly were for safety, another government folly to show they care about us.  Some vehicles were able to get around the law by having wrap around headlights with a yellow lens on the side.  If the lens don't go far enough they have to put it somewhere.