🚗

The Official Rules

As decreed by the Plague Family

✦
The rules are pretty simple: if you see a vehicle that is mostly yellow, shout "Spotto!" and score a point. Spotto is usually played during long trips but it can also be played on the way to school. Any time is a good time for Spotto — the game that's Always On!
📜 The Official Rules
I
The vehicle must be mainly yellow — at least 50%. A yellow pinstripe on a black sports car does not make it yellow.
II
Any shade of yellow is allowed — from metallic yellow to pale sunflower.
III
Gold is not yellow. Don't even try it.
IV
Lime is not yellow. Seriously? We had to explain that?
V
Vehicles 'in uniform' do not count — school buses and taxis are excluded. Yellow-branded company vehicles are acceptable. DHL vans make great spotting.
VI
The car must either be driving, or have a driver inside it. Parked and unattended cars are not allowed.
VII
If you call a Spotto and it doesn't meet the criteria, you lose a point. Choose wisely.
VIII
Cars move fast. If the spotted vehicle is no longer visible to other players for confirmation, we rely on the Honour System. Be trustworthy or the whole thing falls apart.
IX
Once spotted, that vehicle cannot be used again during that trip.
X
A trip is defined as the journey between a starting point and a set destination that ends when the driver removes their key and all passengers exit. A round trip to the shops ends when you return home.
XI
Spotto is Always On. The game doesn't end. It's not about winning one game — it's about always winning and proving you have the sharpest eye on the road.
⭐ Bonus Points
2×
Super Spotto!
Spot a pink car and call it — double points awarded.
3×
Super Dooper Spotto!
Spot a purple car and call it — triple points awarded.

"Winning Spotto is not about a prize or trophy. It's about glory and immortality."

— The Sacred Texts

🎨 Colour Variants

Some families like to spice things up. It's your game — play it how you like (just make sure everyone agrees!).

🦩
Flamingo! / Pinko!
Pink car
🐸
Snotto! / Froggo!
Green car
🌮
Taco! / Nacho!
Orange car
🎨
Playdoh!
Purple car
🎰
Lotto!
Gold car — technically banned, but puntastically allowed
🚨
Triple-O!
Emergency vehicle
🐶
Doggo!
Cute dog spotted
🚗
Limo!
Limousine spotted
🐛 Variants

🚗 Punch Buggy

A variant that restricts vehicles to Volkswagen Beetles only. Instead of "Spotto" you yell "Punch Buggy [colour]!" — e.g. "Punch Buggy Blue!"

The spotter gets to punch other players on the arm. This is meant to be a friendly tap. Due to the sometimes manic nature of back seats, the punching variant is the sole responsibility of the driver. ISF takes no responsibility for any incidents that may occur.

🇬🇧 Yellow Car Game

Some wonderful people have created a whole website setting out the rules for the Yellow Car Game — venture forth into the realm of Ye Olde England for this distinguished version.

Same spirit. Different accent.

💡 Handy Tip
Look down side streets, driveways and around corners to make sure you spot elusive or partially hidden gems. The sharpest eye wins.