Window Tinting Laws in India

1. Why are Tinted Car Windows Banned in India? If you are thinking why not bring a new car with newly tinted windows in India, there is hardly anyone to say anything. But did you know that India bans tinted window cars? Yes, you heard that right! While car window tinting involves applying a thin laminate film to the glass of the vehicle, the reasons why people choose to tint can vary. These purposes may include security or privacy, protection from the UV rays, or cutting down on sun’s glare. Of course, there are purely aesthetic reasons to apply window tint. But, it is important to first find out if your state or country does allow it. In this blog, we will discuss why window tinting was banned in India besides several other things associated with it. The ban: When and why? In the year 2012, India’s Supreme Court put a ban on the usage of tints and sun films on car windows. This ban was out of concern for passengers’ safety following too many criminal accidents that took place in the moving vehicles. According to the Supreme Court’s mandate, the visual limit for light transmission for rear and front windshields was set to 50% and 70% for the vehicles’ side windows.

2. Some manufacturers did offer vehicles with tinted windows from the factory but because of the hot climate there were no legal alternatives. Before 2012, having tinted glasses was legal. But, as India noticed a steep rise in the crime graph, the ban came as a boon. You must be wondering why? Well, many molestation and rape cases were being committed in the so-called “modified” vehicles with tinted glass. Thus to stop that, the RTO came with a new rule where tinted windows were banned. Those that flouted and still went ahead with the window films were heavily penalized. What are the conditions applied if there is a film? As per a recent clarification on the Supreme Court’s judgement, the use of any VLT or black films upon windscreens or safety glasses of vehicles throughout India is strictly prohibited; but there are some conditions.

3. RULE 100 A motor vehicle’s rear window or windscreen glass must be maintained in a condition where the VLT is not less than seventy percent. If you are putting the film on side windows then light’s visual transmission must not be less than 50 percent, conforming to the Indian Standards. Window tinting laws applies to the windshields’ safety glasses as well as the side windows. Use of any material or films on side windows or windscreen is banned. You must know the VLT of the safety glass without any extra film pasted upon it. And if pasted, the material must conform to the manufacturing specifications. Soaring temperatures bring back the sun films Rising mercury levels every year cause a high demand for black tinted glass and sun films. But, if your windows maintain the condition of visual transmission light, then you can go for it. At all times, make sure that the restricted vision does not go beyond the permissible limit. Why the exception of the rule for the VVIPs? If all of you are wondering as to why the consulate cars, politicians and VIPs roam around in dark glasses, then you must know a few things first. Firstly, the Supreme Court has stated that while no specific laws exist to exempt people from using tints for security purposes; yet it is solely the police’s and Home Ministry’s responsibility to grant such an absolution. The cases of people who have been provided with Z+ and Z level security categories can use external sun films. Conclusion Hope you understood India’s stand on tinting and sun films. If you are considering going for it still, then we would suggest you get acquainted with the laws of the land. And, if you can conform to the VLT limits as laid by the state, then get hold of an experienced professional. You can call in Permagard’s professionals to get your windows tinted as that will save your time and help you avoid citation. Now, you are aware of the basics, thus the choice to tint or not to tint is completely your call. We hope you liked our blog and if there is anything you would want Please visit our website.