Is It Legal To Use Tinted Glasses In Vehicles?

The use of tinted glasses in vehicles has become a common practice for many drivers seeking privacy, comfort, and protection from sunlight. However, the law in India is clear about the use of window tints: while tinted windows are allowed, they must adhere to strict guidelines to ensure safety, visibility, and compliance with traffic rules.

Key Rules and Regulations Regarding Tinted Glasses in Vehicles:

Permissible Tint Levels:

According to the Motor Vehicles Act and guidelines issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), tinted glasses are legal, but there are limitations on the level of tint.

The upper limit of darkness allowed for tinted windows is as follows:

• For the windshield (front window): 70% transparency (meaning only 30% tint allowed).
• For side windows (front): 50% transparency (meaning 50% tint allowed).
• For rear windows (including back windshield): no specific restriction, but it must not impede driver’s visibility.

Darkness of Tints:

The darkness of tints is regulated to ensure that the driver can still have a clear line of sight, particularly at night or in low visibility conditions. Tints that excessively reduce visibility, especially for the driver, are not permitted.

Tinted Films:

Any film or coating applied to the windows of the vehicle should meet the prescribed guidelines. After-market tints and films that reduce visibility below the allowed limits are prohibited.

Exemption for Specific Vehicles:

Some vehicles, such as those used by high-ranking officials or law enforcement, may be granted exemptions to have darker tinted windows for security reasons, but this is strictly controlled.

Tinted Glass for UV Protection:

Many vehicles come with factory-fitted tinted glass that may be designed to reduce the effects of UV rays and provide heat resistance. These glasses are generally within the legal limits, as they are designed for comfort, not privacy or concealment.

Penalties and Fines for Violating Tinted Glass Regulations:

Fines for Excessive Tint:

If a vehicle is found to have tinted windows that violate the prescribed limits, the driver can be fined. The fine for using illegal tints in India can range from ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 depending on the severity of the violation and whether it is a repeat offense.

Removal of Illegal Tints:

Traffic authorities can also instruct the driver to remove the illegal tint on the spot. Failure to comply with this request can lead to further penalties, including impoundment of the vehicle.

Challan Issuance:

The driver may be issued a challan (traffic ticket) for the violation, and points may be added to their driving record. Repeated violations may lead to increased fines or even suspension of the driving license.

Legal Action for Repeat Offenders:

In case of repeated violations, authorities may take stricter legal action against the driver, which could include more significant fines, license suspension, or a legal case if the offense continues to jeopardize public safety.

Why Are There Restrictions on Tinted Glasses?

Ensuring Safety:

The primary reason for restricting dark tints is to ensure that the driver’s vision is not impaired, particularly in low visibility conditions, like night driving or in adverse weather. Clear visibility is crucial to avoiding accidents.

Preventing Concealment:

Tinted windows can also serve as a means of concealing occupants or illegal activity within the vehicle. This is a concern for law enforcement officers who need to be able to see into vehicles during traffic stops for security and safety reasons.

Ensuring Emergency Access:

In case of an emergency, it is important for emergency responders to be able to see inside the vehicle. Excessive tint could delay response times if a situation arises where access to the vehicle is necessary.

Traffic Surveillance:

It is also important for traffic police and other law enforcement officers to monitor vehicles for violations, such as driving under the influence or to check if the driver is wearing a seatbelt. Tinted windows may obstruct their ability to observe these violations.

Example:

A car owner in Delhi installs aftermarket dark tinted films on the windows of their car. After being stopped by traffic police for a routine check, the police officer finds that the tint is excessively dark and violates the permissible limits. The driver is issued a ₹2,000 fine for illegal window tinting and instructed to remove the tints from the vehicle immediately.

How to Comply with Tint Regulations:

Check Tint Limits:

Before applying tint films or purchasing a vehicle with tinted glass, ensure that the level of tint complies with the prescribed transparency levels for your region or vehicle type.

Use Certified Films:

Opt for certified window films that comply with safety and visibility standards. Make sure they are approved by regulatory authorities to avoid penalties.

Factory Fitted Tint:

If you wish to have tinted windows, it is advisable to choose vehicles with factory-fitted tinted windows that adhere to legal guidelines. These are generally safer and legal, reducing the risk of fines.

Consult Local Laws:

Local regulations and traffic rules may vary, so it’s advisable to consult local laws or traffic police about the permissible limits for window tinting in your city or state.

Conclusion:

Tinted glasses are allowed on vehicles in India, but there are specific rules regarding the permissible level of tint to ensure safety and compliance with traffic laws. Violating these regulations can lead to fines, the removal of illegal tints, and possible legal actions. Drivers should ensure that their vehicle’s window tint complies with the prescribed transparency limits to avoid penalties and maintain road safety.