Motorists look for alternatives to tinted glass

As per the order,70 percent visibility is allowed in rear and windshield glasses of vehicles supplied by manufacturers. And on windows,50 percent visibility is permissible.

With an earlier permissible percentage limit of black films also being banned by the court,which ordered a complete ban on the use of tinted plastic films irrespective of the degree of visibility,no scope for its use has been left. Vijay Kumar,Deputy Superintendent of Police,Traffic said,“There are clear cut directions from the court which state that no percentage of tinted plastic film or curtain is allowed and only cars with factory-fitted tints will be excused. Officials having Z and Z+ security category have to apply to a Committee which will further consider whether permission should be granted or not. Permission has to be obtained by VVIPs and VIPs also”.

Following the order,vehicle owners in the city are now opting for heat resistant clear films,which,owing to their transparency,do not catch the eye of the traffic police. Dealers selling black films in Chandigarh say that on an average,around five to ten people come daily to get clear films for their vehicles. A car decor dealer said,“With the rise in temperature this summer,commuting even in four wheelers is becoming difficult. In such conditions,individuals are left with no other option but to go in for clear films,whether they are allowed or not”.

Car window curtains are also gaining popularity among city residents,many of whom are under the impression that only black films have been banned. However,according to the SC orders,‘there should be absolutely no material tampering with the original form of the safety glass,windscreen or side windows of vehicles’. Such curtains,available for sale in various car accessories shops and traffic light points in Chandigarh,are also not permitted,for the use of which traffic police can issue challans.

Tinted glasses were banned following the order which was passed by the Supreme Court in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL),citing increase in criminal activity due to misuse of tinted car windows. Special drives were conducted by the Chandigarh traffic force in May this year,in which 4420 people were issued challans for the offence. In the month of June,as many as 1350 vehicles were booked for tinted glasses.