Cops Are Now Busting Cars Even For Using Magnetic Sun Shades [Video]
The use of sunfilm is banned in India. Despite their significance in keeping the cabin cool in India’s hot, humid climate, the police and other enforcement agencies often penalise people for having sun control films on their vehicles. This made many resort to using practical alternatives like magnetic sun shades and suction-based blinds. A recent video from Punjab shows cops busting a Mahindra Thar owner for using magnetic sunshades on his SUV.
A video shared on the official Instagram handle of Fatehgarh Sahib police shows how the cops cracked down on a Thar driver. The vehicle in this case is a 3-door Thar. As the video opens, we see a policeman reaching inside through the driver's door.
Look carefully and you will see that this Thar has Black magnetic sun shades installed on its rear glass areas and on the rear windshield. The policeman takes these off. Later in the video, we see the cop issuing a challan to the Thar owner.
It doesn’t clearly mention if the challan was issued for using magnetic blinds or for some other offence. The video also shows the SUV to have oversized aftermarket wheels.
These may have attracted the fine. However, the cop’s act of removing the magnetic sun curtains could worry many. Furthermore, the caption of the video urges citizen to not use 'Black Glass' at all and to follow traffic rules.
The Supreme Court (SC), in 2012, banned the use of sun films on cars. Crimes against women, kidnapping, and assaults were reportedly being carried out in cars with tinted windows. The decision upset many who were depending on cooling films to beat the heat while on the move. People soon resorted to using magnetic sun shades and suction-based sun curtains.
The cops usually do not fine these, as they are easily removable. This is one of the very few instances in which we have seen a policeman remove magnetic sun shades from a vehicle, on camera.
Magnetic sun shades and blinds can be cost-effective, legal alternatives of sun control films. You can get them for most car models, for under Rs 1000. Due to their plug-to-play structure, deploying and removing these is fairly easy. This also means that they can be taken off in low-light scenarios, to improve visibility.
For example, a car with tinted window glasses will not let in much light at twilight, when there is ample light outside. If you use a magnetic blind instead, you can simply take it off, to let more light in.
In a 2024 ruling, the Kerala High Court stirred up debate again by allowing the use of certain types of ‘safety glazing films’ or protective coatings. The bench referred to an amended Rule 100 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules as base for this. This had come into effect on April 1, 2021.
It clearly states that windscreens and windows made of toughened or laminated safety glass that comply with recommended VLT (Visual Light Transmission) standards can be used in automotive models. The film used on front and rear windscreens should allow 70% light to pass through, while that used on side windows must let in 50% light.
In a way, heat and light control systems are essential for vehicles sold i India. Considering the hot, humid climatic conditions here, proper UV control is essential for ensuring both passenger comfort and optimizing vehicle health. Travelling for long, in a hot vehicle, will bring more exhaustion to the occupants.
Using sun blinds, sun control films, or UV Cut glasses can further help in maintaining the AC health. If UV rays are kept out, the vehicle’s air conditioning system will not have to overstrain, to keep the cabin cool.