Kerala Transport Minister confirms that use of sun films on vehicles is illegal

Recently there were reports on the internet that said sun films were legal on vehicles. This rumour created a confusion among motorists and in order to clear out that confusion, Kerala Transport Minister Antony Raju has come forward. The minister has confirmed that the use of sun films on vehicles was still not permissible and is still illegal. The confusion among customers started after the news of amendment to Rule 100 of Central Motor Vehicle Rules surfaced online.

The new amendment clearly defines the specification of sun films and coating that can be used on vehicles. It says, Rule 100 (2) The safety glass or safety glazing of the windscreen and rear window of every motor vehicle shall be so manufactured to provide not less than 70% of visual transmission of light and it shall conform to Indian Standards IS 2553 (Part 2) (Revision 1): 2019 as amended from time to time.

The safety glass or safety glazing used for side windows of every motor vehicle shall be so manufactured to provide not less than 50% visual transmission of light and it shall conform to Indian Standards IS 2553 (Part 2) (Revision 1): 2019 as amended from time to time.

The owner of every motor vehicle shall maintain the visual transmission of light through safety glass or safety glazing as specified in sub rule (2) and sub rule (3).

The minister pointed out that the front and rear windshield on the vehicles should have 70 percent transparency and the side window glasses should have the 50 percent transparency. The new amendment is actually meant for manufacturers and not general public. The amendment is for manufacturers and this allows them to make windshield and side glasses with 70 percent and 50 percent transparency respectively. The glass meeting these requirements must be offered by the manufacturer and should not be an aftermarket accessory. There are several manufacturers who are offering UV cut glasses on their models.

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The minister also pointed out that there is court ruling that bans the use of cooling film, sun films or tinted films on vehicles. The Supreme Court of India had put a ban of tinted glass back in 2012. The main reason behind this rule was because there was a rise in crimes and molestations in vehicles. The Sun films are used on windows and windshield to lower the cabin temperature. This also helps increase the fuel efficiency of the vehicle as the cabin temperature is not too high.

Kerala Transport Minister Antony Raju has also asked Transport Commissioner to take action against people who are violating this rule. He added that in order to clear the confusion over the glazing plastic, legal advice would be sought if needed. Meanwhile, the Car Accessories Dealers and Distributors Federation has said that one or more plastic layers can be fixed on the inner glass pane of toughened or laminated glass. The Federation said, “IS 2553 defines glazing material as a combination of the glass and plastic layer. Therefore, plastic film is permissible. The Minister is making statements without understanding the issue. Will meet the minister and try to explain this.”

Via: Onmanorama

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