RTO FINE FOR USING TINTED GLASS

Driving vehicles on Indian roads requires adherence to rules and regulations enforced by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) and the Motor Vehicles Act. One such regulation pertains to the use of tinted glass or films on car windows. Breaching these rules can lead to penalties or legal consequences. This article discusses the RTO rules for car glass film in 2024 and provides insights into how to comply with these regulations.

What is Tinted Glass and Why is it Banned in India?

Tinted glass on vehicle windows protects under direct sunlight and prevents light from entering the vehicle. It generally keeps the vehicle cool and reduces the interior temperature of the vehicle. It further surges the effectiveness of the air-conditioning and also prevents wear and tear due to exposure to direct or heavy sunlight. Such tinted glass windows also tend to provide excessive privacy to vehicle passengers.

Tinted glass is banned on vehicle windows in India as these can easily be used for criminal activity due to excessive privacy. The use of dark glasses can also lead to a high number of road accidents. The tinted glass can even reduce the visibility of traffic police and makes it difficult for them to perform their duties. Thus, RTO encourages only sun control film so traffic rules do not get hampered and visibility is clear. It largely helps in maintaining road security and protects from accidents as well as criminal activities taking place in moving vehicles. There are many recent car manufacturers that provide RTO-approved vehicle window film that can offer the benefits of slightly tinted windows without attracting any heavy penalties.

RTO Rules for Tinted Glass on Vehicle Windows

As per the RTO rules and the Central Motor Vehicles Rule 100 (1989):

• Front and Rear Windshields: Minimum visibility must be 70%.
• Side Windows: Minimum visibility must be 50%.

Violating these rules can lead to fines, imprisonment, or license suspension. For the first offense, a fine of ₹100 is imposed, which escalates for repeated violations. In severe cases, imprisonment and license termination may follow.

Legal Alternatives: RTO-Approved Sun Control Films

To comply with regulations while mitigating the effects of heat, car owners can opt for RTO-approved sun control films. These films ensure visibility standards are met while providing some protection from UV rays and heat. Popular options include:

• Dark Green UV Cut Glass: Provides 50% visibility and blocks UV rays effectively.
• RTO-Approved Sun Films: Available in various grades that meet the prescribed visibility limits.

These alternatives ensure comfort while adhering to the law, preventing penalties and ensuring smooth insurance claims.

Read More : How will modifications affect my car insurance

How to Remove Illegal Tinted Glass from Your Vehicle

If your car windows have non-compliant films, you must remove them to avoid penalties. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Use a Heat Gun or Hair Dryer: Heat softens the adhesive, making it easier to peel off the film.
2. Apply Soapy Water: Use soapy water to remove residual glue.
3. Scrape with a Plastic Tool: Gently scrape the remaining adhesive for a clean surface.
4. Clean with Glass Cleaner: Ensure the windows are clear and transparent.

State-Specific Rules and Penalties for Tinted Glass

State	Penalty/Fine	Additional Notes
Delhi	₹100 for the first offense, ₹300 repeat	Black film challans are common; strict visibility checks are enforced.
Karnataka	₹100 - ₹300	RTO-approved cooling papers are allowed; vehicle detainment for non-compliance.
Gujarat	₹100 - ₹300	Regular traffic checks ensure compliance with visibility standards.
Maharashtra	₹100 - ₹300	Strict adherence required, especially in cities like Pune and Mumbai.
Tamil Nadu	₹100 - ₹300	Non-compliance leads to fines; repeated violations may result in vehicle detainment.
West Bengal	₹100 - ₹300	Heavy fines imposed during routine traffic stops.
Uttar Pradesh	₹100 - ₹300	Strict monitoring in urban areas; challans issued for any breach of tinting regulations.
Punjab	₹100 - ₹300	Traffic police enforce RTO-approved visibility limits during checks.
Haryana	₹100 - ₹300	Non-compliance leads to fines and possible confiscation of vehicle documents.

Alternative for Tinted Glass

Due to the ban on tinted glass in India on vehicle windows and hot summers, it becomes difficult for drivers to drive their vehicles smoothly and conveniently. Seeing this challenge, many manufacturers have come up with the latest products to replace the tinted glass or sun film for vehicles. Like the ‘Dark Green UV Cut Glass’, which removes UV radiation to a great extent. They are also helpful to limit the thermal weight generated within the interiors of the vehicle. Additionally, the glass comes with 50% visibility to make it a good choice.So, if you want to use RTO-approved tinted glasses, you can opt for the black film approved by RTO for your car vehicle.

While driving in India, you need to be careful about RTO rules regarding tinted window car and make sure you function within the regulations. Too many penalties on vehicles can also affect your insurance claims. Vehicle owners with tinted windows have been denied while claiming insurance on windows with the tinted film above the limits specified by the RTO. Though it shall not affect the premium or any other aspect of your motor insurance policy.

To conclude, it is a known fact that summers in India make the insides of vehicles very hot and humid, you still have to be careful about using tinted glasses. As per RTO rules for car glass film, you must use RTO-approved tinted window glass film only which has 70% visibility in the front and rear glasses of the vehicle and the windows are allowed to have 50% visibility for a clear outlook.

Conclusion

Understanding and adhering to RTO rules for car glass film is crucial for safe and legal driving in India. By using RTO-approved sun control films or alternatives, you can enjoy the benefits of reduced heat and UV protection without facing penalties. Always ensure compliance with visibility limits to avoid fines, protect your insurance claims, and contribute to road safety.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

Let's take a look at some queries on the RTO fine for using Tinted glass on vehicles in India.

Q1. What is the fine on tinted glass for vehicles in India?

For the first time the fine on tinted glass for vehicles in India is Rs.100 and for the next repeat breach is Rs. 300. Further repeated violations can result in imprisonment and termination of driving licence as well.

Q2. Can VIPs use tinted glass on vehicles in India?

Unless you have a Z or Z+ security coverage, you cannot use dark films on your vehicle windows for security reasons.

Q3. What RTO rules are applicable to tinted glass on vehicles in India?

As per rule 100 of the Central motor vehicles regulations, 1989, specific provisions have been made regarding the use of tinted glass on vehicles in India.

Q4. How much tint legal as per car window tinting laws in India ?

According to the Supreme Court, window tinting laws specify that the visible light transmission for the car windshield and rear window must be at least 70%, and for the side windows, it must be at least 50%.

Last updated 05-09-2024