RTO Fine/Rules for Using Tinted Glass in Cars

• Use RTO-approved black films to meet visibility standards. This will help you stay within legal limits and save you from fines.
• Try other black film for cars RTO-approved options like UV-cut glass, removable shades, or clear films.
• Breaking the rules can mess up your insurance claims, so follow RTO guidelines to avoid trouble.

Tinted glass in cars was a common phenomenon till a few years ago as they offered drivers protection from the sweltering summer heat. Unfortunately, tinted glass in cars was soon misused for criminal and illegal activities. To curb these problems and to put a stop to such activities, rules and regulations were laid down, and enforced by the RTO or the Regional Transport Office in India.The RTO is responsible for ensuring road safety. Therefore, to drive safely, vehicle owners must use the black film for cars RTO-approved. If you fail to do so, you will have to pay heavy penalties and RTO fines.Let's explore which car window film is RTO-approved and what is the RTO fine for using tinted glass in cars.

Tinted glass in cars protects drivers from harsh sunlight and its glare, while also keeping the car cool.In short, it helps to keep the car, the driver, and the passengers stay cool. Another important point is that it offers privacy to the people sitting in the cars. So, while the tinted glasses had many advantages, let's discuss why they got banned.

Let's look at the three main reasons for the ban on tinted glass in cars:

• Illegal and Criminal Activities: Tinted glass in cars was banned as they were being used for criminal activities in moving vehicles. The tint offered too much privacy for untoward and illegal activities, without the police or authorities realising what exactly was going on.
• Road Accidents: It also led to a rise in the number of accidents on the roads, as with tinted glass, drivers' visibility was less during the evening and night.
• Zero Visibility for Traffic Police: The traffic police also had limited or zero visibility with vehicles having tinted glass. This made it very difficult for them to catch criminals.

Nowadays, many car manufacturers in the country now offer a black film for car which is RTO-approved. This film provides the necessary comfort from the heat and avoids attracting RTO fines.

In 2012, the Supreme Court of India banned the use of tinted glass in cars due to the increased number of criminal activities taking place in moving vehicles. However, there is a black film for car which is RTO-approved. As per the rules, such car films must have:

• At least 70% visual light transmission for the front and rear glasses or the windshield.
• The visibility for the windows on the sides should be at least 50%.

Note : If any further modifications or changes are made to the tints on the car windows that reduce the visibility, it will be deemed illegal. Therefore, you need to ensure that you use a sun film for your car that is as per the rules and regulations of the RTO.

In 2022, an amendment was made to the existing rule for tinted glass in cars. This rule states that the windshield at the front will be a laminated safety glass as per the Indian Standards IS: 2553—Part 2—1992. This amendment was made for all vehicles except for two-wheelers and tractors.If anyone violates this rule for RTO-approved sun control film for car, they will have to pay heavy RTO fines and will be penalised by the traffic police. Read More: Everything You Should Know About Full Coverage Auto Insurance

Just like you conduct due diligence before you buy any new or second-hand car, you need to know the legalities and rules for window tints as well. Not doing so will lead to you incurring penalties or fines.Here is what the fine looks like:

• On your first offence, you will have to pay ₹100.
• If you are stopped by the traffic police again for tinted glasses, you will have to pay ₹300.
• If you are a repeat offender and are caught the third time around, you will be fined ₹300 and your driver’s licence will be suspended.

Here are some alternatives for tinted glass that you can opt for:

• UV-cut Glass: Get Green UV-cut glass that protects against UV rays and heat. It also allows 50% visual light transmission.
• Shades or Curtains: You can use shades or curtains that can be added with suction cups on the windows. These do not affect the visibility and are removable.
• Retractable Shades: You can also use retractable shades that can be closed or opened as per requirement. These do not hamper the visibility and offer protection when required.
• Clear Film: You can also opt for clear films as they help reduce heat absorption and protect against harsh lights. The 3 M's CR-70 is a common but popular choice as it allows complete visibility. It is also within the window tint legal limit.
• Ventilated Visors: You can install window ventilation visors. These help in air circulation without opening the car windows completely.

Your car or motor insurance premiums are not impacted by the sun film or the black film for car which is RTO-approved. However, darker window tints can cause issues or become a hassle during the insurance claim process. This is because darker-than-advised window tint falls outside the legal limit and motor insurance covers liabilities only.So, if you adhere to the rules of the RTO and use the black film for car which is RTO-approved, your car insurance claims will not be rejected.Ensure that your vehicle has a sun film that is compliant with the VLT or visual light transmission percentage set by the law. Read More: Annual Car Insurance Costs in India

Choose RTO-approved black films as a sun film for your car windows. Do this to avoid RTO fines and penalties. Adhering to the laws also helps to stay safe on the roads and leads to hassle-free insurance claims. You can also opt for the alternatives to achieve maximum comfort, be safe, and stay within the legal limitations. Also Read: Regional Transport Offices in India - Find RTO Details