Motorists irked as cops crack down on cars with sun films

The Western India Automobiles Association (WIAA) has said it is considering approaching the Supreme Court (SC) to seek a revision of its order, which banned the use of sun film on car windows.

The Western India Automobiles Association (WIAA) has said it is considering approaching the Supreme Court (SC) to seek a revision of its order, which banned the use of sun film on car windows.

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Nitin Dossa, executive chairman of WIAA, told HT on Monday that the traffic police crackdown on vehicles with sun-films has riled motorists in general, and members of the association in particular.

“Ever since the crackdown began, our headquarters has been receiving 200 calls per day from anxious members complaining about police action. Even vehicles whose windows have 80% transparency are being penalised,” Dossa said.

He said the WIAA will check the bona fides of the order to find out if police action is justified. “I have applied for a copy of the order from the RTO to see what the court has exactly said,” Dossa said. He added that the WIAA will move the SC if the action is inconsistent with the order.

Brijesh Singh, additional commissioner of police, traffic, said car owners who wish to get rid of sun glare can install tinted glasses of approved quality (made by authorised manufacturers).

“These custom-made glasses have 70% visibility for front and rear, and 40% visibility on either sides,” he said. However, Dossa pointed out that this was not a feasible solution. “Tinted glass costs 20 times more than ordinary glass. Not everyone can afford it. That is the why people go for films, which are cheaper to mount and give protection from heat and light,” he said.

Meanwhile, the traffic police have made it clear that not a shred of film will be allowed on car windows and windshields. Those caught will have to pay Rs. 100 as fine, and will have to deposit their driving licences with the police till the film is removed. “The SC order is very clear. Not even one per cent of lamination (in terms of opacity) by films is allowed,” Singh said.