Are Car Sunshades Legal in India? Debunking Myths & Understanding the Law

What is the Legal Framework for Car Sunshades in India?

In India, many people believe or are instead made to feel that car sunshades are illegal and outright banned. Some people claim it is legal and can be used in certain conditions. Here, we will debunk the myths related to car sunshades, how they can be used in India, and what is permissible under the law.

The use of car sunshades, like any other vehicle-related apparatus, is governed by the Motor Vehicle Act and rulings from the Supreme Court of India. Around 2012, the Supreme Court of India issued a verdict banning any sun film or tint on cars and private vehicles, which reduced the transparency of the vehicle's windows beyond a particular limit. Again, it is not entirely banned but acceptable to a specific transparency limit.

This verdict was issued with the rising concerns regarding security and prevention of certain crimes involving vehicles and vehicle use in mind. This was also for law enforcement agencies to get a clearer view inside the car.

Rule 100 of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR), 1989, the front and rear windshields must have at least 70% visibility, whereas the side windows must have at least 50%.

The Supreme Court ruling reinforced the above limits by completely banning people from using aftermarket sun films that do not come factory-fitted when buying a car or vehicle. The ruling did not mention the use of removable sunshades, leading to more confusion among vehicle users nationwide.

What are the Common Myths, and What is Their Reality?

Myth 1: Any Type of Car Sunshade Is Illegal

No, not all car sunshades are illegal in India. The court mainly bans fixed sun films that reduce the visibility of the vehicle's insides. Removable sunshades are legally okay to use. The main point is that the sunshade must not obstruct visibility inside the car when the vehicle is in motion.

Myth 2: Hefty Fines are Imposed If Sunshades are Used

No, there are no fines or penalties for removable sunshades, but a fine can be imposed for illegal sun film usage that obstructs visibility of the inside of the vehicles when in motion.

Myth 3: Factory-Provided Tint Is Illegal

No, factory-provided tints are not illegal. Factory-fitted sunshades come with 70% visibility for both front and back windshields and 50% for side windows. This adheres to the prescribed limits and is not banned in India.

Myth 4: Sunshades Do Not Have Any Benefit

Of course not! Sunshades help keep the insides of the vehicle cooler and protect the passengers from the sun's harmful UV rays and excessive heat. Sunshades also come in handy when the vehicle is parked without shade. It keeps the interior of the vehicle cool. Sunshades also protect passengers from getting too tanned while inside the car.

How Can You Use Sunshades Legally in India?

You can very well use sunshades adhering to the legalities. You can enjoy its benefits if you fit a sunshade within the given and allowed criteria. You can avoid fines and other legal formalities with the following points:

You can use removable sunshades– you can put them on when required and take them off when you do not need them. It is the best option to keep yourself and the vehicle away from the scorching heat when in the car.

Visibility is key – if what's inside the car is visible to the authorities caring for the public's safety, then there's no problem.

If your car has a factory-fitted sunshade that sticks to the CMVR limits, you do not need additional tint.

If you have a removable sunshade, keep it off when driving to stick to traffic regulations.

Wrapping Up

While the authorities of India have imposed restrictions on the use of sunshades and tints on vehicles to maintain visibility and the larger good of security, the judgement does not entirely ban the use of tints on cars. The key takeaway is that it is best to understand and keep it safe in a country like India while complying with traffic laws and legalities.