Poor enforcement of ban on tinted windscreens raises safety concerns

Bengaluru struggles with tinted car windows despite enforcement efforts, raising concerns over road safety and security.

Despite a ban on tinted windscreens aimed at curbing crimes and enhancing road safety, Bengaluru’s roads still have vehicles, particularly SUVs, sporting heavily tinted glass.

The enforcement of this ban by the traffic police appears inconsistent, with only 2,263 cases registered in 2024. This figure, though higher than the 533 cases recorded in 2023, pales in comparison with the 6,964 violations booked in 2022. The decline in enforcement has sparked off discontent among citizens, who accuse authorities of laxity in addressing the issue.

“Vechiles with dark-tinted windscreens are everywhere, and it feels like the law doesn’t apply to them. We expect the police to act decisively, but that’s not happening,” said Kavitha R., a Koramangala resident.

M.N. Anucheth, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic), said that with the limited staff, the BTP cannot enforce all the 43 offences all the time. “We focus on certain offences at a given period of time and carry out special drives against them. Following this, these offences come down. For instance, in 2024, we focused on drunk driving and triple riding and not on tinted glasses. We have taken up tinted glasses again this year. We are carrying out special drives against tinted glasses this month,” he said.

According to Rule 100(2) of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), 1989, and Supreme Court orders issued on April 27, 2012, and August 3, 2012, the use of tinted glass or black films on vehicle windows is strictly prohibited. The Motor Vehicles Act mandates that car windows must have a minimum of 70% visual light transmission (VLT) for front and rear windshields and 50% VLT for side windows. Violations can attract penalties ranging from ₹100 to ₹300. However, vehicles with darkened windows continue to flout these regulations, raising concerns over road safety and security in the city.

Adding to the complexity, some vehicles claiming VVIP status have been seen with tinted windows. A Transport Department official said that there is no official definition or criteria for labelling someone as a “Very Important Person” (VIP) or “Very Very Important Person” (VVIP). “Such exemptions are at the discretion of the authorities concerned,” the official said. He said, “Only defence vehicles and those under Z+ or Z-level security are legally permitted to use tinted windows. Violators can face fines and are required to remove the black film or tinted glass immediately.”

Bengaluru Traffic Police conducted a special drive on January 22 to enforce the ban, registering 138 cases. The campaign was part of an effort to promote road safety and compliance with the Motor Vehicles Act. “Tinted glasses can significantly reduce visibility, especially at night or in low-light conditions, thereby increasing the risk of accidents,” a traffic police official said.