Supreme Court of India has strictly prohibited the use of tinted films on windows and windscreens of cars, irrespective of the level of tinting. However, cars with windows tinted by the manufacturers are allowed to ply. Presently, the permissible limit for tinting on cars is 70 per cent for windscreens and 50 per cent for windows. Tinted glasses on cars pose a security threat, primarily for women, since there have been several incidents of molestation in cars in Delhi.
The judgement announced by the court stated, "We prohibit the use of black films of any visual light transmission (VLT) percentage or any other material upon the safety glasses, windscreens (front and rear) and side glasses of all vehicles throughout the country. The directions contained in this judgement shall become operative and enforceable with effect from 4th May, 2012."
In this regard, the Traffic Police will begin a drive to take off the tinted films from May 4, 2012. The teams carrying out the drive have the authority to impound vehicles if the film is not taken off. A total of 50 teams will be on Delhi roads in order to put the court's judgement into effect. Satyendra Garg, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic), said that authorities have also stopped allowing offenders to report to the Area Traffic Officer within 72 hours of being prosecuted.
Garg also commented, "In accordance to the apex court's order, we will be prosecuting any vehicle found with tinted film on the window. Irrespective of the percentage of the tinted film, challans will be issued and the tinted film removed immediately. If the vehicle owner resists the removal of tinted film, the car will be immediately impounded." He further added, "Usually, since the fine is just a meagre Rs. 100, which is nothing compared to the money spent on films (ranging from Rs. 700 to Rs. 14,000 for those that protect from UV rays), it is not enough of a deterrent to defaulters who continue to travel in the vehicles. We hope stricter action will make the defaulters mindful of the rules.”
As of April 15, 2012, a total of 9,279 individuals have been charged with the offence of driving heavily tinted cars; this figure stood at 45,649 during 2011. According to a senior officer in the Traffic Police, most of the people being prosecuted were repeat offenders, which indicates that Delhites do not comply with the rules in spite of being caught. A drive that began on March 27, 2012 also saw 2,064 offenders being charged within a month, wherein 999 people took off the tinted film on the spot.
