New Delhi: With temperatures rising and the scorching summer sun making commute on Delhi roads uncomfortable, many motorists are increasingly turning to shades and tinted window films in their vehicles. What’s new this year is the use of remote-operated electronic tints.These ‘smart films’, which are dominating markets as well as Instagram reels, are finding a lot of buyers among those looking to bypass the law with a digital flourish — at the click of a button, the windows transition from pitch-black to fully transparent.From high-end SUVs to compact hatchbacks, vehicles across the city are being fitted with such films and magnetic sunshades, creating a widespread challenge for traffic enforcement.Manufacturers are marketing this technology to evade police and surveillance, allowing drivers to maintain a ‘VIP look’ in shady lanes while flicking the switch to a legal degree of transparency the moment they spot a traffic picket.A traffic cop said the use of tinted or ‘smart’ films and sun-blocking shades is a punishable offence under the Motor Vehicles Act. Current rules mandate 70% visibility for front and rear windscreens and 50% for side windows, and prohibit any external film or removable shade that obstructs the view inside the vehicle.On Wednesday, Delhi Police said 4,831 challans have been issued so far this year for the use of tinted glass in vehicles. Last year, 24,758 challans were issued, while in 2024, 25,635 people were prosecuted.Vinay Narang, president of Automotive Parts Merchants’ Association, said the ban on black tinted glass has reduced the overall demand of shades. However, lighter variants, especially light-green tinted glass, still see a steady demand as they are considered compliant with the regulations, he said, adding that its demand typically rises during summer as motorists seek relief from the heat.A trader of tinted glasses in Kashmere Gate said the light-green variant is now factory-fitted in most vehicles, reducing demand for aftermarket installation. He added that fewer customers nowadays visit the market for such fittings. However, compared with the once-popular black tint, this one is less effective in keeping the interiors of the vehicles cool, he added.A senior police officer said tinted windows reduce visibility during night and also provide anonymity that criminals on the wheels crave. Enforcement is being carried out through routine checks and special drives, with teams on the ground stopping vehicles, issuing challans and ensuring on-the-spot removal of illegal films, the officer added.“Delhi Traffic Police recently conducted a targeted operation in the western range. On March 25, a special drive was launched in Najafgarh traffic circle against illegal tinted films, leading to the prosecution of 154 vehicles under Sections 100.2/177 of Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989,” another officer said. Four vehicles were impounded for multiple violations, including using tinted glasses. To ensure immediate compliance and to deter other commuters, black films were removed on the spot. Cops said such drives will continue across Delhi to ensure public safety is not compromised for a bit of comfort.
