PRASANJIT SAHU, OP
Bhubaneswar: Vehicles fitted with illegally tinted window glasses continue to ply freely on the streets of Bhubaneswar, raising questions over traffic enforcement in the state capital. Despite strict regulations and penalties for traffic violations, several luxury cars with heavily tinted windows are reportedly moving around the city without any apparent action from the authorities. While ordinary motorists face fines and penalties for violating traffic rules, owners of expensive cars with blacked-out windows appear to be escaping scrutiny. This has sparked concerns that traffic regulations are being enforced selectively.
Several such cars have been spotted on different roads across Bhubaneswar, with their dark window glasses making it impossible for outsiders to see inside the vehicles. The identity of the occupants and activities taking place inside remain concealed. There have also been allegations that some vehicles may be misused for unlawful activities by taking advantage of the opaque window films, raising concerns over public safety and security. Questions are being raised over why vehicles with black-tinted windows continue to pass through these checkpoints without attracting attention. The use of black-tinted glass or black films on vehicle windows in India is governed by the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, and Supreme Court directives. Under the prescribed norms, factory-fitted vehicle glass must have a minimum Visible Light Trans mission (VLT) of 70 per cent for the front and rear windshields and 50 per cent for side windows. Any violation of these standards is punishable under the law. Traffic-I Inspector-in-Charge Akash Rana said, “The Trans port department has the authority to inspect vehicles fitted with tinted glasses, while the traffic police extend assistance during such inspections. He clarified that the traffic wing does not have the authority to impose fines for such violations at traffic intersections. On the other hand, RTO-I official Manas Mishra said the department conducts special enforcement drives against vehicles using prohibited black films. He stated that applying unauthorised black film on vehicle windows is punishable and of fenders are fined Rs 5,000.
The department will launch fresh inspection drives at different locations across the city in the coming days, he added. As per the Supreme Court’s directions, the use of unauthorised tinted films on vehicle windows is prohibited. Regular inspections are therefore essential to prevent violations. Merely issuing regulations is not enough; their strict implementation is equally important. Residents have called upon the authorities to intensify inspections and take stringent action against all vehicles fitted with illegal tinted films in Bhubaneswar.