The Mangalore city police launched an intensive drive on Wednesday to enforce removal of colour (tint) films on vehicles as per the directions of the Supreme Court.
Mangalore traffic police stopped several vehicles near Clock Tower Circle and collected a fine of Rs. 100 for violation of the apex court guidelines. They also removed the films from the windshields of the vehicles.
Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh said the Supreme Court ruling was clear and it did not allow use of any film on windshields. “We are strictly enforcing the apex court's direction that has come into effect from May 4. We are going ahead with imposing fine and removal of tint,” Mr. Singh said. Exemption has been given for a few motorists, who have given representation citing health grounds for use of coloured film, Mr. Singh said.
While prohibiting use of black or any other film, the Supreme Court in its order dated April 27 said safety glasses for windshields and side-windows should confirm with standards prescribed under the Rule 100(2) of the Motor Vehicles Rules that specifies 70 per cent visual light transmission (VLT) for front and rear windshields and while 50 per cent VLT for the side window glasses.
There was confusion among motorists about the Supreme Court's direction. “My son had told me that the ban was on the use of black film. Hence, I did not remove the blue (sun control) film from the side-windows,” said Vishwanath Nayak, who was one among the many motorists who paid fine near Clock Tower junction.
Some motorists said they could not remove the film as there was heavy rush in car showrooms. One of the motorists said traffic personnel at Nantoor junction, a few days ago, had allowed use of single layer of film on windshield and side windows of his car.
Car décor shops and mechanics in the city have been getting a number of requests for removing the film. “We are finding shortage of personnel to meet the demand. Removing film from one car takes nearly one hour. We are charging Rs. 250,” said Mukesh Hegde, owner of an outlet at Mallikatta. Mr. Hegde said owners of such outlets were considering filing an appeal against the Supreme Court's directions.
