Can I be fined for removable tint?
Removable tinting and traffic police fines
Requirements for safe vehicle equipment change quite often. Complaints about excessive darkening of the car from the traffic police are not uncommon, so it is important to know the established standards so as not to become a violator.
There are several ways to tint car windows. Among them is the installation of removable tinting. What is it and are there any fines for this type of tinting? What is the fine and can it be avoided? We will answer these questions in this article.
What is removable tint?
The name itself indicates that this type of tinting can be installed and dismantled repeatedly. There are several options:
- curtains and screens that can be pulled apart;
- electronic tinting (photochromic), its adjustment is carried out automatically, depending on the brightness of the light flux;
- gel film.
The most commonly used type of removable tinting is: a sheet of thin flexible plastic is cut to the shape of car glass, tinted with film and attached to the car glass using double-sided tape. Another method of fastening is also possible: the car window is lowered, a prepared tint sheet is inserted into the opening on the interior side between the seal and the lowered glass, aligned along the top edge of the glass, and then the glass is raised, carefully holding the tint.
Is there a penalty for removable tint?
There are no articles in the legislation under which there would be punishment for this type of tinting. Administrative liability arises only if the requirements of the technical regulations for the safe operation of a car are violated. This is stated in Art. 12.5 (clause 3.1) of the Code of Administrative Offenses (CAO) of the Russian Federation as amended on July 29, 2017, as amended on August 10, 2017. This liability can be applied if the light transmittance coefficient of removable tinting is less than 70% on the windshield and ( or) front side windows.
If tinted windows block the driver’s view due to their design features, then such a violation can be classified under clause 1 of Art. 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses in connection with a violation of the technical condition of the vehicle (Traffic Regulations, Art. 7.3).
Thus, if window tinting reduces the safety of car operation, then the car owner must bear administrative responsibility under Article 12.5, clause 1 or clause 3.1. The fine for these violations is the same and amounts to 500 rubles.
Can I avoid a fine if I remove the tint on the spot?
A fine can only be avoided if the traffic police officer did not have time to measure the light transmittance coefficient of the removable tint. After all, the inspector has the right to issue a fine only if the excess darkness of the car windows is recorded using a special device called a taumeter, subject to certain technical measurement conditions. Issuing a fine in a different situation is unacceptable. Therefore, in the absence of a taumeter, the inspector has the right to simply indicate to the violator the need to remove tinting from the windows.
Conclusion
A motorist can receive a fine for removable tinting if they do not comply with the established light transmission parameters. Therefore, in order not to be afraid of a fine from the traffic police, you need to make a removable tint that fully complies in its technical characteristics with the established GOST standards.
Can I be fined for removable tint?
In our country, car window tinting is undoubtedly one of the most commonly used and affordable types of tuning. Every day, thousands of motorists across the country do it, thereby improving the appearance of their car.
However, there are certain requirements for tinting in terms of light transmittance. Violations of these rules may result in serious consequences. Traffic police officers, seeing a fully tinted car, will definitely stop you, ask you to remove the tinting and issue an appropriate fine.
What is removable tint?
Repeated fines have led many motorists to abandon tinting their car windows. But those who did not refuse this tuning began to come up with various tricks in order to avoid receiving fines.
One of these methods is to use removable tint. With its help, the car owner has the opportunity to instantly remove the tint, and then reattach it in place in a short period of time.
It is attached from above to the car glass with double-sided tape, and from below it is simply inserted into the velvet covers. To remove the tint, simply unfasten the tape and remove the sheet.
Let's look at an example. If you are stopped by a traffic police officer and asked to remove the tint, you can easily comply with their request and avoid punishment. Thus, removable tinting will allow you to circumvent the prohibitions of the law.
Is there a penalty for removable tint?
Most tuning centers, when selling removable tint, promise citizens that it will exempt them from fines. In fact, most of them do not meet the requirements of GOST 5727-88, which specifies the permissible characteristics of automobile glass.
It is important to know that a traffic police officer has the right to issue a fine only if the light transmission of the car windows is measured in accordance with existing rules. You also need to remember that the size of the fine does not depend at all on the type of violation.
For example, for sun protection film that exceeds the norm, and for tinting the front windows, which is more than 31%, the driver will receive the same fine of 500 rubles. Let us remind you that previously for such a violation, in addition to a fine, traffic police officers could remove registration numbers. But recently such a severe punishment has been abolished.
Situation in practice
In practice, legal tinting is very rare. It is installed at the factory and absorbs only 20% of the light. Taking into account dust, the figure can reach up to 30%, so each time before applying the tint film it is necessary to measure the light transmittance.
In accordance with the law, only full tinting of the rear window is allowed, but only if there are rear-view mirrors on both sides of the car.
Removable tinting, as a rule, is installed with a significant violation of light transmission standards. It will help you in some cases avoid a fine, but it does not provide a 100% guarantee.
How to avoid a fine?
Drivers who have removable tinting on their windows have the opportunity to avoid a fine, unlike those who have regular tinting installed. Namely, it will not be issued if the driver, after being stopped by a traffic police inspector, manages to remove the sheet before measuring the light transmission of the car windows.
Thus, without evidence of a violation, the employee will have no grounds for a fine. And since the reason has been eliminated, he has no right to detain you any longer.
Before deciding to use removable tint, everyone should be prepared for the following:
- constant stops by traffic police officers;
- loss of time;
- excessive anxiety and stress;
- possible fines.
In addition, we should not forget that tinting in some situations is the cause of a serious accident, especially at night, because the driver may simply not be able to see the pedestrian or moving car ahead.
Is it possible to fine for removable tint?
Fine for removable tinting: what is removable tinting + its main types + what will change the law in 2017 + how not to get caught with a fine for removable tinting + rules for taking measurements that every driver needs to know.
All drivers know that tinted car windows are a reason for the car to be stopped by traffic police officers and lead to fines, and sometimes even to the deprivation of a driver's license.
Can removable tinting protect you from a fine as successfully as it does from sunlight? Is there a fine in the new legislation for removable tinting ? How safe is it and is it worth using?
We will look at all these and some other questions in our article. And it’s up to you to decide whether to darken your car in such a cunning way or not.
What is removable tint?
Removable tinting is a transparent film that looks the same as regular car window tinting, but in addition to its main functions, such as protection from the hot sun and prying eyes, it also allows you to remove it at any necessary time.
Moreover, you can glue and remove it repeatedly and on your own. It seems that this is a real salvation for Russian drivers.
After the introduction of a ban on tinting the front windows of cars, many different solutions to avoid administrative liability began to appear on the market. Removable tinting is sold in stores, applied at service stations, and made independently.
It can be different: from long-used screens and curtains, to films with different mechanisms for attaching to car glass, light transmittance (from 5 to 35%), and different colors. The cost of portable tinting, of course, also varies and starts from 1000 rubles for two glasses.
The coolest one is electrochromic tinting . With such a system, the glass changes the degree of shading depending on the applied voltage. Its price starts from 100 thousand rubles for two glasses.
Another interesting option is double glass . One of the glasses is darkened; they work autonomously from each other. Of course, this is very convenient. But installing such a system will require cutting the car doors, and even then, such tuning can not be installed on every car.
Static plastic is an inexpensive alternative that can be removed up to 100 times. It costs from 2000 rubles, and you can also make it yourself. The plastic is not resistant to damage and is easily scratched. And over time, its use negatively affects the operation of the window regulators.
The most popular, practical and cheapest portable film is made from silicone . It is not damaged after repeated “peeling”, is applied with soapy water, and is suitable for any car. Price – 1000 rubles and more for both windows.
The choice is extensive. Most car owners choose silicone film. But even here you will have to spend time deciding on the manufacturer.
We briefly introduced you to the offerings on the market. But the question of the legality of using removable dimmers remains open. So what does the legislation say about this?
2017 Legislation on Removable Tinting
The law regulates the light transmittance of the windshield and front side windows. These values are 75% and 70%, respectively. That is, it seems possible to use window darkening. Another question is that not a single tint falls within these values; its light transmittance is much lower, taking into account that additionally the glass itself does not allow 100% transmission of sunlight.
So you will still have to part with the usual method of darkening car windows. The new law does not talk about removable film.
If you use removable film, when stopped by traffic police officers, you need to have time to remove it before measuring the glass for light transmission. This way, the reason for the stop will be eliminated, and there will be no more reasons to detain you. At the same time, the traffic cop does not have the right to demand film for measurement, since it has already been removed and is your personal property.
Details about the fine for removable tint
As you understand, there is no separate fine for removable film. If it was not possible to peel it off in time, be prepared for such administrative liability - a fine of 500 rubles, the same as for regular tinting.
Now there is a lot of speculative information about increasing the fine to 1,500 rubles and a higher “tariff” for subsequent offenses. At the moment, such measures are indeed being considered at the project level, but have not yet been put into action.
Also, for the use of blackouts, people are not given license plates, sent to prison or required to perform public works. Of course, if the fine was paid on time.
Is it possible to get a fine if you have removable window tinting?
What kind of tinting is there for cars?
The following video will answer all questions.
How are light transmittance measurements taken?
It is important for the driver of a car with tinted windows to know how to correctly measure the light transmittance. If you notice any violations, this may well protect you from paying a fine.
The procedure for light measurements is regulated by Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs No. 1240, and here is what it says in this regard:
- The procedure is carried out only at stationary traffic patrol points.
- Only a technical supervision inspector has the right to conduct an inspection, as indicated in his certificate.
- The model of the device used must be entered in the State Register, have a certificate of conformity and a mark indicating the date of last verification.
- The glass must be clean and dry.
When checking the device that will be used to measure your tinted glass, also make sure that there are no gaskets or films on the part that rests against the surface.
All devices have restrictions on the permissible temperature of use. For example, the most popular “Highlight” can be used within the range from -10 to +40 degrees.
Lifehack from drivers: when taking Blik measurements, a cord is used to connect it to the cigarette lighter. In this case, the voltage should be 12 volts (+/-0.6 volts). If you tell the traffic police officer that your battery is weak, he will have to drive his own car to you. Not a panacea, of course, but suddenly he’s in a hurry...
Let's summarize the fines for removable tinting:
- A removable film can really save you from a fine if you have time to remove it.
- If you fail to do so, the fine will be 500 rubles.
- Make sure your measurements are taken correctly.
- Read about changes in legislation; there are draft laws with stricter measures to suppress violations.
- Removable film is certainly a very convenient invention.
- The darkening, even if removable, provokes traffic police officers to stop the car, and communication with law enforcement officials is additional stress for the driver.
- Even the highest quality film impairs visibility, which can lead to an emergency, especially at night.
We believe you have received answers to your pressing questions about removable tinting.
The most popular of them: is there a fine for removable tinting ? Answer: no, there is no separate fine. But it does not provide a 100% guarantee against administrative liability.
What is the penalty for removable tint?
Removable window tinting is one of the most affordable types of improving the external and internal mode of transport. Every second vehicle is equipped with similar tuning. However, the legislation puts forward certain rules for car tinting. For non-compliance with the requirements, the car owner is fined.
We will tell you below the amount of recovery for removable tinting in 2018.
What it is?
Numerous traffic police fines for motorists in 2017 led to the majority of drivers refusing to darken their car windows. Manufacturers of opaque film, in turn, have come up with various tricks to avoid violations on the road. One such invention is removable tint. With the help of such tuning, a motorist can remove the surface in a matter of seconds and then attach it.
Removable tint is a material on which a darkening film is applied. Such a device is fixed to the vehicle window with double-sided adhesive tape, then inserted into the velvet bags. To remove the opaque coating, simply unfasten the tape and remove the surface. Thus, removable tinting allows motorists to use car darkening without receiving fines from traffic police officers.
According to legal regulations in the Russian Federation, window tinting on a car must meet certain standards, namely:
- Daylight transmission - no more than 20% on the front windows of the car and no more than 30% on the rear windows;
- Complete darkening of car windows is possible only from the rear view, and it is necessary to have side mirrors on both sides of the car.
In modern practice, it is not often possible to see a legally tinted vehicle. Such a tuning item as an opaque film of state standards is manufactured at a car plant and absorbs only 20% of the light. Smears on glass, dust and dirt can increase this figure to 30% or more, which is strictly unacceptable. Before applying the darkening film, it is necessary to clean the windows and measure the daylight transmission. The permitted tuning will only slightly hide the rear window of the vehicle, while the driver will also be visible to others.
In accordance with the legislation of the Russian Federation, full coverage is permitted only for vehicle rear view windows.
Removable tinted glass, as a rule, is installed with a significant violation of light transmission standards. Despite this, when stopped by a traffic police officer, the driver can easily remove the car’s covering and avoid punishment.
Is there a fine for removable tint?
Removable tinting, like any other type of tinting of front windows, threatens the driver with a fine of 2 thousand rubles. In this case, the traffic police officer will draw up a protocol on traffic violations. If punished again, the driver may be deprived of the right to drive for 2 months.
To prove that removable tinting does not comply with the requirements of GOST No. 5727-88, a road inspection employee is obliged to measure the light transmission.
The cost of a traffic police fine does not depend on the extent to which the permissible tinting standards are exceeded: for both an impenetrable film more than 14 cm wide and for darkening the front side windows exceeding 31%, drivers will have to pay an amount of 500 rubles and more.
How to avoid punishment?
Removable tinting is made specifically for those cases so that when stopped by a traffic police officer, the driver can instantly remove the film and avoid punishment. However, in practice, such a violation is recorded by video cameras, for which even the most sophisticated motorists are brought to administrative responsibility.
Drivers of tuned vehicles that use removable tinting can avoid a traffic police fine only if they manage to remove the coating before measuring light transmission. Thus, without proof of a violation, the traffic police officer will have no basis for issuing a fine. And since the cause has been eliminated, the driver can drive further.
The seizure of removable tinting by a traffic police officer is prohibited by law, since the film is the personal property of the car owner.
Before getting behind the wheel of a tinted car, drivers need to remember that in addition to breaking the law, most accidents happen precisely because of poor visibility of the windows, and at night, citizens risk not noticing a pedestrian or a car moving towards them.
Penalty for removable tint
Often, car enthusiasts want to not only decorate their car, but also give themselves a mysterious look by tinting the front, rear and side windows. However, the light transmission of car windows can be quite low, which is why traffic police officers may impose a fine. What car owners have come up with to avoid retaliation for window tinting, and whether there is a fine for removable tinting, we will consider in this article.
Types of removable tinting
Since there are technical regulations for the light transmission function of artificial dimming, removable tinting was invented for this purpose. Car owners, wanting to achieve maximum comfort, isolate themselves from external reality, blinking side lights and other factors, thereby increasing risk on the roads. One of the tricks to avoid punishment in the form of an administrative penalty is removable tinting.
The removable toner is a removable mechanism that is installed on the car windows and is regularly removed as needed. There are currently four application options:
- Attached curtains.
- Sliding screen.
- Electronic (photochromic) toner self-regulating in relation to the luminous flux.
- Helium film.
The most commonly used shading method is a flexible plate cut to the shape of the car glass. Then a dark film is applied to it, and the entire device is secured with double-sided tape. The latest innovation in fastening is a vacuum suction cup, which perfectly holds the device on a smooth surface and is easily detached.
What punishment awaits the car owner?
In essence, the law does not prohibit the use of this type of darkening. Punishment in the form of a fine is imposed for violating the technical regulations for safe driving. Administrative liability occurs when light transmission is less than 70% on the windshield and front windows.
Tinted glass surfaces that make it difficult for the driver to fully inspect will be assessed as an obstacle and classified under Art. 12.5, clause 1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation, as an omission of technical compliance of the vehicle with established standards. Traffic rules (traffic rules) also warn about this offense in accordance with Art. 7.3.
On a note! For a detailed consideration of the issue of proper darkening of glass surfaces, we recommend that you look into the Code of Administrative Offenses (CAO) of the Russian Federation, Art. 12.5, clause 3.1 (amended August 10, 2017).
It is worth mentioning that back in 2017, registration numbers were confiscated at the first stop for improperly tinted car front windows. This measure was later cancelled, but the driver was punished with a fine of 500 rubles. left.
At first glance, such an insignificant amount can hit your pocket if a motorist is repeatedly detained by a traffic police inspector. But one question remains open, namely: “How to prove this fact is a violation?” Because, in fact, if the driver managed to remove the blackout, there are, in principle, no grounds for detention.
However, there is another opinion among traffic police officers - compliance with the requirements must take place both at the time the offender is detained and before that moment. Moreover, removing film tint is a mandatory measure in order to eliminate the “malfunction”, which does not exempt you from drawing up a protocol on the violation.
Independent experts support this opinion, but consider it important to still prove guilt. Therefore, the fact of non-compliance with the standards depends entirely on the decision of the traffic police inspector. Here are the steps he can take:
- draw up a protocol on non-compliance with technical safety standards;
- submit a report stating that the blackout was eliminated after stopping the vehicle;
- measure the light transmission of car windows.
We would like to immediately warn unlucky vehicle owners that after the above-described steps of a traffic police officer, it will be very difficult to prove their innocence. Judicial practice shows that most often the actions of State Traffic Inspectorate employees remain winners, despite the fact that car owners are cunning and want to avoid complying with the law in this matter by any means.
Is it possible to avoid a fine for removing tinting? This directly depends on the decision of the traffic police inspector. The best solution to avoid a fine is to tint only the rear of the car and remove the toner from the front of the car.
Punishment system
A traffic police officer is authorized to issue a fine only as a result of a discrepancy between the established light transmittance coefficient and real indicators. Light transmission readings are recorded using a device called a thaumer. If there is no taumer, the inspector has the right to prohibit driving with tinted windows.
The following is another scheme of actions of government bodies:
- detention - a fine of 500 rubles. and a mark in the database;
- detention – fine, summons to court, punishment up to 15 days;
- detention - a fine, removal of license plates from the car, tow truck to the impound lot.
The scheme is quite serious, so it is better not to get caught and follow the regulations.
Advice! Only if you are completely confident that you are right, and the traffic police officer behaves incorrectly, can you appeal the penalty within 10 days from the date of receipt of the decision.
If you are fully confident that you are right, it is worth enlisting the testimony of witnesses, video or photographic evidence of the fact of detention. Do not forget about the readings of the thaumer, since only with the help of a special device can you accurately determine the light transmittance coefficient. Be vigilant on the roads and defend your rights!