Safety Glazing with Plastic Film Allowed If Standards Complied With, Says Kerala HC
The Kerala High Court has ruled that motor vehicles cannot be penalised for using Safety Glass or Safety Glazing, including glazing with plastic film, in their windscreens or window glasses if they comply with stipulated standards and specifications. The Kerala HC clarified that vehicle owners can install safety glazing glass that meets the required standards as long as the glass has the necessary BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) certification and meets the required transparency levels.
The court’s ruling came in response to a petition challenging the Department of Motor Vehicles’ action against vehicle owners who had installed safety glazing glass. The department had argued that only vehicle manufacturers could install safety glazing but the court rejected this argument and ruled that anyone who meets the expected standards can use safety glazing glass on their vehicles.
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According to the court’s ruling, safety glazing glass with plastic film attached is permitted in vehicles, provided if it meets the following standards:
- BIS 2019 standards
- Required transparency
- 70% transparency in front and rear windows
- 50% transparency on side windows
The court quashed the proceedings against the petitioners, stating that it is not fair to take action against vehicle owners who use standard safety glazing glass. The court specifically stated that the safety glazing must comply with the Standards of Visual Transmission of Light (VLT) as per Rule 100 (amended) of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, and the Indian Standards for safety glazing.
If the safety glazing meets these standards, car owners will not be penalised which provides clarity and relief for vehicle owners who prioritise safety. The court said: “No officer checking a motor vehicle can detect as to whether the layer of plastic (film) of the inner side of the glass pane of toughened or laminated glass is pasted either by the manufacturer or by the owner. Such penalisation therefore would be unsustainable.”
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