Kalimpong traffic police crackdown on tainted glass

Kalimpong|Mukesh Sharma: With the Supreme Court order banning the use of tinted glasses on vehicle windshields and windows, the Kalimpong Traffic police today conducted a check up at the Novelty stand hall and detached the tainted glasses of the vehicles and made them to pay penalty of Rs 100. 

The fine is said to be 100 for the first offence and 300 for subsequent violations.  The traffic police headed by OC Praveen Gurung carried out the search operation where around 12 vehicles were made to fine. Informed by the happening most of the divers in Kalimpong town removed the tainted glasses. OC Praveen Gurung has informed that the checking will follow in days to come.
Using black film is a violation under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The law says that windshields must have at least 70% transparency and windows a minimum of 50% transparency. Tinted glasses that come as part of the vehicle manufacturing design are exempt from the rule. The apex court, acting on public interest litigation, had on May 27 directed all States to implement the rule from May 4.
The petitioner had argued that darkened glasses "give immunity to violators" and are "used as a tool of criminality, considerably increasing criminal activities". He also stated that drivers of cars with tinted glasses had lower visibility and are 18- 35% more likely to be involved in accidents.
The court order exempts VVIPs from the rule, provided that the State government lists out persons who need tinted vehicle glasses for reasons of security.