The East Khasi Hills District Superintendent of Police, Sylvester Nongtnger, announced on Friday that the Shillong Traffic Police (STP) has been conducting a stringent drive against the use of black films on vehicle windows. This crackdown, spanning from July 1, 2024, to September 6, 2024, has resulted in detection of 1,788 violations, including 30 vehicles primarily from the ‘ML-01′ Government fleet. Fines totaling ₹13,35,000 were issued, and the black films were removed from the vehicles after the fines were paid.
SP Sylvester Nongtnger commented, “Amongst the 1,788 vehicles, 30 belong to ML01. Of course, ML05 Government vehicles are also involved. We are not distinguishing between private or Government vehicles; if they use black tinted glass, we remove it.”
Further clarifying the regulations, Nongtnger said that, “As per the directive, only one vehicle per minister or MLA is permitted to use black films.”
A committee, established on May 21, 2012, is tasked with considering exemptions for the use of tinted films on vehicle windows.
“As of now, we have clear instructions that all Ministers and MLAs are allowed to use one vehicle with tinted glass, but beyond that, no exceptions will be made,” the SP reiterated.
The ongoing checks cover all seven traffic branches in the city, including Mawlai, Lumdiengjri, Laban, Sadar, Madanriting, Rynjah, and Laitumkhrah, with the highest number of violations observed in Mawlai and Madanriting.
The SP emphasized that vehicle owners should avoid using black films on windshields, side windows, and safety glasses, in adherence to the Supreme Court’s ruling (Writ Petition (Civil) No. 265 of 2011), which prohibits films with any level of Visual Light Transmission (VLT).
“In light of the above, the STP appeals to all vehicle owners to refrain from using black films on their vehicles’ safety glasses, windshields, and side windows. If already applied, kindly remove them,” Nongtnger urged, adding that the enforcement drive will continue, with strict action against violators.