Dombivli traffic police have begun penal action against vehicles fitted with black films on their windows, removing the films from several cars and warning owners of higher penalties if they repeat the violation.
The enforcement began on Thursday after traffic officials noted an increase in vehicles with darkened windows travelling on Dombivli’s busy roads, according to a report by Loksatta – Thane. The action has focused on vehicles whose windows have been covered in a way that prevents people and activity inside the vehicle from being seen from outside.
Using black film on vehicle windows is prohibited under traffic rules, the report said. Despite this, motorists in the Kalyan-Dombivli area have continued to use such films, citing privacy and a desire to conceal who is travelling inside the vehicle. The report said traffic officials removed films from Thar vehicles and other luxury cars during the action.
The enforcement follows complaints about the rising number of vehicles with heavily tinted windows in Dombivli. Residents had also questioned why traffic police and the regional transport authorities were not taking regular action against vehicle owners and drivers violating the rule.
The report said Dombivli has more than 50 Thar vehicles and that complaints had been made about black films covering windows on all four sides of some of them. Citizens have demanded action against such vehicles, particularly those seen regularly on major roads.
Loksatta – Thane reported that vehicles belonging to affluent motorists, developers and individuals described in the report as land operators were among those using black window films. These descriptions are attributed to the source report and do not establish violations by any specific person or vehicle owner.
Traffic officials have warned that vehicles in which the removed film is fitted again could face double penalties. The latest drive places enforcement against window films within a wider challenge for Dombivli, where dense traffic, expanding vehicle ownership and limited road capacity increase the importance of consistent roadside checks. The traffic department’s action is expected to continue against vehicles found using prohibited films.
