Rear Windshield Curtains – Feature Explained

What Are Rear Windshield Curtains?

Rear windshield curtains are fabric coverings specifically designed to be fitted over the car’s rear-most glass, the windshield. They can be made from various materials, usually opaque or semi-opaque, and are intended to block sunlight, reduce heat buildup, cut down on glare, and provide privacy for the vehicle’s occupants and belongings. They often attach using tracks, or in some cases, by suction cups or magnets.

How Do Rear Windshield Curtains Work?

Rear windshield curtains operate by physically obstructing the path of sunlight and visual access into the car from the rear:

1. Light Blockage: The curtain fabric acts as a direct physical barrier, preventing direct sunlight from entering through the rear windshield.
2. Heat And Glare Control: By blocking sunlight, they effectively reduce the amount of solar heat entering the cabin, which can help in maintaining a cooler interior and ease the burden on the air conditioning system. They also eliminate harsh glare for rear passengers.
3. Privacy: When drawn, these curtains provide a high degree of privacy, making it difficult for outsiders to see into the vehicle’s rear.

Types Of Rear Curtains In Cars

• Suction Cup/Magnetic Curtains: These are the most common aftermarket types, easily attached and removed from the glass or metal frame using suction cups or magnets.
• Track-Mounted Curtains: Less common for the rear windshield (more for side windows), these use small tracks installed around the window frame, allowing the curtain to slide open and closed.

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Rear Windshield Curtains?

Here are the pros, or advantages, of rear windshield curtains:

• Effective Sun Blocking: Highly efficient at preventing direct sunlight from entering the cabin through the rear, leading to a cooler interior.
• Privacy: Offers excellent privacy for occupants and valuables in the rear of the car.
• Glare Reduction: Significantly cuts down on harsh sun glare, enhancing comfort for passengers.
• Cost-Effective: Aftermarket versions are generally inexpensive to buy.

Here are the cons, or disadvantages, of rear windshield curtains:

• Severe Visibility Obstruction (Major Safety Hazard): This is the most critical drawback. Curtains on the rear windshield severely block the driver’s view of what’s behind the car. This is extremely dangerous, especially when reversing, parking, or needing to quickly check traffic conditions behind.
• Illegal In India : Their use directly violates Indian law, leading to potential fines and other legal issues.
• Aesthetics And Fit: Aftermarket curtains might not fit perfectly and can look out of place or untidy in the car.

Legality Of Rear Windshield Curtains In India

This is an extremely important point for car owners in India: the use of rear windshield curtains while driving is illegal!

• Supreme Court Ruling (2012): The Supreme Court of India’s landmark 2012 ruling explicitly banned any material, including films, curtains, or mesh screens, that reduces the “Visual Light Transmission” (VLT) through vehicle windows. For the front and rear windshields, the VLT must be at least 70%. For side windows, it must be at least 50%.
• Direct Violation: Opaque or even semi-opaque curtains on the rear windshield directly violate this 70% VLT rule. They severely obstruct the driver’s primary view of traffic behind them, which is crucial for safe driving.
• Safety And Security: The ban was put in place to improve road safety (by ensuring clear visibility for the driver and reducing blind spots) and for security reasons (to allow law enforcement to see inside vehicles).
• Strict Enforcement: Traffic police across India often strictly enforce this rule, and using rear windshield curtains can lead to fines and penalties. Cities like Chandigarh, Delhi, Thiruvananthapuram and Pune are known for their strict enforcement against all forms of window darkening or obstruction, including curtains.

Due to the clear violation of VLT norms and the significant safety hazard they pose, aftermarket rear windshield curtains are generally not permitted for use while driving in India.

Can Rear Windshield Curtains Be Installed From The Aftermarket?

Yes, rear windshield curtains are very commonly available as aftermarket accessories in India. They can be easily purchased from local car accessory shops or online. Installation is usually simple, involving suction cups or magnets to attach them to the glass or window frame.

Affordable Cars In India That Offer Rear Windshield Curtains?

Sedans such as the Maruti Ciaz and Toyota Camry are the few affordable or mass-market cars in India that offer a factory-fitted rear windshield curtain. 

If a car offers an integrated shading solution for the rear, it is typically an electrically operated mesh screen that retracts into the parcel shelf when not in use. Any fabric curtains seen on mass-market cars are almost always aftermarket additions, and drivers should be aware of their legal status and the safety risks involved.

Also Read: Hill Start Assist Or Hill Hold Control - Feature Explained

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