SHILLONG: The Meghalaya police has so far fined 1,788 vehicles in the state for using tinted glass, collecting a total of Rs 13.35 lakh by early September.
The crackdown on tinted glass vehicles was launched in July.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Sylvester Nongtnger clarified that only ministers and MLAs are permitted to use tinted glass on their official vehicles. Others are prohibited from doing so due to a Supreme Court ruling restricting light transmission through vehicle windows.
Notably, the Supreme Court had prohibited the use of black films of any percentage Visual Light Transmission (VLT) on the safety glasses, windscreens (front and rear) and side glasses.
The SP noted that only 30 of the 1,788 vehicles found with tinted glass had ML01 registration plates.
The Shillong Traffic Police has urged all vehicle owners to avoid using dark films on their windows and has warned that the crackdown on such violations will continue.
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In response to the crackdown, the state government formed a committee to consider exempting vehicles from the use of sunlight-blocking films. The committee is chaired Principal Secretary, Home (Police); Principal Secretary, Transport; Secretary of Law, and DGP. The Commissioner and Secretary of the Home Department are the convenors of this committee.
The police have also issued warnings to individuals using modified exhausts or engaging in reckless driving.
