Is it illegal to install sunshades on a car?
4 Answers
Installing sunshades on a car is not illegal. Requirements for sunshade installation: Car window sunshades can only be installed on the rear windows, while the front side windows are not allowed to have them, as this would obstruct the view of the rearview mirrors. Even highly transparent curtains can still cause issues. This explains why traffic police remove sunshades—it's because the owner installed them on the front windows. Function of sunshades: They not only effectively reduce the transmission of sunlight but also help protect passenger privacy. Especially in the current hot climate, installing car sunshades is a great choice.
I've been driving for over a decade and know the ins and outs of car modifications. Installing sunshades isn't illegal per se, but there are strict standards. The windshield and front side windows are crucial - light transmittance must remain above 70%, otherwise you're essentially driving blind in fog or at night. I've seen cases where people installed pitch-black static curtains and nearly hit guardrails when turning on rainy days. Current regulations are strictly enforced - if you completely cover rear windows for privacy mode, traffic police will treat it as illegal modification with fines, demerit points, and immediate removal required. Magnetic side curtains are acceptable, but choose semi-transparent mesh versions and avoid cheap uncertified products - inferior quality curtains blocking mirrors when detached are even more dangerous. Rear windows can be modified freely with any sunshade curtains. If you really want to install them, measure carefully and buy 3C-certified products online instead of getting haphazard modifications from roadside stalls.
Last time I went back to my hometown, my child was afraid of the sun, so I put up sunshades on the car windows. Just after leaving the city, I was stopped by a traffic police officer who said the front window shade was too thick, making it hard to see the road conditions. He pointed at the device and said the light transmittance was less than 50%, and I had to pay a fine of 200 yuan. I quickly apologized and removed the shade on the spot before being allowed to leave. The officer glanced at the rear window shade and said it was fine because it didn’t affect the driving visibility. The lesson learned: don’t even think about putting shades on the windshield or the front side windows—stick to light-colored sun protection films if needed. For the rear windows, you can use full blackout shades or roller blinds as you like, which also block UV rays. If using temporary magnetic shades, remember to remove the buckle type, as the metal pieces can fly off during sudden braking and damage the dashboard. Now I use a sun protection car cover—it completely blocks the sun when parked and is much more hassle-free than sunshades.
The safety of sunshades depends on their placement and technology. Car windows are divided into safety zones: the windows from the A-pillar to the C-pillar must ensure visibility, and installing dark shades is like digging your own grave. For side windows, choose a see-through mesh material with at least 70% light transmittance. I've tested it—thin mesh shades block 80% of UV rays without obstructing road sign recognition. Rear window shades are safer, but avoid adhesive types—sun exposure leaves glue residue on the glass, and scraping frost in winter can scratch it. Static cling shades are the most flexible; just rinse them off when dirty. Regulations only limit light transmittance, not design. The real hazard lies in blind spots: wrinkled edges of the shade can refract light, suddenly flashing white in the rearview mirror, which can be terrifying at high speeds. If you're really worried about sun exposure, wear sunglasses and use a sun visor—physical sun protection is the most reliable.
