What are the new requirements for vehicle annual inspection regarding window films?
4 Answers
According to the "Technical Conditions for Motor Vehicle Operation Safety", it is clearly stipulated: All window films must ensure the driver's front and rear visibility. The visible light transmittance of the front windshield and the driver's viewing area of other windows must not be less than 70%. Mirror-reflective sunshade films are prohibited on all window glass. Therefore, vehicles with non-compliant transmittance must remove the films during inspection. Below are relevant details: 1. Annual Inspection: Vehicle annual inspection is a mandatory test for every vehicle with official license plates and registration, equivalent to an annual physical examination for vehicles according to the "Technical Conditions for Motor Vehicle Operation Safety". It effectively and promptly eliminates potential safety hazards and encourages better vehicle maintenance. 2. Choosing Window Films: It is advisable to select films with a transmittance of over 85%. Such films do not affect visibility even without cutouts on side windows, reduce the reflection of strong glare from rear vehicles' headlights on mirrors during night driving, and help prevent driver fatigue. Additionally, they ensure good visibility during rainy nights, reversing, and turning maneuvers.
Nowadays, the annual vehicle inspection has become particularly strict on window tinting, especially the front windshield which must have over 70% light transmittance. We veteran drivers failed the test last year. The side window film on my car almost didn't pass - the tester showed only 48% transmittance, so I had to remove and replace it on the spot. The new regulations require side windows to have over 50% light transmittance, and reflective films that are too dark are now banned outright - my neighbor's mirror film was ordered to be removed immediately. I recommend choosing genuine products from major brands when getting window tinting, carefully checking the light transmittance percentage marked on the packaging, and never opting for cheap no-name brands. Additionally, if color-changing film covers more than one-third of the vehicle's surface area, extra registration is required. These are all lessons I learned the hard way after three trips to the inspection station.
Last week, I went for the annual vehicle inspection and found that the requirements for window films have been updated. The inspection for the front windshield film is the strictest, requiring a light transmittance of at least 70% to pass. The mid-range film I used barely met the standard. The side windows require a 50% light transmittance, but many dark films on the market actually only have around 30%. The testing method is also more precise now, with inspectors using professional light transmittance meters pressed against the glass, leaving no room for cheating. Note that mirror films are also not allowed on the rear windshield, and you'll be asked to remove them on the spot. Insufficient light transmittance is actually quite dangerous for driving, as it can make it hard to see clearly in the rearview mirror when changing lanes at night. I recommend everyone to pay close attention to the parameters listed on the packaging when choosing a film, rather than just focusing on privacy.
Nowadays, the new equipment at inspection stations can accurately measure light transmittance. The windshield must exceed 70%, and side windows must surpass 50%. Many car owners apply low-quality films that degrade over years, causing a sharp drop in light transmittance. Reflective films are a red line that must never be touched—I've personally seen inspectors demand the removal of heat-insulating films with glare effects. It's advisable to choose certified ceramic films from reputable brands, like 3M, whose product parameters are clearly labeled on the packaging. During installation, pay attention to the edge treatment process, as bubbling or peeling edges can also affect the annual inspection results.
