[Legal knowledge] Want to help car enthusiasts with cellophane in the hot summer? ! How to comply with Hong Kong laws first?

According to the Hong Kong "Road Traffic (Construction and Maintenance of Vehicles) Regulations" (Chapter 374A), the legal requirements for black glass paper (i.e. solar film, thermal insulation film) on cars mainly include the following provisions and regulations:

1. Front windshield and front windows (i.e. driver and front passenger side windows)

  • Visible light transmittance (VLT) shall not be less than 70%
    • That is, after the film is applied, at least 70% of visible light can penetrate the glass and enter the car.
    • This includes the total of the original glass and film.
  • No reflective
    • Solar film cannot have obvious reflective effect and cannot reflect light like a mirror.

2. Rear side windows and rear windshield

  • Visible light transmittance (VLT) shall not be less than 60%
    • After applying the film, at least 60% of visible light can penetrate the glass.
  • Also, no strong reflective

3. Other legislative considerations

  • Cannot affect the driver's sight
    • Any film must not affect the driver's front and side vision, including the triangular window near the A-pillar.
  • Sunshade strip above the front windshield
    • Narrow sunshade strips may be affixed (depending on the vehicle design), but they must not affect the driver's vision.

4. Enforcement and Inspection

  • The police and the Transport Department will use special equipment to detect VLT
    • If the light transmittance of the glass is found not to be in compliance with regulations, it may be issued a ticket or required to be removed.
  • When inspecting the vehicle (if there is an annual inspection), the glass transmittance will be checked.

5. Consequences of non-compliance

  • Violators may be issued with tickets
    • The maximum penalty is a fine of HKD 5,000 and imprisonment for three months (first offence); a fine of HKD 10,000 and imprisonment for six months for subsequent offences.
  • Being asked to remove non-compliant film immediately during vehicle inspection or roadside inspection

6. Recommended process for film application

  1. Choose a reputable film company
    Choose products with clearly marked light transmittance and ask the film company to provide written certification.
  2. It is required to measure the original glass VLT before applying the film
    Because the original glass of some cars is not 100% light-transmitting, it is more likely to exceed the standard after applying film.
  3. After applying the film, check the VLT by yourself with an instrument (if possible)
  4. Keep the film application receipt and supporting documents for inspection

7. References to relevant legislative provisions

  • Road Traffic (Construction and Maintenance of Vehicles) Regulations (Cap. 374A) Regulations 44 and 56

summary

The method of applying black cellophane in accordance with Hong Kong law:

  • Front windshield and front window: VLT≥70% after film application;
  • Rear window and rear windshield: VLT≥60% after film application;
  • No obvious reflections;
  • It must not obstruct the driver's view;
  • Keep the film-sticking certificate for random inspection.

If you want to be more certain, you can consult and test with professionals before and after applying the film.

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