There is ongoing discussion about whether coloring or tint checks can be reliably performed at temperatures below zero. In many regions, including busy city routes, traffic enforcement officers routinely conduct such checks, often quoting directives from management. The question arises: can this practice be stopped if it seems improper? The answer depends on the applicable standards and official procedures.
The referenced document is GOST 32565–2013, titled National Standard of the Russian Federation. Safety Glass for Land Transport. General Technical Conditions. This standard is used to evaluate control samples of automotive glass during the certification process. It provides the framework for how light transmission tests are to be conducted on glass used in vehicles, ensuring consistency and safety across the industry.
During roadside monitoring, inspectors of the National Traffic Inspectorate rely on technical instruments that measure the light transmission of glass. These devices are employed in accordance with specific instructions that govern their operation, calibration, and interpretation of results. The measurement procedures are designed to align with the standard’s requirements, giving the results a formal, recognized status in enforcement actions. (Source: GOST 32565–2013 and related regulatory guidance)
Additionally, the administrative regulations approved by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia on August 23, 2017, Order No. 664, set forth important criteria for the devices used in these checks. The regulation requires that any measuring instrument itself be certified, possess a valid certificate of metrological verification, and be operated in strict accordance with the official instructions and protocols. If a particular device’s instruction explicitly allows measurements at subzero temperatures, then the enforcement actions based on those measurements are considered compliant with the law. This legal framework has been validated by various court rulings, including decisions issued by the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation. (Source: Ministry order 664 and court decisions)
In practice, the key takeaway is that legality hinges on the device’s certification, verified metrological status, and adherence to the documented procedure. When inspectors use a device whose manual covers subzero testing, the measurements taken at low temperatures are not deemed unlawful simply because of the temperature. This alignment between standards, official instructions, and judicial interpretation helps to prevent arbitrary enforcement and supports consistency in road safety assessments. (Source: regulatory texts and court rulings)
For motorists and law enforcement alike, the path to clarity involves confirming that the exact instrument in use is properly certified, that its verification is current, and that its operating guidelines are followed to the letter. When these conditions are met, the process stands up to scrutiny and is less vulnerable to claims of involuntary errors or improper application. The overarching aim is to maintain safety and fairness on the roads by applying standardized testing practices that reflect true glass properties under real-world conditions. (Source: regulatory framework and jurisprudence)