Violation Over Tint: A Volgograd Incident Recounted
In the Dzerzhinsky district of Volgograd, a driver of a VAZ-2109 took an extreme approach to a tinting issue after he could not remove the color film from his car windows. The event was reported via the Telegram channel of the Regional Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and it was captured on video for later review.
According to the police report, the driver resorted to removing the tinting and the glass in an unconventional manner, actions that did not meet the current GOST standards. The footage documents a traffic police inspector stopping a Lada with tinted windows on a city street and using a specialized device to measure the light transmittance of the windows. The driver attempted to correct the violation on the spot, managing to peel away the tinted film from the windshield but failing to address the coating on the side windshields. In a drastic turn, the young driver retrieved a wrench from the trunk, removed the wheels, and forcibly smashed both front door windows.
Regulations governing the safety of wheeled vehicles require that the windshield and front side windows allow at least 70 percent of light to pass through. The rules do not place limitations on the tinting of the rear window and rear side windows, which are addressed separately under the same traffic safety framework.
The incident adds to a string of cases where drivers confront tinting compliance on public roads. It underscores the ongoing enforcement efforts by law enforcement agencies to ensure visibility and compliance with safety standards. In many jurisdictions, inspectors routinely measure light transmission to verify that drivers adhere to the 70 percent rule for front views, while rear windows often fall under different allowances. The Volgograd case, caught on video, shows how quickly a routine stop can escalate into a dramatic roadside action and highlights the challenges officers face when violations are not resolved in a calm, lawful manner.
There have been other notable events in major cities where police responses to tint violations have drawn attention. Reports indicate that similar incidents in central Moscow involved unusual vehicle maneuvers and immediate enforcement actions in congested areas. Authorities emphasize that color film removal or tampering with glass is not a solution and can lead to further penalties. The emphasis remains on safety and compliance, with officers encouraging drivers to address tinting issues through proper channels and within the boundaries of the law. Observers note that the rapid changes in traffic safety rules, along with technological advances in glass and film materials, require ongoing education for drivers about permissible levels of tint and the implications for road safety.