The ruling from the Delhi High Court last month may leave motorists in a quandary regarding the use of solar control and security window films on vehicles. In the ruling, the court suggested to the Delhi Government that the sale of all tinted window film be banned to help curb the number of kidnappings and assaults occurring inside vehicles in the area.

A current ban applies only to dark window films—those allowing less than 70 percent light transmission on windshields and 50 percent on back and side windows. If adopted into law, the Delhi High Court’s recommendations would make it illegal for Delhi motorists to enjoy the benefits of even lightly tinted window films, which provide a clear view into the vehicle for police and other citizens.

Lighter Films Reduce Heat and Fading, Provide a Clear View Inside

“While it is admirable to thwart violence by banning the darkest of films, it’s important for the people of Delhi to understand that lighter films can still protect the car from damaging UV rays and solar heat gain,” says Meeta Zaveri, who along with her brother, Sanjiv, operates Gras Impex Pvt. Ltd. of Mumbai. Gras Impex is an authorized distributor of LLumar®, the world’s best-selling brand of window film found in automobiles and buildings around the globe.

Zaveri added, “In fact, many films actually provide for increased security, because they make the windows resistant to breakage by an intruder who may be attempting to rob or assault the vehicle’s occupants.”

According to Phil Murray, regional technical services manager for CPFilms, the world’s largest window film manufacturer, “Today’s newer window film technology available from better manufacturers uses multiple layers of polyester that are coated with virtually transparent layers of metal. These lighter films block nearly 60 percent of the sun’s energy but still allow enough visible light for the car’s occupants to be clearly seen.”

Zaveri says that her company has supplied LLumar solar, safety, and security film to dealers that have installed the product in thousands of cars since 2003. Most of her customers want protection from solar heat and ultraviolet damage while others are concerned with personal safety.

Llumar Offers Free Test Card to Aid Law Enforcement

“LLumar sells a wide range of films that comply with the current law,” says Zaveri. Determining whether a vehicle complies with the current law is done by testing the light transmission of a film, which is as simple as holding a pre-printed test card behind the glass. In response to demand from law enforcement for a standard testing method, LLumar is providing such test cards at no cost to interested law enforcement officials throughout the region.

Zaveri says LLumar will send samples of the film next week to legislators and the special committee members who have been appointed to study the issue. She hopes that once they see the samples, they will agree that the lighter film should not be part of the ban.

“LLumar window films protect people every day, by offering a more safe and comfortable driving environment,” says Zaveri. “We hope that the legislators agree that the virtually clear films can offer the best of both worlds—full visibility for law enforcement and protecting the safety of the driver and passengers.”

LLumar is optically clear, with no visual distortion for the driver. A variety of thicknesses and tints are available to address every climate and security need.

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Corporate Profile

CPFilms Inc., makers of LLumar® films, manufactures and processes more than 100 types of film. LLumar® films are designed to meet international standards, come with a factory-backed warranty, and are professionally installed. For governments, multi-national companies, and organizations having facilities around the world, LLumar® provides the perfect solution for up-grading current glazing systems. Through our global network of factory trained and authorized dealers, each vehicle or facility, regardless of location, receives the same high-quality film and same expert installation services. For more information on LLumar® products, log on to www.llumar.com.

Solutia (http://www.solutia.com/) uses world-class skills in applied chemistry to create value-added solutions for customers, whose products improve the lives of consumers every day. Solutia is a world leader in performance films for laminated safety glass and after-market applications; specialties such as water treatment chemicals, heat transfer fluids and aviation hydraulic fluid; and an integrated family of nylon products including high-performance polymers and fibers. Solutia... Solutions for a Better Life.