MUSCAT: There has been a sense of joy among the vehicle owners after the Royal Oman Police (ROP) permitted 50 per cent of tinting on private vehicles and car accessories shops have been elated over the same. However, the supply of the same has been badly affected after the geopolitical unrest began and it is those who have already kept a stock of the same are going to enjoy the fruit.
"The decision to grant 50 per cent glass tint has been overtly welcomed by different corners of the society and it should be a heyday for car accessories shops that provide this service. However, the limited stock of the same grade of film will keep many car owners waiting," Mohammed Jamsheed TK, MD of Car Bayt accessories in Al Amerat said.
The Royal Oman Police (ROP) announced that motorists may now apply window tinting of up to 50 per cent on their vehicles, raising the previous limit of 30 per cent, as part of efforts to facilitate services for motorists while maintaining road safety standards. The ROP also stated that vehicles fitted with factory-installed tinted side windows are permitted, provided the glass maintains a minimum light transmission of 30 per cent.
“We have many customers approaching us for the 50 per cent tint. But the issue is that, since the same was not permitted in Oman till recently, we roughly kept the stock of it whereas huge stocks of the 30 per cent light passing has been in my collection. The same goes with many of my friends in the industry,” Ahmed al Balushi, owner of a car accessory shop in Wadi Kabir comments.
According to Jamsheed, car owners opt for better tinted car windows for many reasons, first, it helps you keep cool in the summer, secondly, provide some privacy even while parked, block UV rays, and provide an added layer of protection. “It can even protect your interior fabrics and materials from deteriorating. Having said, for some drivers, the simple looks matter while for others it is the harsh sunlight that passes through the window glass that bothers them.”
An average glass tint costs RO 5 and the maximum, depending upon the quality, durability and effectiveness, can go up to RO 1,000 and above. Leading brands in use include 3M, VKOOL, Johnson and Kool Car. The prices of different sun cooling stickers vary on grounds of They vary primarily based on the film's material technology, intended vehicle coverage, brand prestige, and durability or re-usability. They are all sourced from neighbouring countries or from China and with the cargo movement being affected, the sun cooling materials too had to pay the price.
“The main feature of tint that makes it stand out from the rest is the material and heat rejection technology, such as basic dyed or static-cling PVC films, which is common for side window sunshades and are the most affordable. Premium options use nano-ceramic or carbon particles, which offer superior IR heat rejection and UV blockage but cost significantly more,” said Jamsheed.
Oman didn’t allow motorists to use tint above 30 per cent in the past in view of the safety of passengers and security in a broader sense. Sun-cooling beyond the prescribed limit can pose a security problem and is an offence which invites them to be fined. While tinting a car, attention should be paid to safety, not vanity.
“Tinting beyond the limit is one of the reasons for many accidents. It is because the driver’s vision is hampered by excessive darkness, leading to less control over the vehicle,” the ROP has said in an earlier statement. Studies have revealed the view through the rear mirror too is affected because of the use of sun films.
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