Road users in Malaysia can breathe a sigh of relief as removable sunshades on their private vehicles will not land them in trouble with enforcement officers anytime soon, as long as they are used responsibly.
The reassurance came from Transport Minister Anthony Loke following public concern over reports suggesting that the use of removable sunshades, curtains, and blinds on vehicle windows could be an offence under the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Certain Types of Glass) Rules 1991.
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Public concern and safety risks
The issue gained traction after the Road Transport Department (JPJ) reminded motorists that window coverings used while a vehicle is in motion may pose safety risks by restricting visibility and limiting a driver’s ability to observe surrounding traffic, pedestrians, and road conditions.
However, Loke has since clarified the government’s position, stressing that enforcement authorities are not targeting motorists who use sunshades responsibly.
While acknowledging that existing regulations contain provisions regarding such accessories, he said action is only warranted when visibility is compromised.
No directive for enforcement
“The ministry does not enforce the ruling against sunshades which do not obstruct the driver’s view, and the Transport Ministry has not instructed JPJ to enforce the ruling,” the Transport Minister was quoted as saying at a media briefing on Thursday (18 June).
He added that JPJ’s director-general has likewise not issued any directive for enforcement against the use of removable sunshades.
JPJ has, nevertheless, maintained that vehicle windows must continue to comply with visibility requirements under existing regulations. The department also reiterated that approved window tinting remains permissible as long as it falls within the prescribed limits.
“This is not to say that matters such as sunshades with regard to visibility are not important. However, they are not a priority compared to matters such as illegal racing, mat rempit, drunk driving, and reckless driving,” Loke said.
The clarification is likely to be welcomed by many Malaysians, for whom sunshades have become a practical necessity rather than a luxury. With temperatures regularly soaring under the tropical sun, motorists often rely on removable shades to keep vehicle cabins cooler and make journeys more comfortable.
What do you guys think of Loke’s clarification on the matter?
