Alyssa Lane
Sunstrips, also known as windshield sunstrips, are strips of tinted or coloured film that are applied to the top of a vehicle's windshield to reduce glare from the sun. While sunstrips can enhance visibility for drivers by reducing sunlight glare, there are concerns about how they might affect insurance claims in the event of an accident. This is because sunstrips could potentially obstruct the driver's field of view, depending on their depth and placement, which could be deemed a contributing factor in an accident. As a result, it is important for vehicle owners to be aware of the regulations and guidelines regarding sunstrips to ensure compliance with MOT rules and avoid potential issues with insurance claims.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sunstrips and insurance | Sunstrips do not affect insurance unless they interfere with the driver's visibility and cause an accident. |
| Sunstrip regulations | Sunstrips should not be within the driver's field of view or significantly affect their view in front or to the sides outside the swept area of the windscreen. |
| UK MOT rules | Sunstrips with a reflective or mirrored finish are prohibited. Sunstrips should extend beyond 10mm of the swept area of the windscreen wipers. |
| PolyWard sunstrips | All PolyWard sunstrips are designed to be compliant with the visibility requirements of the MOT and the "10mm rule" of the police. |
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What You'll Learn
Sunstrips and insurance payouts
Sunstrips are a common addition to vehicles, particularly in the UK, where the sun can be particularly low in the sky during certain times of the year. A sunstrip is a tinted or solid-coloured strip that is placed on the top of a windshield to reduce glare from the sun. While sunstrips can be useful in reducing glare, they can also impact insurance payouts in the event of an accident.
In the UK, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has specific regulations and guidelines for sunstrips to ensure road safety and prevent hazards caused by obstructed windscreen views. According to UK MOT regulations, a sunstrip should not be within the driver's field of view and should not significantly affect their view in front or to the sides outside the "swept area" of the windscreen. The "swept area" refers to the area covered by the windshield wipers, and sunstrips should extend beyond 10mm of this area to avoid interfering with the wipers' functioning.
While some forum users have mentioned that the police may not always enforce sunstrip regulations unless there are other issues with a vehicle, there are still potential consequences for non-compliance with MOT rules. Failing to meet the necessary regulations can result in an MOT test failure, and more importantly, it can impact insurance payouts in the event of an accident.
In one case mentioned in a forum, an insurance assessor denied a payout due to the depth of a sunstrip after an accident at a junction. This indicates that insurance companies may take into account the impact of sunstrips on a driver's field of view when assessing liability for an accident. Therefore, it is crucial for vehicle owners to understand and comply with the MOT rules regarding sunstrips to avoid potential issues with insurance payouts.
To summarise, while sunstrips can be beneficial in reducing sun glare, they must comply with visibility regulations to avoid failing an MOT test and potentially impacting insurance payouts. Vehicle owners should refer to the official MOT inspection manual to ensure their sunstrips meet the necessary requirements and minimise any risks associated with obstructed views.
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Sunstrip regulations in the UK
In the UK, strict regulations govern the size, placement, and materials of sunstrips. A sunstrip that obstructs too much of the windscreen can result in an MOT failure or fines, making it essential to understand the legal limits before installation.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has specific regulations and guidelines in place to ensure road safety and prevent potential hazards caused by windscreen view obstructions. According to UK road laws, any modifications to a vehicle's windscreen must not obstruct the driver's view of the road. The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 specify that a driver must have a clear and unobstructed view through the swept area of the windscreen—the section covered by the wipers.
During an MOT test, the windscreen is divided into different zones:
- Zone A: The area directly in front of the driver, 290mm wide, centred on the steering. Within this zone, nothing more than 10mm into the swept area is allowed.
- Outside Zone A: More than 40mm into the swept area is allowed.
To stay within UK legal limits, sunstrips must be correctly positioned and sized. The law does not specify an exact maximum height for sunstrips, but they must not extend into the driver's critical line of sight. The general guideline is that a sunstrip should remain within the upper tinted band of the windscreen, which is typically around 150mm (6 inches) from the top edge. Anything extending lower may be deemed an obstruction under MOT rules.
UK MOT rules prohibit sunstrips with a reflective or mirrored finish. Such finishes can cause glare for other drivers and create visibility issues, especially during nighttime driving.
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Sunstrip visibility requirements
Sunstrips, also known as windshield sun strips or windscreen visors, are narrow strips of tinted or opaque vinyl film that are applied to the top portion of a vehicle's windshield. They are designed to reduce glare from the sun and add a personal touch to the car.
When installing sunstrips, it is important to adhere to the specific regulations and guidelines to ensure compliance with MOT tests and maintain road safety. Here are the key visibility requirements for sunstrip installation:
Placement:
The sunstrip should be placed at least 10mm higher than the swept area of the windscreen wipers. This ensures that the sunstrip does not interfere with the proper functioning of the wipers, maintaining clear visibility during adverse weather conditions.
Tint and Darkness:
The tint and darkness of the sunstrip can vary depending on the location and local regulations. In some places, there may be specific laws governing the maximum allowed darkness or tint percentage for sunstrips. For example, in New York, the tint along the top of the windshield should not be darker than 70%.
Depth:
The depth of the sunstrip is also important. While specific measurements may vary, it is generally recommended to avoid having the sunstrip enter the zone where the wipers sweep. If the sunstrip obstructs the wiper's path, it could be considered illegal and may affect the view of the driver.
Overall Visibility:
The key consideration is to ensure that the sunstrip does not severely affect the driver's view. The regulations around visibility and obstruction take precedence, and MOT testers will not pass a vehicle if the sunstrip significantly obstructs the driver's field of vision.
By following these visibility requirements and staying updated with any changes in regulations, vehicle owners can ensure their sunstrips comply with MOT standards and contribute to safer roads.
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Reflective or mirrored sunstrips
Sunstrips are narrow strips of tinted or transparent material applied to the top of a vehicle's windshield. They are popular among drivers who want to add a sporty look to their vehicles and enhance their functionality. While sunstrips are well-known for their aesthetic appeal, they also offer several practical benefits.
One of the key advantages of sunstrips is their ability to reduce glare from the sun, especially during early mornings and late afternoons when the sun is low in the horizon. By reducing glare, sunstrips improve visibility, making driving safer and more comfortable for the driver. This feature is particularly useful during daytime races in the world of motorsports, where sunstrips originated.
Another important benefit of sunstrips is their UV protection capabilities. They act as a barrier against UV rays, reducing their damaging effects on the vehicle's interior. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause fading, cracking, and deterioration of interior surfaces. Sunstrips help extend the lifespan of these components by minimising UV exposure.
Reflective sunstrips are a specific type of sunstrip designed to effectively reduce heat and glare. They are often made with special reflective materials, such as reflective aluminium or silver surfaces, that help keep the vehicle's interior cooler. This makes reflective sunstrips ideal for hot climates or long drives in sunny conditions. The reflective layer in these sunstrips aims to reflect the maximum amount of solar energy incident upon it, similar to solar mirrors used for terrestrial energy systems and cooling applications.
While the use of sunstrips can provide functional and aesthetic benefits to vehicles, it is unclear whether they have a direct impact on insurance. The information retrieved from the initial search did not explicitly mention any effects of sunstrips on insurance policies or rates. However, it is always advisable to consult with insurance providers to understand any potential implications or considerations related to vehicle modifications, including the installation of sunstrips.
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Solid colour vs tinted sunstrips
Sunstrips are narrow strips of tinted or transparent material that are applied to the top of a vehicle's windshield. They are designed to reduce glare from the sun and add a personal touch to the car. Solid sunstrips are typically made of a solid-coloured vinyl material, while tinted sunstrips are made of tinted vinyl that allows for visibility through the windshield.
Solid sunstrips offer a bold and customized design, enhancing the overall look of the vehicle and setting it apart from others on the road. They are available in various colours and shades, allowing drivers to choose a colour that complements their vehicle's exterior or interior. Solid sunstrips are popular for their ability to reduce glare and heat, making driving more comfortable, especially in sunny conditions.
Tinted sunstrips, on the other hand, provide similar glare and heat reduction benefits as solid sunstrips but without obstructing the driver's view. They are ideal for drivers who want sun protection without compromising visibility or aesthetics. Tinted sunstrips offer a more subtle and understated look, providing a simple yet functional addition to the vehicle.
When it comes to MOT regulations in the UK, it is important to ensure that the sunstrip does not obstruct the driver's field of view or significantly affect their view in front or to the sides outside the swept area of the windscreen. While solid colour sunstrips may offer a bolder design, as long as they comply with the visibility requirements, they are acceptable under MOT regulations. Tinted sunstrips may provide slightly better visibility, especially if the tint is lighter, but the crucial factor is ensuring that the driver's view is not obstructed.
In conclusion, both solid colour and tinted sunstrips offer unique advantages. Solid colour sunstrips provide a bolder and more customized design, allowing for better expression of personal style. Tinted sunstrips offer a more subtle and understated look while still providing glare and heat reduction benefits. Ultimately, the choice between solid colour and tinted sunstrips depends on personal preference, the desired level of customization, and compliance with local regulations.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, sunstrips are legal in the UK as long as they follow the regulations around visibility and obstruction and do not severely affect the view of the driver.
According to UK MOT regulations, the sunstrip should not be within the driver's field of view and not significantly affect their view in front or to the sides outside the swept area of the windscreen. UK MOT rules also prohibit sunstrips with a reflective or mirrored finish.
Yes, in some cases, insurers may refuse an insurance payout due to the presence of a sunstrip. It is important to check with your insurance provider to understand their specific policies and requirements regarding sunstrips.
