Car sun strips are a popular modification for drivers. They serve both practical and aesthetic purposes, making them a popular choice across different types of drivers.
One of the main reasons drivers install sun strips is to cut down on glare from the sun, especially during early morning and late afternoon drives. A well-placed sun strip can help improve visibility by blocking excessive sunlight without compromising the driver’s view of the road.
Car enthusiasts would also use sun strips as a way to personalise their vehicles. Whether it’s a simple tinted band or a customised design featuring branding, logos, or slogans, a sun strip can enhance a car’s overall look.
However, in competitive racing, sun strips are commonly used to display driver names, race numbers, or sponsor logos. Many racing organisations require them for identification purposes, making compliance with size and placement rules essential for motorsport competition.
But for small business owners who use company vehicles, a sun strip offers a visible and cost-effective way to promote their brand. Custom decals with a company name or website can help increase brand awareness while maintaining a professional look.
However, in the UK, strict regulations govern their size, placement, and materials. A sun strip 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.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about UK sun strip laws, are sun strips legal, and ensuring your modification stays compliant.
Legal Requirements for Sun Strips
Before installing a sun strip, it’s important to understand how UK regulations define windscreen obstructions and visibility standards.
UK Laws on Windscreen 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.
MOT Rules for Sun Strips
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 wheel. This must remain clear of significant obstructions.
Zone B: The remaining swept area, where minor obstructions are allowed but must not excessively affect visibility.
A sun strip that extends too far into Zone A can result in an MOT failure, especially if it covers more than 10mm of the driver's direct line of sight. In Zone B, obstructions over 40mm could also cause a failure.
Complying with these regulations ensures that your sun strip does not interfere with safe driving or vehicle inspections.
Permitted Size and Placement
To stay within UK legal limits, sun strips must be correctly positioned and sized.
Legal Height and Width Allowances
The law does not specify an exact maximum height for sun strips, but they must not extend into the driver’s critical line of sight. The general guideline is that a sun strip 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.
Placement Guidelines for Compliance
Top Tint Bands: Many modern cars already have a factory-fitted tinted band at the top of the windscreen. If a sun strip is installed within this band, it is more likely to be compliant.
Branding and Lettering: Motorsport and business-use sun strips often feature logos or text. These must not reduce visibility or exceed the allowable size limits in swept areas.
Curved Windscreens Consideration: On vehicles with curved windscreens, the sun strip may need to be shaped accordingly to avoid extending too far into the viewing area.
Measuring and positioning the sun strip carefully can help avoid legal issues while still achieving the desired look or functionality.
Visibility and Safety Regulations
A sun strip should enhance comfort without compromising road safety. UK laws ensure that any modifications do not obstruct a driver’s ability to see clearly.
How Sun Strips Affect Driver Visibility
A poorly placed sun strip can reduce visibility, especially in low-light conditions or when approaching traffic signals. The key concern is maintaining a clear forward view so the driver can safely react to road conditions.
Requirements for Allowing Sufficient Road View
To remain legal, a sun strip must:
Stay outside the primary field of vision – It should not interfere with a driver’s ability to see pedestrians, road signs, or other vehicles.
Avoid obstructing the wiper sweep area – If the strip extends too far downward, it could lead to MOT failure and fines.
Ensure visibility at different angles – Drivers of taller vehicles should be mindful that a deep sun strip may block their ability to see traffic lights.
By keeping within legal sun strip size limits and positioning the sun strip correctly, drivers can reduce glare without violating UK road laws.
Approved Materials and Tints
To ensure compliance with UK laws, sun strips must be made from legal materials and must not exceed tint restrictions.
Legal Tint Levels
UK window tint laws state that:
The front windscreen must let at least 75% of light through.
The front side windows must let at least 70% of light through.
A heavily tinted sun strip could be considered a modification that affects the driver’s vision, leading to penalties.
Recommended Materials for Compliance
Light or medium-tinted films
Perforated vinyl sun strips
Static cling sun strips
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failing to follow UK sun strip regulations can lead to MOT failures, fines, and enforcement actions.
MOT Failures and Fines
A sun strip that obstructs visibility can result in an MOT failure.
If deemed an obstruction by authorities, drivers could face a £50–£100 fine or be required to remove the strip on the spot.
Repeated offences may lead to penalty points on a driving licence.
How to Correct an Illegal Sun Strip
Measure and adjust
Replace with legal materials
Remove if necessary
To keep your sun strip within UK legal limits, it's important to follow the rules on size, placement, and materials. A properly fitted sun strip helps reduce glare while maintaining a clear view of the road. Ensuring it stays outside the critical visibility zones prevents MOT failures and avoids fines. Whether for style, branding, or comfort, staying within legal guidelines allows drivers to enjoy the benefits of a sun strip without compromising safety or compliance.