\n Classic reflective sunshades like this are legal and effective for keeping your car cool\u2014just remember to remove them before driving.
\nCredit : New Africa, Shutterstock <\/p>\n
Summer in Spain can turn any parked car into a furnace. It\u2019s no wonder so many drivers reach for every possible trick to keep the heat at bay, from propping open a window to the classic foldable sunshade across the windscreen.<\/strong><\/p>\n But before you invest in that slick new roll-up blind, there\u2019s something you should know: using the wrong type of sunshade could now land you with a \u20ac200 fine, thanks to the latest reminder from the DGT<\/a> (Spain\u2019s Directorate-General for Traffic).<\/p>\n What sunshades can actually get you fined?<\/p>\n Let\u2019s clear one thing up first. The traditional reflective sunshade\u2014the one you pop up behind your windscreen while your car is parked and whip out before driving off\u2014is perfectly legal. These are designed to keep your dashboard from baking and your seats from turning into hotplates, and nobody\u2019s going to fine you for using them. In fact, they\u2019re a staple for Spanish summers.<\/p>\n Most Read on Euro Weekly News<\/p>\n The trouble starts with the new breed of roll-up or \u2018blind-style\u2019 sunshades. These are designed to stay permanently fixed to the inside of your windscreen, often with rails or adhesive brackets. They might seem more convenient\u2014no more folding and unfolding every time you stop\u2014but that convenience comes at a cost. According to the DGT, any sunshade that remains attached to your windscreen while you\u2019re driving, even if it\u2019s rolled up and out of sight, can block your vision or create dangerous blind spots.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s the key: anything that reduces the driver\u2019s field of view, even by a tiny amount, is technically a violation of Spain\u2019s traffic regulations. And, yes, that includes sunshade mounts, rails or supports\u2014no matter how small or subtle. If a traffic officer spots a permanent blind on your windscreen (even rolled up!), you\u2019re at risk of a \u20ac200 fine. No points off your licence, but that\u2019s a pricey penalty for trying to stay cool.<\/p>\n Rear windows: The rules are different<\/p>\n What about sunshades or blinds on your rear windows? The DGT\u2019s rules are a bit more relaxed here, especially if your car has two functioning side mirrors. You\u2019re allowed to use blinds, curtains or sunshades in the back, provided they don\u2019t completely block your rear view or hang down loose. They should be fitted properly\u2014no flapping fabric or broken mounts\u2014and your mirrors must give you a clear view behind at all times.<\/p>\n The bottom line? When it comes to the front windscreen, less is more. Keep it clear and stick to sunshades that come off completely before you start the engine.<\/p>\n How to keep your car cool legally<\/p>\n