In the digital age, social networks have become a fundamental communication channel to launch a message with the aim of reaching a wide and diverse audience. For this reason, official organizations, such as the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT), take advantage of these platforms as effective tools to inform, educate and promote road safety among citizens.
Periodically, the organization directed by Pere Navarro publishes on its X profile (formerly Twitter) a small test to evaluate drivers' knowledge of road safety issues and traffic regulations. As if it were a question on the theoretical exam to obtain a driver's license, the statement of the question allows for several answers. In the case of the DGT tests, there are three options and only one is correct.
In one of the latest tests published by the DGT, a passionate debate was generated among drivers due to the diversity of responses that the question raised. Unlike other questions previously raised by Traffic, a consultation on the legality or otherwise of driving with sun blinds on the rear windows generated a wide range of opinions and divergent points of view.
Specifically, the question asked by Traffic is the following: “Can a car with sun blinds on the rear windows circulate?” The three options proposed to answer the question are the following: A) no; B) yes, always; and C) only when the vehicle has two exterior rearview mirrors.
The variety of responses provided by drivers reflects the confusion and lack of knowledge surrounding this specific regulation.
Although many users opted for the first two options, the correct answer is C. This is because, as with tinted windows, the use of any element that obstructs the view into the vehicle interior must be be accompanied by exterior mirrors.
This measure is implemented to avoid possible blind spots inside the car caused by the presence of elements on the rear windows that hinder visibility.
Article 19 of the General Traffic Regulations states that the glass surfaces of the vehicle must allow “the driver's clear visibility over the entire road on which he or she circulates, without interference from films or adhesives.” However, it points out that it is permitted to drive with adhesive sheets or sun blinds on the rear windows "when the vehicle has two exterior rear-view mirrors that meet the necessary technical specifications."
Although we are used to seeing that the majority of cars that circulate on the streets and highways of our country are equipped with two exterior mirrors, the left and the right, the latter is not mandatory according to current regulations. According to article 11 of the General Vehicle Regulations, cars with up to 9 seats must have the left and central exterior mirrors, but not the right one.
The right mirror is optional. However, it is advisable to have greater visibility of the surroundings, and this is the reason why practically all cars are already equipped from the factory with two exterior mirrors.
The right-hand mirror is only mandatory if the central one is disabled or if the vehicle has a trailer or is a caravan. In these cases, the use of both exterior mirrors is mandatory, and if the trailer or caravan reduces the driver's vision, it is mandatory to use magnifying mirrors.
