Can Your Sunstrip Cause an MOT Failure?

Summer often brings out our desire to personalise our vehicles, and one common accessory that gains popularity during the brighter months is the windscreen sunstrip. These seemingly innocuous additions can offer a touch of style and practical glare reduction. However, what many drivers don't realise is that this simple modification could potentially lead to a significant headache: an MOT failure. A mechanic recently highlighted this very issue, labelling sunstrips as an 'absolute hornet's nest of problems'. So, before you commit to that stylish strip, let's delve into the intricacies of UK regulations to understand why this accessory can be such a contentious point during your annual vehicle inspection.

The core of the issue revolves around visibility and adherence to stringent UK MOT regulations concerning the driver's forward view. The windscreen is a critical safety component, and anything that significantly obstructs the driver's vision of the road ahead, or to the sides, is a serious concern. While a sunstrip's primary purpose is to reduce sun glare, its placement and characteristics are under strict scrutiny, not just by MOT testers, but also by police forces across the country.

The Swept Area Dilemma: A Fine Line for Visibility

One of the most critical aspects to consider when fitting a sunstrip is its encroachment into the windscreen's swept area. This is the section of the windscreen that your wipers clear when in operation, and it's considered the primary field of view for the driver. According to a mechanic's warning, if a sunstrip extends more than 10mm into this swept area, it could be deemed unsuitable by the police. While this specific 10mm rule isn't explicitly detailed in the MOT guidelines as a pass/fail criterion, it represents the police's stance on what constitutes an unacceptable obstruction. The rationale is clear: the sunstrip must not interfere with the wipers' ability to maintain clear visibility, especially during adverse weather conditions. If your wipers struggle to clear a section of the screen due to a sunstrip, it compromises safety significantly.

For MOT purposes, the assessment is slightly more subjective yet equally critical. Testers must evaluate whether the sunstrip 'physically affects the driver's view of the road'. This is where the 'grey area' often comes into play. What one person considers a minor obstruction, another might deem a serious safety hazard. The key is that the sunstrip must not significantly hinder the driver's view looking forward or to either side outside the windscreen's swept area. This means the primary focus of the tester is on whether the driver can clearly see the road, traffic, pedestrians, and road signs without undue obstruction from the sunstrip itself.

Prohibited Finishes: More Than Just an Obstruction

Beyond the physical placement, the material and finish of your sunstrip are equally important, if not more so. UK MOT rules are unequivocally clear: sunstrips possessing a mirrored or reflective finish are strictly prohibited. This prohibition isn't about aesthetics; it's a vital safety measure for all road users. Reflective surfaces, especially on windscreens, can cause severe glare for other drivers, particularly during sunny conditions or at night when headlights bounce off them. This glare can temporarily blind or disorient oncoming motorists, leading to dangerous situations and increasing the risk of accidents. Such finishes create significant visibility problems not just for the driver of the vehicle with the sunstrip, but for everyone else on the road. Therefore, opting for a non-reflective, matte, or translucent finish is not just advisable, but a mandatory requirement for MOT compliance.

Installation Matters: Secure, Bubble-Free, and Safe

Even if your sunstrip's size and finish are compliant, a poor installation can still lead to an MOT failure or, worse, a dangerous situation on the road. The sunstrip must be properly and securely fitted to avoid peeling, bubbling, or detachment while the vehicle is in motion. A sunstrip that is peeling at the edges, has air bubbles trapped underneath, or is coming loose can become a significant distraction for the driver. Furthermore, if it detaches at speed, it could become a projectile, posing a hazard to other road users. An MOT tester will inspect the integrity of the sunstrip's fitment. Any signs of poor adhesion, damage, or potential for detachment will likely result in a fail, as it compromises the driver's view and overall safety.

Understanding the MOT Tester's Perspective

When your vehicle goes in for its MOT, the tester is following specific guidelines laid out in the MOT inspection manual. While the 10mm rule for police enforcement is a guideline for them, the MOT tester's primary concern regarding sunstrips falls under 'Obstruction of Driver’s View'. They will be looking for:

• Extent of Obstruction: Does the sunstrip significantly impede the driver's view of the road, traffic, and road signs?
• Location: Is it within the primary wiped area (the 'swept area') to an extent that it compromises safety?
• Material/Finish: Is it reflective or mirrored? This is an instant fail.
• Condition: Is it securely fitted? Are there any bubbles, tears, or peeling that could obscure vision or detach?

It's crucial to remember that the MOT is a snapshot in time. What might pass one day could fail the next if the sunstrip deteriorates or if the tester has a different interpretation of 'significant obstruction' within the grey area. It's always better to err on the side of caution.

Comparative Table: Compliant vs. Non-Compliant Sunstrips

Beyond Sunstrips: Other Windscreen Obstructions to Watch Out For

While sunstrips are a common culprit, it's worth noting that any item affixed to your windscreen can potentially cause an MOT failure if it obstructs the driver's view. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Sat-Navs: Must be placed in a position that doesn't impede vision.
• Phone Holders: Similar to sat-navs, their placement is key.
• Dash Cams: Ensure they are mounted high up or low down, outside the critical viewing area.
• Air Fresheners/Decorations: Dangling items can be a distraction and an obstruction.
• Stickers/Decals: Any sticker, even a small one, if placed in the swept area, could be an issue.
• Cracks and Chips: Damage to the windscreen itself, especially within the swept area, can also lead to an MOT failure.

The general rule of thumb is to keep the primary viewing area of your windscreen as clear as possible. If in doubt, remove it before your MOT.

Practical Advice for Drivers

• Measure Carefully: If you are installing a sunstrip yourself, measure its depth to ensure it doesn't encroach more than a few millimetres into the swept area. Remember, less is more when it comes to the swept area.
• Choose Wisely: Always opt for a sunstrip with a matte or non-reflective finish. Avoid anything that looks like it could cause glare.
• Professional Installation: If you're unsure about fitting it yourself, consider having it professionally installed to ensure it's secure and bubble-free.
• Regular Inspection: Periodically check your sunstrip for any signs of peeling, bubbling, or damage. Address these issues promptly.
• When in Doubt, Remove It: If you're approaching your MOT and have any concerns about your sunstrip's compliance, it's safer to remove it temporarily. You can always reapply a compliant one later.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What exactly is the 'swept area' of the windscreen?
A1: The swept area refers to the section of your windscreen that is cleared by your windscreen wipers when they are operating. This is considered the primary field of view for the driver and is subject to strict visibility rules.

Q2: Can I put any type of sunstrip on my car?
A2: No. Sunstrips with mirrored or highly reflective finishes are strictly prohibited under UK MOT rules due to the glare they can cause for other drivers. You should opt for non-reflective, matte, or opaque finishes.

Q3: Is the 10mm rule for sunstrips an MOT regulation?
A3: While the 10mm rule into the swept area is primarily a guideline for police enforcement regarding suitability, MOT testers will assess whether the sunstrip 'physically affects the driver's view of the road'. If it encroaches significantly and obstructs vision, it will fail the MOT regardless of the specific 10mm police guideline.

Q4: What if my sunstrip is bubbling or peeling?
A4: A bubbling or peeling sunstrip is a significant concern. It can obscure your vision, be a distraction, and potentially detach while driving, becoming a hazard. Such a sunstrip would likely cause an MOT failure due to poor condition and obstruction of view.

Q5: Are tinted windscreens allowed in the UK?
A5: The windscreen must allow at least 75% of light through. Most factory windscreens already meet this, but additional tinting is generally not permitted on the main windscreen area. Any tinting must be outside the swept area and not reduce light transmission below the legal limit. This is a separate, but related, visibility rule.

Q6: Can a small sticker on my windscreen cause an MOT failure?
A6: Yes, even small stickers can cause a failure if they are placed within the driver's primary field of view (the swept area) and are deemed to significantly obstruct vision. It's best to keep this area clear of any non-essential items.

Conclusion

While a sunstrip can be a practical and stylish addition to your car, it's crucial to understand the regulations surrounding its use in the UK. The blend of specific prohibitions on reflective materials, the subjective assessment of obstruction, and the critical importance of the swept area means that careful consideration is paramount. Always prioritise safety and compliance over aesthetics. By choosing the right type of sunstrip, ensuring proper installation, and being mindful of its position, you can avoid the 'hornet's nest of problems' and ensure your vehicle passes its MOT with flying colours, keeping you and other road users safe on the Great British roads.

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