Curtains on bus windows: what does the law say in?

The issue of using curtains on bus windows regularly causes controversy among drivers, carriers and passengers. On the one hand, they protect from the sun, create comfort and privacy, especially on intercity flights. On the other hand, they can limit the visibility of the driver and passengers, which is critical in the event of an emergency. Let's figure out what the current legislation says in 2026, what standards regulate this issue and what safety risks curtains pose.

It is important to understand that the rules differ for different types of buses: urban, suburban, intercity and tourist. For example, in minibuses and municipal transport, curtains are almost always prohibited, while in comfortable airliners they may be allowed - but with strict restrictions. Manufacturing materials (light transmission), mounting method and even color schemes also play a role.

In this article you will find current excerpts from Traffic rules of the Russian Federation, GOST R 51160-98 (about bus safety), as well as explanations Rostransnadzor and judicial practice on fines. We will analyze when the curtains are strictly prohibited, and in what cases their use is allowed - and how to coordinate this with traffic police inspectors.

Legislative framework: what do traffic rules and GOST say?

The main document regulating the use of curtains is GOST R 51160-98 "Buses for the transport of passengers. General technical requirements". It clearly defines the standards for glazing and additional elements on windows:

• 📜 Clause 5.2.12: Any structures that reduce the driver’s visibility through the windshield and front side windows are prohibited.
• 🚫 Clause 5.2.13: Curtains are permitted on side and rear windows, but they must not reduce light transmission below 70% (for daytime).
• ⚠️ Clause 7.3.5: At night (from 23:00 to 7:00) curtains with light transmission from 50%, but only if the interior lighting is working.

In addition, Traffic rules of the Russian Federation (clause 2.3.1) obliges the driver to provide visibility from the driving position. This means that even if curtains are formally permitted, a traffic police inspector may classify them as an obstruction to visibility - and issue a fine according to Part 1 Art. 12.5 Code of Administrative Offenses (500 rubles).

Important: Rostransnadzor in his letter from 04/12/2023 No. IA-03/1489 explained that the curtains on the windows passenger buses of categories M2 and M3 (more than 8 places) are considered additional equipment, and their installation must be agreed with the vehicle manufacturer. Otherwise, this is regarded as making changes to the design - and this is already a violation Technical Regulations of the Customs Union 018/2011.

Which curtains are allowed and which are not?

Not all curtains are created equal (or legal). Let's figure out which options are allowed and which are guaranteed to lead to a fine.

Curtain type	Material	Light transmission	Allowed?	Notes
Fabric rolls	Polyester, cotton	75-85%	✅ Yes	Only on side and rear windows, without metal elements
Plastic blinds	PVC, acrylic	60-70%	⚠️ Conditional	Allowed on intercity buses upon certification
Tint film	Metallized	30-50%	❌ No	Prohibited on all windows except the rear (for M1)
Curtains with magnets	Fabric + magnets	80%	❌ No	Magnets distort the operation of navigation and tachographs
Electric blinds	Aluminum, fiberglass	50-60%	⚠️ Conditional	Requires a certificate and approval from the traffic police

Particular attention should be paid curtain color. According to GOST R 50577-93, the following are prohibited on passenger buses:

• 🔴 Reds and orange shades (associated with emergency signals).
• ⚫ Black curtains with less light transmission 50%.
• 🟣 Fluorescent or reflective materials (may blind other drivers).

Fines for curtains: who pays and how much?

The punishment for improper use of curtains depends on who the offender is - driver, carrier or bus owner. Let's figure out who is responsible for what.

⚠️ Attention: If the curtains are installed without the approval of the traffic police (as a change in design), the inspector has the right remove license plates until the violation is eliminated (Part 1 of Article 27.13 of the Administrative Code).

• 🚗 Driver:
  • Fine 500 rub. by Part 1 Art. 12.5 Code of Administrative Offenses (impaired visibility).
  • Fine 1,000 rub. by Part 1 Art. 12.4 Code of Administrative Offensesif the curtains cover the rear view mirrors.
• 🚌 Carrier (legal entity):
  • Fine 20,000–50,000 rub. by Part 4 Art. 12.31.1 Code of Administrative Offenses, if the curtains are not certified.
  • Suspension of activities until 90 days upon repeated violation.
• 📝 Bus owner (if not a carrier):
  • Fine 5,000 rub. by Part 1 Art. 12.3 Code of Administrative Offenses for unapproved design changes.

Judicial practice shows that most often fines are issued according to Part 1 Art. 12.5 Code of Administrative Offenses (“Driving a vehicle in violation of the conditions ensuring visibility”). For example, in 2023 Sverdlovsk region intercity bus driver was fined 1,000 rub. because the curtains on the front side windows blocked the view through the mirrors. And in Moscow region the carrier was fined 30,000 rub. for tint film on school bus windows.

Exceptions: when are curtains allowed?

Despite strict requirements, there are cases when curtains on bus windows allowed - but with reservations. Let's look at the main exceptions.

1. International flights (outside the Russian Federation):

   If the bus follows a route abroad (for example, to Europe or Asia), the rules of the destination country apply. For example, in Germany and France Curtains allowing light transmission from 50%, but they should be easy to remove in case of an emergency.

2. Special transport (medical, VIP transportation):

   On buses ambulance or government motorcades Curtains with tinting up to 30%, but only with special permission from the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

3. Night flights (from 23:00 to 7:00):

   In this case, curtains with light transmission from 50%, but provided that:

   • ✅ Emergency lighting is available in the salon.
   • ✅ Curtains do not cover the driver's windows and front door.
   • ✅ There is a "Night mode" sign on the windshield.

Also worth mentioning luxury tourist buses (for example, Neoplan Tourliner or Setra S 517 HDH). There are concessions for them: curtains that allow light to pass through from 60%, but only if the bus is equipped with a video surveillance system and emergency exits on the roof.

What happens if there is an accident on a bus with curtains?

If the traffic police inspector determines that the curtains worsened the view and contributed to the accident, the blame will fall entirely on the driver and the carrier. The insurance company may refuse to pay under compulsory motor liability insurance, citing a violation of clause 2.3.1 of the traffic rules (“Lack of visibility”).

How to legalize curtains: step-by-step instructions

If you still want to install curtains on bus windows without breaking the law, follow this algorithm:

1. Check light transmission:

   Use taumeter (device for measuring light transmittance). Standard for daytime curtains: ≥70%, for night - ≥50%.

2. Get a certificate:

   Contact an accredited certification authority (for example, "Rostest" or "Sercons") to check the curtains for compliance GOST R 51160-98.

3. Agree with the traffic police:

   If the curtains are attached with glue or bolts (i.e. they change the design), submit an application to the traffic police in the form 3a (to make changes).

4. Install signs:

   Post inside the cabin information about the rules for using curtains (for example: “Blinds must be open when driving in tunnels”).

5. Update the documents:

   Enter the entry for the curtains in vehicle registration card and diagnostic card (if the bus is older than 5 years).

Average cost of legalizing curtains:

• 💰 Certification: 15,000–25,000 rub.
• 📄 Coordination with the traffic police: 3,000–5,000 rub.
• 🔧 Installation (if installation is required): 10,000–40,000 rub. (depending on the type of bus).
💡

Even if the curtains are certified, the traffic police inspector may require them to be removed if he considers that they impair visibility. Always keep a copy of the certificate with you!

Alternatives to curtains: what is allowed without restrictions?

If you don't want to risk fines, consider legal alternatives:

• ☀️ Sun visors:

  Installed on the windshield and driver's side windows. Allowed without restrictions, unless closed more 1/3 window.

• 🪟 Tint film (rear windows only):

  For bus category M2 and M3 Rear window tinting is allowed up to 30% light transmission (by GOST 32565-2013).

• 🌡️ Climate control:

  Installation of air conditioners (for example, Thermoking or Webasto) solves the problem of interior overheating without compromising visibility.

• 🧴 Anti-glare coatings:

  Special liquids (for example, "Anti-Glare") are applied to glass and reduce glare without changing light transmission.

For intercity buses, a good solution would be removable mesh curtains (for example, "Mesh Curtains"). They miss up 85% light, do not impair visibility and are easily removed during traffic police inspections.

Frequently asked questions and myths about curtains on buses

Let's look at the most common misconceptions and questions that drivers and carriers have.

❓ Can curtains be used on a school bus?

❌ No. According to Order of the Ministry of Transport No. 178 of 2013, any structures that restrict visibility or access to emergency exits are prohibited on buses for transporting children. Fine for the carrier - up to 100,000 rub..

❓ Are curtains allowed in restaurant buses or mobile hotels?

⚠️ Conditional. If the bus is not used to transport passengers (for example, it is parked as a cafe), curtains are allowed. But when driving on public roads, general rules apply.

❓ Is it true that curtains are only prohibited on the front windows?

❌ No. The ban applies to all windowsif they impair the visibility of the driver or passengers. For example, curtains on the rear windows may interfere with vision through the interior mirror.

❓ Is it possible to challenge a fine for curtains?

✅ Yes, if:

• Do you have a certificate for curtains?
• Light transmission is normal (checked with a taumeter).
• The curtains do not block the driver's view (there is photo/video evidence).

It is necessary to dispute through district court or traffic police within 10 days from the moment of the fine.

❓ Which curtains are the safest?
🔹 The best option is fabric roller blinds with light transmission 75-80%, certified according to GOST R 51160-98. For example:
• "Velcro Curtains" (Velcro fastening, easy to remove).
• "Roller Blinds" (roll, with locks on the windows).

Conclusions: is it worth the risk?

To summarize, we can say the following:

• ✅ Curtains allowed in intercity and tourist buses, if they are certified and do not impair visibility.
• ❌ B urban transport and school bus curtains prohibited no exceptions.
• ⚠️ Even legal curtains can be a reason for a fine if the inspector considers that they interfere with the view.
• 💡 The best alternative is sun visors or climate control.

If you are a carrier or bus owner, before installing the curtains, be sure to:

1. Check them for compliance GOST R 51160-98.
2. Coordinate with the traffic police (if design changes are required).
3. Train drivers on how to use curtains (for example, opening them in tunnels).

Remember: in the event of an accident, the presence of uncertified curtains may be considered an aggravating circumstance, and the insurance company will refuse to pay. Be careful!