Rating of the best car curtains for 2021

Is it possible to install Trokot curtains in 2021?

Yes. It is legal. But don’t confuse warm with soft! Everything is very simple - nowhere in the current legislation will you find a direct prohibition specifically on installing curtains, as well as any other items on car windows. At least board them up with plywood!

But here you need to understand that road safety legislation is so strict not because legislators simply wanted it (although it is possible that this is also why). A car is a source of increased danger, as it weighs a lot and is difficult to stop. So, all these requirements and restrictions to improve road safety are almost always concentrated on one important condition of the prohibitions - only when the vehicle is moving.

The same applies to curtains - there is no need to confuse the possibility of installing them on a car and the ability to drive a car with them.

③ Automatic curtain mounts

The next difference will be the fastenings of the car curtains. Compared to TROCOT, we use not one, but two types of fastening. And if we can say that the well-known magnets have almost no differences, then the second fastening of the EscO company is clips. This type of fastening differs in the following parameters. (we do not recommend installing magnetic mounts on all cars). Due to the design features of the window opening of some cars, installation on magnetic mounts will be incorrect and difficult in subsequent operation. Therefore, for these cars, we strongly recommend installation on clip-on holders.

Will there be a fine?

Yes, it will, if the curtains are installed on the front side windows (and if you suddenly decide to install it on the windshield). And it will be imposed specifically for driving a car with curtains installed on the windows - be it Trokot, Esko, Laitovo, Legaton or any other manufacturer. Its size is 500 rubles.

To be more precise, not just for driving, but for operating a vehicle under conditions in which this very operation is prohibited.

And the violation here is simple. The traffic rules have a special Appendix listing faults and conditions under which it is prohibited to drive a car. This document contains clause 7.3, which literally prescribes the following:

7.3. Additional objects have been installed or coatings have been applied that restrict visibility from the driver's seat.

But let’s figure out why manufacturers who claim that their curtains are fully permitted under traffic regulations and there should be no complaints from traffic police officers are, to put it mildly, lying!

You will also be interested in:

• In Russia, tinting has been completely banned, including rear windows - true or not?
• Is it legal to tint taillights?
• New traffic regulations: The traffic police have prepared amendments and fines - is this true or not? When do they take effect?

EscO

ESCO frame car curtains can be called the most popular in Russia. Largely due to the fact that they are sold in every auto store and are inexpensive.

We can safely call ESCO the most average curtains in all respects: price, quality, service.

But they have models for almost any car. You can even find screens for old VAZs - Chinese and European such models are in principle produced. On the other hand, each model is strictly tied to a specific series of cars and there is no way to “fit” them.

Advantages

1. Price. Slightly expensive Chinese "Skyway", but cheaper than domestic "TROKOT". On average, a set will cost 1,100 rubles.
2. Prevalence. There are huge quantities in every auto store. It's hard not to find the model you need.
3. Medium quality. For its price, this is an advantage. They protect from the sun quite well, without blocking the entire view, but are not equipped with UV filters.

Flaws

1. Dimensional inaccuracy. As was said, Esko produces its own screen size for each car. Due to conveyor production and cost reduction, the dimensions do not always fit perfectly.
2. Difficult installation. It follows directly from the previous shortcoming.
3. Significantly reduces visibility in bad weather. During rain or rain, curtains significantly impair visibility. In this case, it is better to remove them.

We analyze the current legislation

So, paragraph 7.3 of the List of Faults indicates that if visibility from the driver’s seat is limited by any objects, then operation of the vehicle is prohibited. At the same time, operation in this case implies using the car for its intended purpose - driving it.

And Part 1 of Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation punishes even specifically for driving in the presence of conditions or malfunctions from the above List.

Visibility from the driver’s seat in this case is provided by the front “hemisphere”: windshield and front side windows. Thus:

• Trokot curtains cannot be placed on the front hemisphere of windows,
• but it is not prohibited to install them on the rear side windows and the rearmost traffic rules.

Please note that there is a difference here from conventional film tinting, in which the rear hemisphere can only be tinted if both rear-view mirrors are present. This condition contains the Technical Regulations on the Safety of Wheeled Vehicles. Paragraph 4.3 of Appendix 8 states this directly. But we are still talking about film, and not about frames, so in our case only the front hemisphere works.

Some curtain manufacturers assure potential customers that their curtains supposedly undergo light transmittance measurements. But this does not matter in the legislation of 2021. Measurement is required in the case of films. And they are separated from “additional items” in the same paragraph 7.3 of the List, for example.

And the fine for filming is provided for under another norm of the Administrative Code - Part 3.1 of Article 12.5. There we are talking specifically about glass with insufficient light transmittance. In our case, frame curtains are not part of the glass, but objects that, as we cited above, are illegal.

Other manufacturers simply refer to the experience of communicating with traffic police inspectors of drivers with their curtains installed on their cars. For example, on Trokot’s official website they link to one of these videos:

Below, the very first in the list we have attached this video.

In this video, the traffic police inspector does not react at all to the installed Trokot curtains. Of course, the fact that the employees did not fulfill the duties assigned to them by law to ensure road safety means that the employee himself must be held accountable - at least disciplinary.

But Trokot does not limit visibility!

Meanwhile, one of the most popular arguments of a number of manufacturers of these items, as well as motorists, when trying to challenge the decisions of the traffic police lies somewhat differently. Namely, in the incorrect interpretation of the law.

The point is that the curtains supposedly do not limit visibility from the driver’s seat – at all. “An additional item that limits visibility” is, for example, a video recorder on the glass or a navigator, various kinds of souvenirs and fragrances on the instrument panel, which at least somewhat block the visibility area.

The curtains on the windows have the shape of a grid, so they do not block anything from the driver. That is, the main criterion for violating traffic rules here is the supposed opacity of these items. Even a roof support pillar can be caught by some car owners as a prohibited item. But not the curtains.

This argument has no right to life for one simple reason. When trying to appeal a fine for blinds on this basis, the person hearing the case or the judge can actually delve into the case and begin to figure out what constitutes visibility. There is no such definition in the traffic rules. And the courts in this case are looking for normative acts that are similar in gender, where it may be.

And they will find it in the Technical Regulations. According to this legal act, visibility is a property of the car’s design (glass in our case), which characterizes the objective possibility and conditions for the driver to perceive visual information about the road, which makes it possible to control the road for road safety purposes.

But what completely and completely blocks part of the visibility has its own definition in the same paragraph of the regulations, and is called the “blind area”.

Thus, objects that limit visibility from the driver’s seat do not necessarily have to be things that create a blind area. Trokot curtains are also such, since they violate the objective possibility of perceiving visual information. And if you take into account how they often dazzle the driver’s eyes, then they can be considered objectively dangerous for road traffic.

Which is better: Trokot or Laitovo

We will compare the two manufacturers according to nine criteria:

1. Materials and their quality
2. Model selection
3. Service
4. Delivery times and methods
5. Cost of goods
6. Payment Methods
7. Ease of ordering
8. Discounts, promotions, loyalty program
9. Product Warranty

When writing this article, we were guided by reviews from real owners on the Internet and our own observations.

Materials and their quality

Both “Laytovo” and “Trokot” use a durable metal frame and reliable fastenings. The difference can only be seen in the fabric. If we consider Premium options, then the mesh from the German manufacturer looks preferable. It provides better visibility from inside the car compared to its competitor.

Laitovo 1:0 Trokot

Model selection

The width of the model range for both manufacturers is comparable. There are even patterns for rare cars. Of course, there is a small error when the curtains do not fit, but such problems are resolved quickly. Let's assign one point each to Laitovo and Trokot.

Laitovo 2:1 Trokot

Managerial competence

On both sites we left a request to call back and waited for a call from the managers. Both companies contacted us within 10 minutes. The managers turned out to be competent. Even the most stupid questions were answered in detail.

We tried to write to the chat on the Laitovo website - we didn’t have to wait long for an answer. We didn’t find any chat on Trokot’s website.

There was a moment that really alarmed me. The manager of the Trokot company used a cunning move. We were interested in the front set of curtains on the Hyundai Creta. To which the manager said: “We have two options: Premium for 3900, and the Standard option for 2700. Premium is in stock, but Standard will need to be produced in two weeks.”

Thus, she persuaded us to purchase a more expensive option. Whether this is good or bad, decide for yourself. Sales are sales.

We also award companies one point for the competence of managers.

Laitovo 3:2 Trokot

Delivery times and methods

As for delivery times, manufacturers are not doing so well with this. Delivery times during the season can reach up to three weeks. Trokot receives more negativity about this, but we also cannot assign a score to Laitovo according to this criterion.

The good news is that you can choose the delivery method - courier or self-pickup. Delivery is mainly carried out by the transport company SDEK.

Cost of goods

The price of Laitovo’s products is slightly lower than that of Trokot. At the same time, the quality of the German brand is definitely no worse, if not better. We asked both companies for the cost of front side auto curtains for the 2021 Hyundai Creta.

Trokot: 3900 rub. — premium, 2700 rub. - standard

Laitovo: 3599 rub. — premium, 2190 rub. - standard

Points in favor of Laitovo.

Laitovo 4:2 Trokot

Payment Methods

Both companies have several payment methods: online, upon receipt in cash or by credit card. For legal entities, payment to the account is provided.

Those customers who pay for their order online on the Laitovo website will receive an additional 5% discount. Trokot does not offer discounts for online payments.

We give each company one point.

Laitovo 5:3 Trokot

Ease of ordering

The Laitovo website has an outdated, unattractive design. And, to be honest, it's off-putting. But this is a purely subjective point.

However, if you compare it with the website of the Trokot company, then this is simply heaven and earth. On the Trokot website, all information is presented in a convenient form. You don't have to work hard to find something.

On this point, Trokot is definitely better than Laitovo.

Laitovo 5:4 Trokot

Discounts, promotions, loyalty program

There is a separate page on the Laitovo website where all current promotions are posted. Trokot does not have such a page. The only discount on the Trokot website can be found on the banner on the main page.

Laitovo 6:4 Trokot

Product Warranty

Both manufacturers offer a three-year warranty on the product. However, judging by the reviews, the product does not last that long. The fabric stretches over time and fades in the sun.

Result: Laitovo 6:4 Trokot

At the beginning of the article, we promised to answer the question: Which is better - Trokot or Laitovo? We answer: if you look at two main parameters - price and quality, then “Lightovo” looks preferable. The quality of such curtains is better, and the price is lower.

In addition, the rubber frame, which Trokot managers praise so much, does not bend well. Because of this, gaps and cracks form in the corners of the window opening. Sunlight, dirt and insects will penetrate into these cracks (when driving with the windows open). And the appearance becomes much worse because of this. This is evidenced by numerous customer reviews on various platforms.

What is the fine?

500 rubles. The driver faces a fine under Part 1 of Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses for specifically violating the List of Conditions and Malfunctions. It can be paid with a 50% discount within 20 days from the date of the decision.

But a fine under Part 3.1 of the same article as for film tinting will be illegal. Simply because this standard itself provides for liability for insufficiently transparent glass, and curtains are not a component of the glass, it is an object foreign to their design.

Something else useful for you:

• Is there a fine for driving on summer tires in winter and winter tires in summer today? What date will it start?
• The new law on the nullification of traffic police fines - is it true or not?
• What is the fine and what else threatens for forgotten licenses and car documents?

Criterias of choice

If the user has decided on the choice of a specific type of car curtain, then it is worth paying attention to some more indicators before purchasing this accessory.

One of them is the size of the canvas. Before purchasing, it is better to measure the size of the window openings on your car. By checking the dimensions of the curtains indicated on it, the user will compare their sizes to them and understand how they fit.

The choice of manufacturing material must also be taken responsibly. The most popular material is plastic. The product made from it is easy to clean, and the car is often contaminated in the form of dust. But the service life of plastic curtains is still not long. This is also worth considering before purchasing.

Another commonly used material is fabric. Manufacturers usually use polyester to make curtains: it circulates air well and does not allow ultraviolet rays to pass through.

In summer, experts recommend using foil material - such products are installed on the front glass, as a result, the interior does not heat up from the scorching sun.

The choice of color for a protective accessory depends only on the personal preferences of the car owner. But it is worth considering that on dark colored coatings heavy dirt will be less noticeable. If children often travel in the car, you can choose interesting colors depicting characters from children's cartoons.

The manufacturer who produces such products also deserves attention. By choosing products from unknown brands, the buyer may receive a low-quality product. Therefore, let’s get acquainted with the most popular manufacturers whose products are of high quality.

A well-known domestic brand for the production of automobile accessories is Trokot. It was founded only in 2012, but has already become quite popular among users. Specializes in the production of sun screens. A special feature of this brand is that their screens are fixed using magnets. In such a short period of operation, the brand has achieved excellent results, and is increasingly pleasing its customers with its high-quality products.

Another Russian manufacturer is Skyway. It also began its activities in 2012. In addition to the high quality of its products, the brand is also known for its affordable prices. Produces a large number of accessories, fasteners, electronics and other automotive products.

ESCO is a young Russian brand that produces frame types of curtains. The products are distinguished by environmentally friendly manufacturing materials, as well as a frame made of galvanized metal. At the same time, this brand produces products in the middle price category.

Among foreign products, you should pay attention to the German company Laitovo. The frame of this manufacturer's protective curtains is made of metal, which makes the structure more durable. All brand products are patented and protected by copyright.

PHANTOM is a Chinese manufacturer that has distinguished itself with an interesting way of attaching car curtains. In order to install the protective screen on the glass, you do not need any fasteners, Velcro or suction cups. Electrostatic attraction is used for installation. Therefore, no marks remain on the glass after removing the product. In addition to this innovation, the products are quite affordable.

We have reviewed the main and best manufacturers of car accessories. If the user considers the products of these brands, then he can be sure of the high quality of the selected products.

The price of products depends on many factors: configuration, material of manufacture, and of course the brand name. Therefore, it can vary from 100 rubles to more than 10,000 rubles. Screens are considered the cheapest, and frame products are the most expensive.

Is there a deprivation of rights for Trokot?

No. Deprivation of rights for Trokot is illegal and, in principle, in practice 2021 is not applied, since in this case it is impossible to impose even close standards for this traffic violation.

It would also be an illegal action for an employee to try to take your curtains away. The fact is that the legislation contains 2 possibilities to do this:

• through confiscation of the instrument for committing the offense,
• through its removal.

Confiscation is a separate punishment (which is applied, however, together with the main one - fine, deprivation, arrest or other). And a specific norm of the Code of Administrative Offenses should provide for confiscation. For example, if you drive with red lamps in your headlights, they will be legally taken away from you, according to Part 3 of Article 12.5. But in the case of application of Part 1 of this article, confiscation is not provided. That's why it's illegal.

The withdrawal is a little easier to carry out. But this is a procedural action, not a punishment. And it is used if you have removed the curtains, hidden them and thereby want to avoid a fine. In this case, the traffic police officer is obliged to inspect the car in search of curtains and then remove them.

But there is a catch - they must return them to you immediately after the fine is issued. The fine must be issued at the scene of the violation. That is, the legislation provides for the seizure of things only as evidence in a case of an offense (if we are not talking about prohibited things: drugs, weapons, and so on). And their return occurs immediately after the decision is made (Part 3 of Article 29.10 of the Administrative Code). And this is natural, because the inspector no longer needs evidence.