Car Window Shades, Playground, Travel

Can You Drive with Snap Shades On? Here’s What You Need to Know

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If you’re considering adding Snap Shades to your car, one of the first questions you might ask is: Can you drive with car window shades installed? The good news is that Snap Shades are designed with maximum focus on the following:

  • Safety
  • Driver visibility
  • Comfort

This attention to critical features makes them a reliable, superior option for everyday driving when compared with generic car window sun shades in Australia and New Zealand.

Whether you’re a 4WD enthusiast, a parent keeping little ones safe from glare, or a driver who simply wants a cooler, more private ride, Snap Shades provide an easy and effective solution. But, like any car accessory, it’s essential to understand how they work, recognise the legal side of things, and adhere to the best ways to use them. Read on.

@snapshades Drive comfortably and safely with improved airflow - keeping your cabin ventilated in any weather. Rain or shine, you can crack your window without letting water or debris inside, helping to maintain a comfortable interior. Snap Shields also prevent window fogging by clearing condensation in muggy or cold conditions, while protecting your trim from UV rays and stopping water from dripping into switches and door panels. Available now for a special launch price for a limited time only on snapshades.com for some of our most popular models and more to come in the future. From sun to storm-we have you covered. 🌦️ #snapshades #snapshields #weathershields ♬ original sound - S N A P S H A D E S

Are Snap Shades Safe to Use While Driving?

Visibility and Blind Spots

One of the most common concerns people have about car window shades is their impact on visibility. Unlike traditional suction-cup shades or curtains, Snap Shades’ magnetic car shades are crafted using a carefully chosen, high-tech cross-mesh fabric that allows you to see clearly through the perforations.

This means that your blind spots remain visible in normal daylight conditions, and your view of the road remains unaffected. At Snap Shades, visibility is one of our fundamental concerns, as you will find stated in our informative FAQs:

  • “We have specially chosen a perforated fabric which does not block the driver’s blind spots. Snap Shades should be removed when vision is impaired.”

For those wishing to exercise extra caution, it’s best to remove them if heavy rain or fog reduces visibility, or when driving at night in poorly lit areas. Luckily, installation and removal take seconds.

Can You Wind the Windows Down While Driving?

Yes, you can. Snap Shades are meticulously engineered to remain securely in place while driving, even with your windows partially open.

  • Maximum Safe Speed & Conditions

    At Snap Shades, we provide official guidance that states:
    • “You can partially wind down the windows (maximum halfway) even when driving at reasonable speeds (approximately up to 70 km/hr). We do not recommend windows to be wound down completely when the vehicle is in motion.”

This makes them perfect for:

  • Keeping kids or pets cool on short drives
  • Allowing fresh air circulation without harsh sunlight streaming in
  • Ventilating your car during summer without sacrificing shade or UV protection

Are Snap Shades Legal to Drive with in Australia & NZ?

This is a key question, and the short answer is: yes. Across Australia and New Zealand, there is no law preventing the use of internal car window shades, provided:

  • Your vision and that of your mirrors is not impaired
    Snap Shades are explicitly designed to comply with all visibility requirements, so they meet safety expectations when used correctly, as instructed.
    In addition, our remarkable magnetic car shades have been independently tested by ARPANSA (Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency). They are proven to block 84.6% of harmful UV rays, and our windshield shades (non-magnetic) offer maximum protection.
  • This makes Snap Shades not only safe but also highly protective for passengers and vehicle interiors

Who Should Use Snap Shades While Driving?

Snap Shades are designed for a wide range of drivers and lifestyles. Here’s why different groups find them indispensable:

Parents seeking safe car shades for children

  • Reduce glare that bothers babies and toddlers
  • Protect sensitive skin from damaging UV rays
  • Keep the back seat cooler and more comfortable
  • Safer than suction-cup shades, which often loosen or fall off mid-drive

Pet owners and campers

  • Keep pets shaded while allowing airflow through half-open windows
  • Provide privacy at rest stops or while camping
  • Help keep bugs out when camping with your windows open

4x4 & off-road enthusiasts

  • Snap-fit design ensures shades won’t flap or move around at moderate speeds
  • Extra privacy for passengers and gear on rugged tracks
  • Reduce dust while maintaining ventilation

Best Practices for Driving with Snap Shades

To get the best performance and safety from Snap Shades, we recommend following these simple tips:

  • Remove during extreme weather: If visibility drops during night driving, storms, or heavy fog
  • Keep them clean: Dust, grime, and smudges on the mesh can affect visibility
  • Use only the intended installation fitments: Our smart magnetic car shades are carefully designed to ensure safe, secure positioning without interfering with airbags, window function, or stock systems and features
  • Don’t drive with fully open windows: Keep them no more than halfway open for maximum safety and stability

Benefits of Using Snap Shades Over Alternatives

Snap Shades stand out from generic car window shade options, as follows:

Standard Window Tinting:

  • Permanent modification, expensive to install

Snap Shades:

  • Similar privacy and UV-blocking effect
  • Removable and vehicle-specific

Generic Suction Cup Shades:

  • Often fall off
  • Cover only part of the window

Snap Shades:

  • Custom-fit
  • Cover the entire window edge-to-edge.

Generic Curtains or Fabric Shades:

  • Block too much visibility and look untidy

Snap Shades:

  • Maintain visibility while still reducing glare and heat.

With durable, cross-mesh fabric, easy installation, and UV protection of 84.6%, Snap Shades are the astute choice for car window sun shades in Australia and NZ.

FAQs — Driving with Snap Shades

Can I drive on highways with Snap Shades?

Yes, you can, provided your rear windows are only half-open and your speed is under 70 km/h.

Will Snap Shades fall off while driving?

No. They use secure, innovative magnetic mounts, designed for your car’s exact dimensions and window shape, so they remain firmly in place.

Do Snap Shades affect my vision at night?

It depends on the conditions, but in poorly lit areas, we recommend removing them for maximum clarity.

Can I use Snap Shades instead of tinting?

Yes. Snap Shades provide similar UV and privacy benefits without being permanent, and they can be removed at any time.

Get Your Snap Shades Today!

Now that you’ve found an answer to the question, ‘Can you drive with car window shades?’ – it’s time to enjoy a cooler, safer, and more comfortable ride. Snap Shades are custom-designed for your vehicle, easy to install, and provide the UV protection your passengers deserve.

If you’ve got questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. The Snap Shades team is always happy to help.