Hello All,

I know this is an arcane question: Why does Volvo install that clear plastic clip on the inside of the windshield on the driver's side?
I have two '96 850 wagons and '99XC and they all have that plastic clip. I've seen the clip on earlier model Volvos too.

Does this plastic clip have a special purpose or use in Sweden? Obviously you can use it to clip papers or forms of ID to the window, but is there a specific purpose that requires the use of this clip. I haven't seen such a clip on other foreign cars or for that matter domestic models.

If anyone knows, I'd love to hear. Thanks to all who respond.

The Best Always,

Hugh

In Greece, the driver's license is placed in the clip where it can be seen through the windshield. And a person like a physician places a special ID there which lets him park in restricted areas, or, for Athens, drive downtown any day of the week.

It's a Euro thing. When parking on the side of a street, car owners must display a little clock in the windshield that indicates the time your car was parked. It is just a piece of plastic with plastic hands that get set, using the honor system. Most owners just place this clock on the dash and then it falls to the floor when they drive off. Volvo gave owners a place to put the clock so the interior stays neat.
This honor system works. Some parking places have time restrictions, like 30 minutes, 1 or 2 hours, etc. The driver sets time of arrival and the "meter" lady can check the clock. If the time is later than the actual time, it is a heavy fine, otherwise a normal parking ticket is 20Eu+ depending on the voilation.
We just have silly parking meters. So the dealers use it to keep the service number displayed and we use it for what ever.

Klaus
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I still miss my 164 and my 854T. Just driving a V70R :)

Klaus,

Thanks! Boy do the Swedes and any other country that employs "clocks" trust humanity. That system would never work in New York City. Forget about it!

Hugh

P.S. Saw a new French murder mystery flick just out called "Tell No One". The featured car in the film was 940 with a manual transmission. It too had that plastic clip. Good flick by the way.

Klaus is a fountain of information. Great response.

I have had three Volvos now, 95, 98 and 05. They all have it, but it didn't occur to me it was original equipment (duh). On the first I assumed a business person installed it to hold a company passes. I assumed that on the first car, and never woke up to the fact this would be a wonderful coincidence for all three.

Thanks for asking an arcance question. Sometimes the oddest questions have the most interesting answers. I'm enjoying visualizing people setting the time on their clocks...I'd be tempted to cheat by, say, two or three minutes.

Don

There are a couple of benefits for the parking permit card. You have to buy the card, so the city gets a little money up front. There are no meters that need to be emptied and maintained. The driver doesn't need pocket change or a credit card(new meters). And there is no need to paint the pavement for parking stalls. Two Smart Cars will take up much less room without having spaced meters.
If you "cheat" for 5 minutes, you probably won't get bothered. More than that is a real gamble. Remember, a clock that is mis-set into the future is a very expensive fine!
Europeans use the "honor system" effectively in all areas of life. Compliance is quite high as is the fine for those who get caught cheating. Of course, people will cheat any system, but most people are honest and that is why it works.

Klaus
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I still miss my 164 and my 854T. Just driving a V70R :)

I always thought it was for holding toll tickets. That's what I used it for until I got Easy Pass. Could be used for parking lot tickets.
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Tom 69-1800S, 72-1800ES, 96-850T,2000-S70 GLT-SE