Retaining element for a side window of a vehicle, comprising - a first securing section (3.1) and a first contact section (2.1) connected thereto for securing to a first surface (Ia) of the side window, - a second securing section (3.2) and a second contact section (2.2) connected thereto for securing to a second surface (Ib) of the side window, wherein the first securing section (3.1) and the second securing section (3.2) are connected to one another opposite the contact sections (2.1, 2.2) via a hinge section such that the first securing section (3.1) together with the first contact section (2.1) and the second securing section (3.2) together with the second contact section (2.2) can be pivoted relative to one another, whereby the retaining element can be opened and closed, wherein, in the closed state, - the securing sections (3.1, 3.2) are in surface contact with one another and, together, are suitable for securing to the vehicle, and - the contact sections (2.1 2.2) are suitable for securing to two opposing surfaces (Ia, Ib) of the side window, wherein the first contact section (2.1) is connected to the first securing section (3.1) via a first step section (5.1) and the second contact section (2.2) is connected to the second securing section (3.2) via a second step section (5.2), and wherein the step sections (5.1, 5.2) have the same geometry, characterized in that the open state and the closed state are stable as such without action of external forces, wherein the retaining element is formed in one piece, wherein the hinge section has lower material thickness than the securing sections (3.1, 3.2) and the contact sections (2.1 2.2) in order to ensure the flexibility required for opening and closing the retaining element. - a first securing section (3.1) and a first contact section (2.1) connected thereto for securing to a first surface (Ia) of the side window, - a second securing section (3.2) and a second contact section (2.2) connected thereto for securing to a second surface (Ib) of the side window, wherein the first securing section (3.1) and the second securing section (3.2) are connected to one another opposite the contact sections (2.1, 2.2) via a hinge section such that the first securing section (3.1) together with the first contact section (2.1) and the second securing section (3.2) together with the second contact section (2.2) can be pivoted relative to one another, whereby the retaining element can be opened and closed, wherein, in the closed state, - the securing sections (3.1, 3.2) are in surface contact with one another and, together, are suitable for securing to the vehicle, and - the contact sections (2.1 2.2) are suitable for securing to two opposing surfaces (Ia, Ib) of the side window, - the securing sections (3.1, 3.2) are in surface contact with one another and, together, are suitable for securing to the vehicle, and - the contact sections (2.1 2.2) are suitable for securing to two opposing surfaces (Ia, Ib) of the side window, wherein the first contact section (2.1) is connected to the first securing section (3.1) via a first step section (5.1) and the second contact section (2.2) is connected to the second securing section (3.2) via a second step section (5.2), and wherein the step sections (5.1, 5.2) have the same geometry, characterized in that the open state and the closed state are stable as such without action of external forces, wherein the retaining element is formed in one piece, wherein the hinge section has lower material thickness than the securing sections (3.1, 3.2) and the contact sections (2.1 2.2) in order to ensure the flexibility required for opening and closing the retaining element.