A windbreak device for motor vehicles, in particular cabriolet vehicles, is provided, comprising a windbreak base which is disposed level with a beltline of a vehicle body, and a wind deflector which is connected to the windbreak base in an articulated manner and can be pivoted from an inactive position, which extends approximately level with the beltline of the vehicle body, into an active position which rises above the beltline and runs transverse with respect to said beltline, and an electric drive unit by which the wind deflector can be moved between the inactive and the active position relative to the windbreak base. The windbreak device is provided with a rechargeable battery which provides electrical energy for operating the electric drive unit.