Window Tinting Law
Modern cars come with a lightly tinted windows as a standard feature. However, many people want something a touch more classy and so get a darker car window tint. This may be because the owner wants to:
- Cut out harmful rays
- Helping to keep the car cool
- For Privacy and safety - so people can't see your possessions
- It looks good
It is essential to ensure that any changes you make to your window tints comply with UK window tinting law.
Window Tinting Law
There are legal limits specifying how dark tinted windows can be on a vehicle:
- behind the B Post (ie rear passenger windows and rear screen) there are no limits
- side windows in front of the B Post (ie front passenger windows) must allow 70% of light through
- front windscreens must allow 75% of light through
Be careful whether the tint you are considering blocks 70% of light or allows through 70% of light. For front windows the regulations are about the amount of light that is allowed through. Also be aware that if you have a factory tint that blocks 10%, you will only be allowed to block an additional 20%.
Measurement of window tinting is not part of the annual MoT test - the cost of the equipment required to test it at every MoT centre would be excessive. Checking window and windscreen tints are the responsibility of VOSA. However the police may stop you if your car does not comply with window tinting law.If you are stopped by the police and found to have excessively tinted windows, you will be required to remove the tint and you will not be allowed to drive the car until you do so. Driving with windows that do no comply with UK window tinting law may invalidate your insurance. Limo style all round tints are illegal in the UK.
Why are there limits to the amount of windscreen tint allowed by law?
The window tinting limits required are primarily for safety reasons. In dull conditions and at night, the driver's ability to see is severely affected by excessive tints. Not all countries have regulations as strict as the UK. In these countries a number of road deaths have been directly attributed to the driver being unable to see properly through a heavily tinted front windscreen. In addition it is helpful for other road users to be able to see the driver of the vehicle, particularly at junctions.
Motorcyclists are also subject to tinting laws restricting tinted helmet visors. Motorcyclists who do this are putting their own safety and that of others in jeopardy.