Laws For Tinted Vehicle Windows in UK
SOLARPLEXIUS ANSWERS SOME QUESTIONS ABOUT LAWS AND REGULATIONS REGARDING SUN FILM AND TINTED VEHICLE WINDOWS.
The United Kingdom has very basic and simple rules for tinting the car or any vehicle. If you are concerned about the tinting law and want to be sure if the level of tints on your car is under the limits, please read below.
WHAT IS THE LEGISLATION REGARDING TINTed windows?
The basic law to apply tint in the UK depends on when the car was first used. If the car was first used on April1,1985, then the percentage of tint darkness for the front windscreen should be at least 75% of light through and the front side windows must let at least 70% of light through. But, if the car was first used before April 1, 1985, the front windscreen and front side windows must both have at least 70% of light through.
HOW IS THE TINT DARKNESS MEASURED AND BY WHOM?
DVSA – The driver and the Vehicle Standards Agency is the main authority in the United Kingdom that uses a special light measuring equipment called a photometer which measures the darkness of the tints.
HOW MUCH DOES TINT/SUN FILM INSTALLATION COST?
The price of handing in the car to have sun film installed varies from car to car and the number of windows to be sun-filmed. ( NOTE: Additions to some car models that require disassembly, etc. ). Prices vary from GBP250 – GBP500.
WHY ARE THERE LAWS FOR FRONT DOOR WINDOW TINTING IN CARS?
The basic reason for the tinting law for the front window is to ensure the driver’s visibility is not compromised by the darkness of the tints. In simple words, the tinting laws are there for `road safety`. In some road accidents, the tinted vehicles were supposed to be one of the factors.
Drivers need clear vision while driving, especially during the bad weather conditions. The heavy darkness of the tints might impede the driver’s visibility, resulting in some major accidents.
WHAT IS THE PENALTY FOR OVER TINTED VEHICLES?
In the United Kingdom, illegal tinting is a punishable offense by law. If the police or DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) suspect a car of having dark windows than the limit allowed, they’ll measure the level with the help of a device called a photometer.
If you use extreme dark windows, then you will be served notice by EFPN (Endorseable Fixed Penalty Notice), in which your drivers license will be endorsed with 3 points and a fine of £60.
If it’s found that the windows have illegal level of tints then you could
- be served with a Prohibition Notice, in which you could only use your car once the tints are removed
- receive a penalty notice or summons by court
Sources :
1) https://www.gov.uk/tinted-vehicle-window-rules
2) https://www.tinting-laws.com/united-kingdom/
