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?
When tinting your car, specific laws regulate the tint on the front windows and windscreen, while there are no legal restrictions for tinting the rear windows and rear windscreen.
According to the Road Vehicles (Construction & Use) Regulations 1986, there are minimum light transmission requirements for the windscreen and front side windows:
- For vehicles first used before 1 April 1985: The windscreen and front side windows must allow at least 70% of light to pass through.
- For vehicles first used on or after 1 April 1985: The windscreen must allow at least 75% of light to pass through, and the front side windows must permit at least 70% of light to pass through.
Visible Light Transmission (VLT) is the metric used to determine how much light can pass through a window, which is important for complying with legal tinting regulations. Below is a detailed overview of the legal requirements:
- Windshields: Must have a VLT of over 75%. This means that the windshield must allow more than 75% of the light to pass through, ensuring clear visibility for the driver and adherence to safety standards.
- Front side windows: These must have a VLT of at least 70%, meaning they should not block more than 30% of incoming light. This regulation helps maintain sufficient visibility from the driver’s side and the passenger’s side in the front seat.
- Back side windows: There are no legal restrictions on the VLT for back side windows. This allows vehicle owners more flexibility in choosing darker tints for privacy or aesthetics.
- Rear window: Similar to the back side windows, there are no VLT restrictions for the rear window. This allows for darker tints, often preferred for privacy and reducing glare from vehicles behind.
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 cost of installing tint or sun film on your car can vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle, as well as the number of windows being tinted. Some cars may require additional work, such as disassembly, which can affect the overall price. Generally, you can expect the cost to range between £250 and £500. To read more click the link : How Much Does It Cost to Tint Car Windows?
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/
