19 Sep Window Tinting Law

Window Tinting Law

The window tinting law surrounding vehicle window tinting can sometimes be confusing. Advanced Tinting have years in the industry and are up to date with the latest rules.

If your vehicle has heavily tinted windows in the front (windscreen and front windows), you are risking prosecution by the police.

The legality of window tinting in the UK is detailed in the UK Road Vehicles (Construction & Use) Regulations 1986 Act. This specifies the minimum light levels that should be allowed to pass through the windscreen and front side windows.

Window Tinting Law – The Windscreen

Since January 2004, the law regarding vehicle window tinting has been clarified. The window tinting law states that window film cannot interfere with the ‘Optical Clarity’ of the windscreen.

The only enhancement we can make is to add a sun band to the top. However, this cannot exceed 8 inches in depth.

If the glass is tinted to a point whereby it lets through less light, the vehicle is deemed to be breaking UK Window tinting law.

Window Tinting Law – The Statistics

For Motor Vehicles first used on or after 1 April 1985, the specifications for a legal UK tint are as follows:

• Light levels passing through the windscreen must be at least 75%.
• The front side windows (the driver’s window and front passenger window) transmit at least 70% of light through them.
• There are no restrictions on tinting the rear windows. (This means all windows behind the driver’s pillar.) For more information on the tints available, please see our Vehicle Window Tinting page.

Window Tinting Law – The Consequences

The risks of heavily tinting your front windows and windscreen include:

• Being stopped and fined by the police. Your car could be considered unsafe to use and could be impounded. You could even be issued a probation order until you can prove the tint has been removed.
• If stopped, you will be required to remove the film. This can be costly and you will have to present your car to the police confirming it now conforms with the light levels set out above.
• If you are involved in an accident, it may be proved that you are at fault due to reduced visibility. This may also invalidate your insurance.

If you are unsure if your vehicle conforms to window tinting law, please contact us. Advanced Tinting have the equipment and knowledge to ensure your car is not only legal, but safe for you to drive.