UK Window Tinting Law

Myth: There are no definite laws that regulate tinting of front windows and windscreen.

Truth: Regulations require that a minimum of 70% visible light should be able to pass through the driver side windows and a minimum of 75% should pass through the windscreen. This includes all underlying layers as well as tinted films.

Myth: Since regulation requires the front windows to allow 70% visible light transmission, you’d think that your window tinting could be about 30%

Truth: Clear glass only lets in about 86% visible light while standard manufactured glass has a very slight tint that allows from the regulation limit of 70% to 80% light passing through. So in most cases, adding any window tinting would automatically decrease the amount of light transmission below the required amount. From 01/01/04 the Window tinting Regulation was amended to not allow any tinting at all on the front door windows. Therefore, if your front windows are tinted you run the risk of being pulled over by VOSA or Traffic Police.

Myth: There’s no way authorities can tell if your vehicle window tinting is just above the legal limit. Even if they could, there’s not much they can do about it.

Truth: Traffic Police and VOSA (Vehicle & Operator Services Agency) have light meters that can measure the amount of light your glass allows.

If your window tinting allows more than 30% Visible Light Transmission the driver or owner can be issued either a Rectification Notice or Delayed Prohibition Notice. In the first case you will be required to remove the tinted film. If you get a Delayed Prohibition Notice you will be permitted a period of time (usually 10 days) within which you can drive your vehicle while the rectification is in progress. In both cases your vehicle will have to be inspected by a Vehicle Inspectorate Officer or Police Officer to ensure that  the glass complies with regulation. If the driver or owner is fully complacent with the procedure he or she is not likely to be prosecuted.

If your car window tinting allows less than 30% Visible Light Transmission the driver or owner will be given an Immediate Prohibition Notice. You won’t be able to drive the vehicle on public roads at all until you have the tints removed and a Police Officer or Vehicle Inspectorate Officer can come around to confirm that the tints have been rectified. The owner can be prosecuted for driving a non-roadworthy vehicle or a vehicle in a dangerous condition. This could result in Penalty Points and/or a fine depending on how severe the offense is. It is a very serious offense to drive the vehicle on public roads when it has been prohibited to do so and it will most likely end in the owner or driver being prosecuted.

Myth: Vehicle window tinting doesn’t really affect my insurance.

Truth: It is best that you inform your vehicle insurer if you have window tinting. It is considered a vehicle modification and can really affect your coverage in the case of an accident. The use of front window tinting would be a great way for your insurance company to find a clause and get out of paying parts of or whole claims. Do remember that even ‘road safe’ tint films can now be considered to be against regulation for reasons listed above. The use of these tint films on front windows would also be cause for authorities to take action against the owner of the vehicle.

Myth: Retailers and installers are exempt from any responsibility for a vehicle that contradicts regulations.

Truth: When a customer enquires about window tinting, Car Window Tint Installer and Motor Retailers should inform them of the new Regulations. If a retailer sells a vehicle with window tinting forward of the B-Post or an installer applies tint above the specified limits, they can be subject to prosecution. Do understand that the owner or driver of the vehicle can also be prosecuted for driving a vehicle that is either dangerous or not roadworthy.