Window Tint Laws UK

. Window Tinting is a very popular enhancement to make to your vehicle, however it’s important to be aware of the legal requirements associated with installing window film, ensuring window tint legislation is adhered to

Window Tint Legislation

In the United Kingdom, the legal requirements for tinted vehicle windows depends on when the vehicle was first used:

Diagram above details guidelines.  

There are no legal restrictions for the rear of the vehicle. 

Window Tint Legislation 

The front windscreen must let in 75% of light, and front side windows must both let at least 70% of light through.

What is relatively unknown is that nearly all cars registered after 2002, have a UV tint already in the glass, which has a VLT reading of between 74% and 81% depending on the make of car. 

This means that these windows are unable to have a aftermarket film installed to them, as it will result in the VLT measuring around 54%, which is below the legal requirement. 

Installing or selling glass that violates the tinting regulations is illegal. 

The police or the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), can test your glass using a light meter which will assess window tint darkness. 

Keeping Our Customers Informed

Know the Law - Be Aware of Enforcement Regulations:

There are 2 categories that the regulations fall into:

EXCESSIVE TINT DARKNESS: 

If you are stopped and your windscreen or front glass is metered, and it falls below the regulations, however not deemed extreme, you can be given a EFPN (endorsable fixed penalty notice) This would entail a £60.00 fine and 3 penalty points. 

EXTREME TINT DARKNESS:

If you are stopped and your windows are metered at less than 30% VLT, this can result in your being given a Prohibition Notice. You would not be allowed to continue driving your vehicle until a film was removed. 

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE WINDOW TINT LEGISLATION?

The purpose of the law is to ensure the drivers’ ability to see the road is not excessively restricted by glass tint.

IF YOU ARE THE DRIVER:

You must not drive a vehicle on the road with the windscreen or front side windows excessively tinted. You may also invalidate your insurance with this modification, particularly as the vehicle is likely to be illegal.

IF YOU ARE THE WINDOW TINT INSTALLER: 

You must not modify, or offer to supply, a part that when fitted, to a vehicle means that it doesn’t comply with the Construction & Use Regulations.