Wondering what the rules are for tinted windows? Can you tint any window on your car? How dark is too dark? If you’re considering adding window tint to your vehicle, it’s important to understand the legal limits before making any modifications.
This guide explains UK window tint laws, the penalties for non-compliance, and what you need to know before tinting your car.
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What Is the Legal Window Tint Limit in the UK?
Before tinting your vehicle’s windows, it’s important to ensure the tint complies with UK law.
Tinting your windows too heavily can result in penalties, prohibition notices, and even prosecution. The rules apply to cars, vans, and lorries, and are designed to ensure drivers maintain adequate visibility at all times.
Most modern vehicles already have a slight factory tint built into the glass. Adding aftermarket tint film may reduce the amount of light passing through the glass below the legal limit, making the vehicle non-compliant.
Front Windscreen and Front Side Windows
For vehicles first used on or after 1 April 1985:
- The front windscreen must allow at least 75% of light through.
- The front side windows must allow at least 70% of light through.
Rear Windows
There are currently no specific legal restrictions on how dark you can tint:
- Rear side windows
- Rear windscreen
However, your vehicle must still be safe to drive and provide adequate visibility.
What Happens If Your Windows Are Too Dark?
If the police determine that your front windows are tinted beyond the legal limit, you could face:
- A Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN)
- A court summons
- A prohibition notice preventing you from driving the vehicle until the tint is removed
Enforcement officers use specialised light meters to test the amount of light passing through your windows.
Why Are Window Tint Laws Important?
Window tint laws exist for one primary reason: road safety.
If your windows are too dark, visibility can be significantly reduced, particularly:
- At night
- In poor weather conditions
- When spotting pedestrians and cyclists
- At junctions and crossings
The ability to react quickly to hazards is essential, and overly dark tints can make this more difficult.
Does Window Tint Affect Your MOT?
Window tint can affect your MOT.
If the tester believes the front windscreen or front side windows do not provide sufficient visibility, the vehicle may fail the test. Excessively dark tint on the front windows can therefore create MOT issues and may also attract police attention on the road.
If you’re unsure whether your tint is legal, it’s worth having it checked by a professional installer before your MOT.
Should You Tell Your Insurance Company?
Yes.
Window tinting is considered a vehicle modification and should be declared to your insurer.
Failing to disclose modifications could affect future claims or, in some cases, invalidate your policy. Always check your insurer’s requirements before making changes to your vehicle.
For more information on insurance, you can find out when the best time to renew your insurance is here.
Selling a Car With Tinted Windows
If you’re planning to sell your car, it’s important to ensure any window tint complies with UK regulations.
Selling a vehicle with illegally tinted front windows could create problems for the new owner and potentially lead to disputes after the sale.
Before selling, it may be worth having the tint professionally tested or removed if you’re unsure whether it meets legal requirements.
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