Thinking about tinting your car windows? Window tinting can improve privacy, reduce glare, and help keep your car cooler in warm weather. However, before making any changes, it’s important to understand UK window tinting laws and how different tint percentages work.
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Here’s everything you need to know about window tinting percentages, legal limits, and best practices.
Why Tint Your Car Windows?
Many modern cars already come with lightly tinted windows from the factory, particularly on rear windows. However, some drivers choose additional tinting for a number of reasons:
- To reduce heat inside the vehicle
- To block harmful UV rays
- To improve privacy and security
- To reduce glare while driving
- To enhance the vehicle’s appearance
Before choosing a tint, it’s important to understand how tint percentages work.
Understanding Window Tint Percentages
Window tint percentages refer to Visible Light Transmission (VLT), which measures the amount of visible light that can pass through the glass.
The lower the percentage, the darker the tint.
50% Tint
A 50% tint allows half of the available light through the glass.
Benefits include:
- Reduced glare
- Some UV protection
- Improved cabin comfort
- Maintained visibility for driving
This is one of the lighter tint options available.
35% Tint
A 35% tint provides a darker appearance while still allowing good visibility from inside the vehicle.
Drivers often choose this level for:
- A sportier look
- Additional privacy
- Reduced sunlight exposure
20% Tint
A 20% tint significantly reduces visibility into the vehicle from outside.
This level is commonly used on rear windows and can offer:
- Increased privacy
- Reduced glare
- Improved protection from sunlight
5% Tint
Often referred to as “limo tint”, a 5% tint allows very little light through the glass.
While it offers maximum privacy, visibility can be severely reduced, particularly at night. This level of tint is generally only suitable for rear windows and must not be applied to front windows if it causes the vehicle to fall below legal light transmission limits.
Common Window Tinting Terms
When researching window tinting, you may come across the following terms:
Front Side Windows
These are the driver’s and front passenger’s side windows.
Rear Side Windows
These are any side windows located behind the front seats.
Windscreen
The front window of the vehicle.
Tint Reflection
Some tint films contain reflective or metallic coatings that reflect sunlight and heat.
Shade Band
A tinted strip that runs along the top of the windscreen to help reduce glare from the sun.
UK Window Tinting Laws
Before tinting your windows, you must ensure your vehicle remains road legal.
The law applies to the windscreen and front side windows.
Vehicles First Used Before 1 April 1985
- Windscreen must allow at least 70% of light through.
- Front side windows must allow at least 70% of light through.
Vehicles First Used On or After 1 April 1985
- Windscreen must allow at least 75% of light through.
- Front side windows must allow at least 70% of light through.
There are no specific tint restrictions for rear side windows or the rear windscreen on passenger vehicles.
What Happens If Your Windows Are Too Dark?
Driving a vehicle with illegally tinted front windows can result in:
- A prohibition notice preventing further use of the vehicle
- A fixed penalty notice
- Court action in more serious cases
Police officers can test your windows at the roadside using specialist equipment.
Which Windows Are Affected by the Law?
The rules apply only to:
- Windscreen
- Driver’s side window
- Front passenger window
The rules do not apply to:
- Rear side windows
- Rear windscreen
These regulations exist to ensure drivers maintain adequate visibility, particularly during poor weather and low-light conditions.
Window Tinting and Insurance
Many insurers consider window tinting to be a vehicle modification.
If you have aftermarket window tint installed, it’s a good idea to inform your insurance provider. Failure to declare modifications could affect future claims or policy validity.
For more information on maintenance for your vehicle, including safety checks, check out what vehicle maintenance is legally required here.
Selling a Car with Tinted Windows
If you’re planning to sell your vehicle, make sure any window tint complies with UK regulations.
Selling a vehicle with illegally tinted front windows could create issues for the new owner and potentially expose you to disputes after the sale.
If you’re unsure whether your windows meet legal requirements, have them checked by a reputable tinting specialist before selling.
You may also find this guide useful:
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