Window tinting has become extremely popular, generally due to the benefits it offers. It is possible to have windows that have been tinted quite heavily, and this may land you in a little bit of trouble. Today, we are explaining the laws regarding tinted windows in the UK, together with the possible penalties in case you are caught, and testing whether your windows have been tinted to a level that is acceptable. Here is a detailed guide on how dark you can tint your windows in the UK.
The Laws Around Window Tinting in the UK
The laws on tinted windows are simple and easy to follow. There are two categories of laws, including vehicles that were being used before 1st April 1985 and vehicles that are being used after 1st April 1985. Vehicles that were in used before 1st April 1985 have different laws when it comes to tinted windows:
- The front side windows should set in 70% of VLT
- The front windscreen should let in 70% of VLT (Visible Light Transmission).
Vehicles in use after 1st April 1985 have the following laws:
- The side windows should let in 70% of VLT
- The windscreen should let in 75% of VLT.
The Importance of Window Tinting Laws in the UK
There are several risks that come from the darkening and tinting of your windows. In case they are within the legal restrictions, they can make a stylish, trendy modification to your car. If they don’t comply with the law, then they pose many risks to other pedestrians and road users, including
- Limiting the view of the driver, specifically at night
- Others can’t see the person who is driving, or the ones who are inside the vehicle. It makes it harder for police to identify whether the seat belt is on if the driver is using the mobile phone. Such factors risk the safety of the driver, passengers and the general public.
Ultimately, both the driver and the police, and the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency ) would enforce the law on tinted windows Manchester to help protect the driver, the passengers, pedestrians, motorcyclists, cyclicts, and other road users.
How to Know if Your Car Adheres to Law?
In case you think that your windows are tinted too heavily, and need to check whether or not you are within the legal restriction, here are a few things to check:
- Have your tinted windows removed and replaced with lightly tinted ones.
- Contact the nearest DVSA test center and seek their assistance. They can test the level of tint for your windows and provide advice on steps to take to tint your windows in a way to avoid illegal standards.
- Take it to the MOT center or any tinting company and seek their opinion on the tint of your windows. In case they are too dark, it would be advised to replace them.
The Penalties You May Face
In case your tinted windows are illegal, you would be given:
- A £60 fine
- FPN (Fixed Penalty Notice)
- 3 points on your license.