One of the questions we often get asked is “what are the laws for tinting the windows on my car?”.
For the rear windows (i.e. all windows behind the front side windows) and rear windscreen there is no law as to the level of tint that can be applied. Our darkest shade of tint (5% limo) is legal to have on your rear windows.
For the front windows The Road Vehicles (Construction & Use) Regulations 1986 state that:
Motor vehicles first used before 1 April 1985 must allow at least 70% of light to be transmitted through the windscreen and front side windows.
Motor Vehicles first used on or after 1 April 1985 – the light transmitted through the windscreen must be at least 75%.The front side windows must allow at least 70% of light to be transmitted through them.
The glass on most cars already has a slight tint to it which means applying even a very light 70% tint to it would make it technically illegal.
Having said that, there is currently no test for the legality of your windows in the MOT test, and other tint shops who have applied light shades to the front windows of their customers cars have not heard of any problems from the police.
Shockingly, the laws you are describing are very close to our laws on automobile window tinting here in New York. I always thought that our window tint laws were among the strictest around, especially because we basically have the most restrictions in the U.S., but apparently we are not alone in this battle! The laws here are as follows:
front windshield – you may have non-reflective tint on top 6 inches.
all side windows – must allow at least 70% of light to transmit
back windshield – any darkness is allowed
Obviously the side windows are the major restriction, but the most annoying as well because those are the windows most of us care about most anyway! I really wish they would allow at least 50% tint. Great article though, thanks.