Law Made Simple: New Tint Regulations

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In August 2020, the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Windscreen and Window Tint) Regulations 2020 came into effect (see Legal Notice 281 of 2020). The new regulations amend the law on how dark your vehicle tint can be and how this is to be measured.

The regulations provide for the use of a device that measures the amount of visible light that passes through a vehicle’s windscreen or window. The visible light transmittance of a vehicle must be measured by a constable in uniform using a light transmittance measuring device approved by the Licensing Authority (Transport Commissioner).

Minimum Levels

Your vehicle’s windows must have the following minimum levels of visible light transmittance: front windscreen 70 per cent; windscreen’s anti-glare band 35 per cent; each front window (including side wing/ side window) 35 per cent; each rear window (including side window) and rear windscreen 20 per cent. If your vehicle’s tint does not meet these requirements, you commit a traffic violation and must pay a fine of $5,000.

Exceptions

The Licensing Authority may exempt a person from this regulation based on medical grounds or any of the following vehicles based on its use or the safety of its occupants:

i. Any motor vehicle which is the property of or used by the President in his official or personal capacity;

ii. any motor vehicle which is the property of or used by the Prime Minister in his official or personal capacity;

iii. any vehicle which is the property of or used by–

a. the Police Service;

b. the Fire Service;

c. the Prison Service;

d. the Defence Force;

e. the Customs and Excise Division;

f. the Strategic Services Agency; or

g. a protective service agency within the meaning of section 2 of the Supplemental Police Act;

iv. a body transfer vehicle which is the property of and registered for use by an undertaker or funeral home; or

v. any other vehicle authorised, in writing, by the Licensing Authority.

The medical conditions for which a person may be exempted in respect of a vehicle include albinism, chronic actinic dermatitis, actinic reticuloid, dermatomyositis, lupus erythematosus, porphyria, xeroderma pigmentosum, sever drug photosensitivity, photophobia associated with an ophthalmic or neurological disorder, or any other condition or disorder causing severe photosensitivity in which the person is required for medical reasons to be shielded from the direct rays of the sun.

Persons or businesses wishing to make an application for exemption may do so on the form available online on the Ministry of Works and Transport’s website.

Moratorium

In December 2000 the Ministry of Works and Transport announced a three-month ‘grace’ period for the public to ensure their vehicles meet the requirements of the new regulations. During this time the regulations are not being enforced. This period expires on March 31, 2021.