Drivers Warned About Excessively Tinted Windows

01 October 2007

Driver and Vehicle Standards, (DVS), is advising drivers to ensure that the windscreen and front side windows of their vehicles are not excessively tinted.

Following two fatal road traffic collisions in the UK , where excessively tinted windows were found to be a contributory factor, DVS is advising all drivers that some roadside checks will be specifically targeting vehicles with excessively tinted windows.

Officers will be noting the registration marks of vehicles they suspect have excessively tinted windows and sending the registered keeper a letter requesting them to present the vehicle at DVS for inspection. If, when tested by DVS, it is confirmed the windows are not letting sufficient light through and impairing the driver’s vision, a formal defect notice will be issued requiring the tint to be removed.

Whilst the owners of vehicles with tinted windows may think they enhance its look, this is a serious road safety issue. By excessively tinting windows, drivers are significantly reducing their vision, particularly at night and during periods of reduced visibility. It may be that such modifications invalidate insurance cover.

A number of motorists have already been dealt with by the Police and DVS at road checks. Generally, motorists understand the reasons for the standards, accept that they are breaking the law and have the problem rectified.

DVS has also reminded all car dealers and garages that manufacturers fit windscreens and side windows which have already been tinted to the legal limit. Therefore, offering or fitting tint treatment would be irresponsible and will mean that their customers will be driving around in their new car breaking the law and compromising their safety.

Alan Muir , Inspector of Motor Traffic said, “We want to raise the awareness of motorists and car dealers of the legal position and potential dangers of these cosmetic tints. Apart from breaking the law and incurring a substantial fine, any motorist who has a tint treatment on his/her windows increases the risk of being involved in a crash and no one should want that, in favour of looking “cool”. Hopefully, by bringing the issue to motorists’ attention, those who have additional tint treatments to front windows will have the treatment removed before being spotted by Traffic Officers.”