Rules on window tints should be more strictly enforced
ABU DHABI // Limits to the darkness of tinting on car windows should be more strictly enforced so that safety, not privacy or vanity, is the only consideration, experts say.
Road safety experts and many drivers have said that blacking out a vehicle’s windows can be dangerous if taken to extremes, and that the official maximum tint of 30 per cent should not be exceeded.
“A real practical consideration of what is reasonable in car tinting based on safety, not vanity, is needed,” said Andy Dean, the head of facade engineering at WSP, a management and consultancy company, who has lived and worked in the UAE for 18 years. “I know there are cultural issues but it’s all about being able to see through a car window.”
But Abdullah Al Maazmi, an Emirati university student, said he hoped authorities would allow car windows to be made darker.
In addition to keeping a car’s interior cool, window tints provided a sense of privacy, the 18-year-old said. “It’s basically for privacy, especially for the women in the family.”
The penalty for exceeding the permitted tint level is a Dh500 fine with the vehicle impounded for 30 days, according to the Ministry of Interior.
“It needs to be strictly enforced because there are plenty of cars out there with windows so heavily tinted that they’re like a big black box,” Mr Dean said.
Road Safety UAE founder Thomas Edelmann said being able to see and being seen were essential while on the road.
“It’s a vital pillar of road safety and it must not be compromised,” he said. “If you get into a car with a high tint at night it’s very difficult to see unlit objects and, in particular, I’m most worried about pedestrians.”
Heavily tinted glass is also regarded as a serious public safety issue.
“I work with glass so I work with shading on glass and with tinting of glass, so obviously I notice it,” said Mr Dean.
“I understand the principles of light transmission, reflections, those kinds of things.”
But people continue to have their car windows tinted in excess of the legal level because of carelessness, a lack of enforcement, ignorance and not knowing that high levels of tinting endanger drivers and road users.
“High levels of tinting mean that whoever is inside the vehicle can do anything without being noticed, such as using a mobile phone, doing indecent acts or illegal activities.”
Many shops in the capital offer to fit tinted sheets that exceed the legal limit on car windows.
Saif Mohammed, who runs a car accessories shop in Al Nahyan Camp area, said 40 per cent of his customers, mostly Emiratis, requested that their windows be darkened beyond the legal limit. The rest, however, opted to go for a 30 per cent tint so as not to risk a fine. “We offer 10 to 70 per cent tint,” he said. “We know it’s dangerous when driving at night, but what can we do if they want 70 per cent?”
A shop manager in Mussaffah, who asked not to be identified, said he was aware of the legislation on tinting. The shop sells tints from 10 to 70 per cent.
“Most locals prefer the 70 per cent tint because they want some privacy,” said the manager. “We also believe that the higher the darkness of the filter the higher the rejection of the heat, especially during the summer.”
Mr Dean said there was an obvious correlation between intimidation and window tint.
“You’re driving down the street and the big 4x4 with blacked-out windows comes up behind you, driving at an incredibly dangerous distance, flashes at you and you’re trying to pull out of the way as fast as you can,” he said.
“One of the aspects here is anonymity. The driver has no need to feel the slightest bit concerned about who he is and what he had just done.”
Florida Window Tinting Laws
Car window tinting laws in Florida were enacted in 1991. We have provided all the necessary information about your car's window tint, including how dark or reflective the tint is allowed in your state. There are also additional car window tinting rules and regulations in Florida so make sure you read all about it below.
Window tint darkness in Florida
The percent of visible light allowed through your car windows is called VLT: Visible Light Transmission. The percentage of light allowed through your film and glass in Florida is very specific and different for sedan cars and SUV cars or vans.
Tint darkness for sedans:
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer's AS-1 line.
- Front Side windows: Must allow more than 28% of light in.
- Back Side windows: Must allow more than 15% of light in.
- Rear Window: Must allow more than 15% of light in.
Tint darkness for SUV and vans:
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer's AS-1 line.
- Front Side windows: Must allow more than 28% of light in.
- Back Side windows: Any darkness can be applied 6 inches from the top of the window.
- Rear Window: Any darkness can be applied 6 inches from the top of the window.
Window tint reflection in Florida
Window tint can reflect incoming light and reduce glare and heat. Florida window tint law permits a certain window reflection when using a tint so make sure you pay attention to this as well.
Tint reflection for sedans:
- Front Side windows: Must not be more than 25% reflective.
- Back Side windows: Must not be more than 35% reflective.
Tint reflection for SUV and vans:
- Front Side windows: Must not be more than 25% reflective.
- Back Side windows: Must not be more than 35% reflective.
Other Florida window tint rules and regulations:
Florida does have several other important laws, rules and regulations pertaining to window tinting. They include the following:
- Side Mirrors: Dual side mirrors are required in case the back window is tinted.
- Restricted Colors: No specific tint colors are banned.
- Certificates: Film manufacturers don't need to certify the film they sell in this state.
- Stickers: The sticker to identify legal tinting is required on the inside of the driver’s side doorjamb.
- Medical Exceptions: Florida allows medical exemptions for special tint. For more details about the specific terms of the exemption, consult your state law.
Texas Window Tinting Laws
Car
window tinting laws in Texas were enacted in 2009. We have provided
all the necessary information about your car's window tint, including how dark or reflective the
tint is allowed in your state. There are also additional car window tinting rules and regulations
in Texas so make sure you read all about it below.
Window tint darkness in Texas
The percent of visible
light allowed through your car windows is called VLT: Visible Light
Transmission. The percentage of light allowed through your film and glass
in Texas is very specific and different for sedan cars and SUV cars or vans.
Tint darkness for sedans:
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint is
allowed above the manufacturer's AS-1 line.
- Front Side windows: Must allow more than
25% of light in.
- Back Side windows: Any darkness can be
used.
- Rear Window: Any darkness can be
used.
Tint darkness for SUV and vans:
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint is
allowed above the manufacturer's AS-1 line.
- Front Side windows: Must allow more than
25% of light in.
- Back Side windows: Any darkness can be
used.
- Rear Window: Any darkness can be
used.
Window tint reflection in Texas
Window tint can
reflect incoming light and reduce glare and heat. Texas window tint law permits
a certain window reflection when using a tint so make sure you pay attention to
this as well.
Tint reflection for sedans:
- Front Side windows: Must not be more than
25% reflective.
- Back Side windows: Must not be more than
25% reflective.
Tint reflection for SUV and vans:
- Front Side windows: Must not be more than
25% reflective.
- Back Side windows: Must not be more than
25% reflective.
Other Texas window tint rules and regulations:
Texas does have several other important laws, rules and
regulations pertaining to window tinting. They include the following:
- Side Mirrors: If the back window is
tinted dual side mirrors are required.
- Restricted Colors: Tint colors red, blue
and amber are not permitted for use by Texas tint laws.
- Certificates: Film manufacturers
need to certify the film they sell in the state. Check with your dealer if
they are using certified film.
- Stickers: The sticker to identify legal tinting is
required between the film & glass on the driver’s side window.
- Medical Exceptions: Texas allows medical
exemptions for special tint. For more details about the specific terms of
the exemption, consult Texas law.
Keep in mind that Texas tinting laws and
regulations may be interpreted differently in your county or place of residence
and we always recommend you double-check our information with your local DMV or
law enforcement authorities.
Example of tint darkness percentages
d
Choosing your car window tint darkness is mainly about
following the law. Every state has different legislation regarding tint
darkness and reflection and you always want to avoid getting fined because you
used tint which was too dark. That being said, most states also allow up to 50%
darkness, but for most people it’s hard to figure out exactly how much that is.
As we mentioned throughout our site, window tint darkness is measured by the
percent of light that passes through your windows, which is called VLT
— visible light transmission.
We have prepared a simple example image for you to figure out
how much light passes through different percentages of tint:
As you can see having 50% or more light go through isn’t too bad, but is definitely helpful. It can still increase your vision and decrease the glare significantly which is why you shouldn’t go overboard with tinting. You can either purchase and tint your car windows by yourself, or (preferred) have professionals do it for you. In the latter case they should be able to provide you with real-life examples of tinted windows so you can choose the perfect VLT for your needs.
Window Tint Film Levels
We offer four levels of Llumar film: 50%, 35%, 20% and 05%. The percentage is the VLT (visable light transfer), which means the percentage of light that passes through the film, not the percentage of light that is blocked by the film. So the lower the figure, the darker the film (0% would block all light). All of our films cut out >99% UV.
50% ‘Light Smoke’
This is a subtle film that is rarely installed all the way around a vehicle. But unfortunately, even this film is not legal on front side windows.
35% ‘Smoke’
This is the level you will find on the rear of a lot of cars that come with factory tinted glass, particularly on BMW and Volkswagen cars. The reason the car manufacturers choose this level is because it’s dark enough to dramatically improve the look of the car, yet definitely not dark enough to offend anyone.
20% ‘Midnight’
This film is popular with people with small children or dogs, as it is dark enough to dramatically reduce heat and glare. It is the film you are most likely to see on 4×4’s and people carriers.
05% ‘Limo’
Limo is mainly for privacy applications, for example van rear screens, or for people who carry valubles which they’d prefer passers by not to see. However, some people do like the look of limo, and I would agree on certain cars it can look amazing.
Combination
Sometimes a combination of films works best for the customers requirements, and suits particular models better. We will talk through the options with you and ensure that you get what is best for you and your vehicle.
Film Specifications
| Visible Light Transmission | 50% | 35% | 20% | 5% |
| Ultraviolet Transmission | <1% | <1% | <1% | <1% |
| Visible Light Transmission | 52% | 37% | 22% | 5% |
| Solar Energy Rejected | 29% | 32% | 37% | 46% |
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