Car Window Tint Laws: What You Need to Know
Have you ever driven past a car with dark window tinting and wondered if it’s legal? Window tinting has become popular, not just for its aesthetic appeal, but also for the various benefits it provides, such as reducing glare and UV radiation.
However, it’s essential to understand the laws surrounding car window tinting to avoid getting pulled over, ticketed, and potentially having to remove the tint from your car. In this article, we will discuss the window tint laws in Western Australia, as well as the car window tint laws in Australia.
Western Australia Window Tint Laws
Windshield Tinting
Windshield tinting follows a unique set of laws in Western Australia. A 10% tinted strip is allowed at the top of the windshield, from no less than 75mm from the top of the windshield, however, the rest of the windshield must have a visible light transmission (VLT) of at least 70%.
Windshield wipers must be able to operate effectively through the tinted area.
Front Side Window Tinting
The maximum level of tint for front side windows is 35% VLT. This means that the driver and passengers’ visibility should not be hindered by more than 65%.
It’s important to note that the tinting should not extend beyond the top of the door window frame.
Back Side Window and Rear Window Tinting
The maximum level of tint for back side windows and rear window is 20% VLT. In addition, dual rear view mirrors must be fitted for vehicles with back side windows that have a VLT of less than 35%.
The dual rear view mirrors will ensure that the driver still has a clear view of the road behind them and prevent any accidents from occurring.
Other WA Tint Laws
Reflective/mirror-like tinting is illegal. Any damage or imperfection in the film that affects the VLT will also be considered illegal.
However, a medical exemption can be granted with a certificate from an optometrist or other medical practitioner, but only for the front side and back side windows of the vehicle.
WA Tint Law Source
The window tint laws in Western Australia can be found on the Department of Transport’s website.
Car Window Tint Laws in Australia
Overview of car tinting laws for all territories and states
Car window tinting is regulated by the Australian Design Rules (ADRs) and each state and territory has its own laws regarding car window tinting. It’s important to understand the specific laws in your area to avoid any potential fines or legal issues.
AU Vehicle Design Codes
The ADRs specify the vehicle classification, which indicates the maximum level of tint allowed on a car window. The required levels of VLT for each classification range from 50% to 15%.
Jurisdictions
Each state and territory has its own laws regarding car window tinting, but violating vehicle equipment laws in any area can result in fines and getting pulled over. Certain areas have stricter laws compared to others.
For example, New South Wales has the strictest car window tint laws with a maximum allowable VLT of 35% for front side windows and a maximum allowable VLT of 20% for back side windows.
Penalties
Violating vehicle equipment laws, including car window tinting, can result in fines and legal issues. The fines can vary depending on the severity of the violation.
Factory Tint
Many car manufacturers offer factory tinted windows at varying levels. It’s important to note that factory tinting is not exempt from the law, and it’s important to verify if the tint level is within the legal limits in your state or territory.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the laws governing car window tinting are not uniform across Australia. It’s important to understand the specific laws in your state or territory to avoid fines and legal issues.
Also, remember that having darker window tinting doesn’t always mean better protection from the sun. Always prioritize safety when it comes to car window tinting, and stay within the legal limits.
Additional Information on Car Window Tint Laws: Tinting Darkness Percent, Benefits, and More
Car window tinting has become increasingly popular nowadays because of its both functional benefits and aesthetic reasons. However, before getting your car windows tinted, it’s important to understand the window tint laws and how dark you can legally tint your vehicle’s windows.
This article will provide additional information on the darkness percent examples, the benefits of tinting car windows, and more.
Tint Darkness Percent Examples
The darkness percent of car window tinting is measured by the VLT or visible light transmission. VLT is the amount of light that can pass through the window and is measured in percentages.
When it comes to window tinting, the lower the VLT, the darker the window will appear. The laws regarding car window tinting are specific in each state and territory in Australia, and the maximum allowable VLT can range from 50% to 15%.
Here are some VLT percentages that correspond to various tint levels:
– 50% VLT: This is considered a very light tint. It provides maximum visibility and minimizes the amount of glare and heat that enters the car via the windows.
It’s commonly used on the front side windows of commercial and residential buildings. – 35% VLT: This is the maximum allowable tint level for front side windows in most states and territories in Australia.
It provides some level of tinting for privacy while still allowing a significant amount of light to enter the vehicle. – 20% VLT: This is the maximum allowable tint level for back side windows and rear windows.
It provides privacy and excellent protection against sun glare and heat. – 15% VLT: This is a dark tint level and is commonly used for commercial buildings and limousines.
It provides maximum privacy and minimizes the amount of light that enters the car. It’s important to note that these VLT percentages are just examples and the specific laws regarding window tinting in your area should be followed to avoid any legal issues.
Benefits of Tinting Car Windows
Aside from adding an aesthetic value to your vehicle, car window tinting provides several functional benefits, including:
1. UV Protection: Harmful UV rays can cause damage not only to the interior of your car, but also to your skin.
Window tinting can minimize the amount of UV rays that enter your vehicle, keeping you and your car’s interior safe from potential harm. 2.
Reduced Glare: Window tinting can reduce the glare from reflected sunlight or headlights of oncoming vehicles, making for a safer and more comfortable driving experience. 3.
Temperature Control: Window tinting can minimize the heat that enters your vehicle, keeping the interior cooler and reducing the need for air conditioning. This can lower your vehicle’s fuel consumption and save you money on your fuel costs.
4. Enhanced Safety: Window tinting can help in reducing the risk of flying glass from a broken window during an accident.
It also adds an extra layer of security against potential car theft, as it makes it harder for thieves to see what is inside the vehicle.
Other Factors to Consider
When getting your car windows tinted, it’s also essential to consider other factors such as the quality of the tint, the expertise of the installer, and the type of materials used. Poor quality tint, improper installation, and low-quality materials can lead to peeling, bubbling, or worse, damages to your car’s windows.
It’s recommended to have your car windows tinted by a professional and reliable installer to ensure optimal results. Furthermore, it’s important to note that window tinting should not interfere with your visibility while driving, especially at night.
Darker tints may limit visibility and hinder your ability to see pedestrians, road signs, or other vehicles on the road. Always prioritize safety when getting your car windows tinted, and make sure that it’s within legal limits.
Conclusion
In conclusion, car window tinting, when done correctly and within legal limits, provides several functional benefits, including UV protection, temperature control, glare reduction, and enhanced safety. Always consider the darkness percent when planning to get your car windows tinted.
The VLT percentages examples we have provided are just suggestions, and specific laws in your area should always be followed. Remember, safety should always be a top priority when it comes to car window tinting.
Car window tint laws vary from state to state in Australia, and the maximum allowable darkness percentage is measured by the VLT or visible light transmission. The benefits of tinting car windows include UV protection, reduced glare, temperature control, and enhanced safety.
When getting your car windows tinted, it’s essential to consider other factors such as the quality of the tint, the expertise of the installer, and the type of materials used. It’s recommended to have your car windows tinted by a professional and reliable installer to ensure optimal results that are within legal limits.
Safety should always be prioritized when it comes to car window tinting, and breaking the laws can result in fines and legal issues.