Window Tint Laws in New South Wales
Have you ever considered having your car windows tinted to protect your car’s interior, reduce heat, and provide privacy? Before you do, you must know the laws governing window tinting in New South Wales (NSW).
This article will provide you with all the information you need to remain compliant with NSW vehicle laws.
Windshield Tinting Laws
In NSW, it is illegal to tint the windshield except for the uppermost part with a tint no darker than 10%. This is often referred to as the visor strip.
This strip must not extend lower than 10% of the windshield’s total height or lower than the manufacturer’s designated AS1 line.
Front Side Window Tinting Laws
Front side windows must have a Visible Light Transmission (VLT) of at least 35%. This means that at least 35% of natural light must pass through that window.
For example, if you have a VLT of 35%, the window will let in 35% of natural sunlight, and 65% will be blocked.
Back Side Window Tinting Laws
Back side windows must have a VLT of at least 20%. This includes windows located behind the driver’s seat.
It’s essential to note that darkening car windows too much can lead to limited visibility and increased dangers.
Rear Window Tinting Laws
The minimum VLT for rear windows is 20%. Rear windows that have a darker tint may affect the driver’s visibility and make it difficult to see traffic or people behind the car.
This is a safety concern, especially when performing reverse maneuvers.
Additional Tint Laws
Reflective tint and damaged film are not permitted on any window of a vehicle. For vehicles that have dual mirrors, the rear and side windows can have a darker tint, but their minimum VLT is still 20%.
Factory-made glass already has an adequate tint, and hence additional tinting is not required or allowed. For trucks and vans with a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of at least 4,500 kg, window tinting is not regulated except for the windshield.
Finally, if your car was manufactured before January 1, 1989 (pre-1994), there are no tint regulations.
NSW Window Tint Source
The NSW window tint laws set out in the Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Regulation 2017 Schedule 2 Light Vehicle Standards Rules #44, window tinting, and pdf mirror. If you’re interested in learning about the car window tint laws outside of NSW, you can check out the laws in the other states of Australia.
For example, the window tint law in the Australian Capital Territory is the same as Queensland, with the minimum VLT of the front and back side windows being 35% and 20%, respectively.
Final Thoughts
Knowing the laws regarding car window tinting in NSW is essential to avoid getting fined or having to make changes to your vehicle. These laws are in place to ensure that drivers have adequate visibility and that they and their passengers are safe on the road.
Therefore, before installing any window tints, make sure you check the NSW legislation and comply with the VLT standards set out. Remember that while window tints look good, they can be a hindrance if not put correctly: ensure your tint service provider complies with these laws.
When in doubt, its better to be safe than sorry, so always double-check and be aware of the laws in place in NSW.
Car Window Tint Laws in Australia
Car window tinting is a popular trend among car owners in Australia, but it is essential to understand the laws governing it to avoid legal issues. Each state and territory of Australia has its laws that regulate car window tinting, but most of these laws share some similarities.
Below, we will discuss the various laws governing car window tinting in Australia, including vehicle classification, tint darkness percent examples, benefits of tinting car windows, and penalties for violating vehicle equipment laws.
Vehicle Design Codes
The first thing to know when it comes to car window tinting laws in Australia is the vehicle classification. The percentage of tint allowed on car windows depends on the type of vehicle you’re driving.
Passenger vehicles have a different tinting limit compared to trucks and other vehicles. For example, most states and territories in Australia allow passenger vehicles to have a maximum VLT of 35% on their front side windows, while trucks and other larger vehicles are allowed a higher percentage of VLT.
Jurisdictions
Each state and territory in Australia has its own laws that regulate car window tinting, and these laws can vary significantly. For instance, in New South Wales, the law allows a minimum of 35% VLT on front-side windows, while the Northern Territory permits up to 20% VLT for back and rear windows.
It’s therefore essential to be acquainted with the tint laws of the state or territory that you reside in or intend to visit.
Tint Darkness Percent Examples
Car window tint darkness is measured in VLT, which stands for Visible Light Transmission. The VLT percentage is how much visible light reaches through the glass, not the level of darkness or tint.
In most states and territories in Australia, passenger and light commercial vehicles must have a minimum VLT of 35% on their front side windows. Back and rear windows must also have a minimum VLT of 20%.
This means that no more than 35% of light may enter the vehicle’s front side windows, and no more than 20% of light may enter the car’s back and rear windows. However, the maximum allowable VLT percentage varies from state to state.
Benefits of Tinting Car Windows
There are several different benefits to having tinted car windows, including improved appearance and functionality. Tinting car windows can increase privacy, reduce glare, block harmful UV rays, and regulate the interior temperature of the car.
Tinted windows also offer additional strength to car windows and can help prevent break-ins, as they make it difficult for would-be thieves to see inside the vehicle.
Penalties
The penalties for violating car window tinting laws in Australia can range from fines to having to remove the tint from your vehicle. The severity of the fine can depend on various factors, such as the percentage of tint on the windows and the type of vehicle being driven.
In some cases, law enforcement officers may issue a defect notice that requires the offending vehicle’s owner to rectify the issue or face more significant penalties, such as losing their license or registering their car.
Factory Tint
It’s worth noting that some car manufacturers apply a layer of tint to their vehicles’ windows before sale. If this is the case with your car, it might be difficult to tell how much further you can tint your windows.
It’s important to check your car’s windows’ VLT percentage before applying any tint to be compliant with the law.
Final Thoughts
Car window tinting is a trendy and stylish choice among car owners in Australia, but it’s important to understand the legal implications before having your car windows tinted. Different states and territories within Australia set their unique car tinting laws, so it’s important to check relevant information before tinting your car.
Tinting your car’s windows can offer various functional benefits as well, like reducing heat and glare, and improving privacy. By knowing the tint laws of the state or territory where you live or intend to visit and staying compliant to the regulations, you can keep your vehicle safe and avoid any legal issues with authorities.
Car window tinting is a popular trend among car owners in Australia, but it is essential to understand the legal implications before having your car windows tinted. Different states and territories within Australia set their unique car tinting laws, which vary with vehicle classification, tint darkness percentage, and penalties for violating vehicle equipment laws.
Tinting car windows can offer various functional benefits like reducing heat and glare, and improving privacy. By knowing the tint laws and staying compliant, you can keep your vehicle safe and avoid any legal issues with authorities.
It’s important to remember that tinting laws are in place for safety reasons and must be adhered to, just like any other equipment regulations.