There is no denying that installing car window film to your
vehicle is one of the best, quickest and easiest ways to change the appearance
of your vehicle. Tinted windows give your car a stylish, sophisticated look
that can enhance the value of your vehicle. Automotive window tinting can also
have a wide range of other benefits:
- Tinting can reduce the glare of the sun; reducing summer heat by as much as 57% and UV radiation by as much as 99%. This in turn helps to protect children and pets from the dangerous rays of the sun.
- Window film strengthens the glass in your windows, deterring car crime and increasing safety by reducing the risk of flying glass in the case of an accident.
- Tinting protects the interior of your vehicle, preventing the sun from fading the upholstery.
- Window tinting improves visual security and gives added personal privacy.
Whilst there are unquestionably many benefits of installing
car window film to your vehicle, it is also important to take into account the
laws on tinted vehicle windows. Whilst there are no rules for the tinting of
the rear windscreen, or the rear passenger windows, if the front windscreen and
side windows are tinted, they must comply with certain government regulations
set by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA):
Vehicles first used
on 1 April 1985 or later
The front windscreen of a vehicle must allow at least 75% of
light through, whilst the front side windows must allow at least 70% of light
through. These regulations apply to the majority of vehicles on the road today.
Vehicles first used
before 1 April 1985
Both the front windscreen and front side windows must both
let at least 70% of light through.
There are also a number of enforcement standards in place
depending on the level of visible light transmission (VLT) that a tinted window
film allows. Specially trained officers can perform an instrumented check with
VLT meter should they suspect that a vehicle does not comply with DVSA
regulations.
- If a vehicle’s front windscreen or side windows allow between 65%-46% of light through, the driver will be advised that the legal requirements set by the DVSA have been breached. The driver will then be expected to fix this.
- For vehicles allowing between 45%-30% of light through the front windscreen and side windows, a prohibition notice will be given to the driver. This will usually give them 10 days to have their automotive tinting removed before going to a certified Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) testing centre to have their VLT re-checked.
- For vehicles with a VLT of 30% or less, the driver is prohibited from driving the vehicle until the tinting film is removed as the vehicle is considered dangerous and un-roadworthy.
For more information on the benefits of legal automotive
window tinting, you can visit pro-tints.co.uk.
