Police could take cars off the road over one upgrade
Police officers could pull cars off the road if owners equip one simple modification to their vehicle, according to the AA. Installing dark-window or windscreen tints may look cool and stylish, but fitting the simple upgrade could break driving laws and dramatically backfire. Motorists may not be aware that there are certain rules around how much light must come through car windscreens and side windows for road safety purposes.
TL;DR
- Installing dark window or windscreen tints can lead to police pulling vehicles off the road.
- Modern vehicles require at least 75% light transmission through the windscreen and 70% through front side windows.
- Police and DVSA can test window tints and issue prohibition notices, preventing vehicle use until illegal tints are removed.
- Motorists may also receive penalty notices or face court summons for non-compliance.
- There are no restrictions on tinting rear side windows and the rear windscreen.
- Older classic cars registered before April 1, 1985, have slightly different requirements (70% for front windscreen and side windows).
- It is illegal to sell a car that does not comply with window tint laws.