If you’re considering getting tinted windows on your car, check to make sure you’re following the regulations first. Here’s an overview to make things easier.

Getting your car windows tinted has a number of benefits: it reduces heat and glare, it gives you privacy, and it can also add a sleek and sophisticated look to your ride. But when choosing your window tint, you need to make sure that you’re following all the rules and regulations for your type of vehicle. Automotive tinting laws differ depending on whether you own a personal or commercial vehicle, so follow the guidelines below to make sure you’re abiding by the rules.

Australian auto tinting laws

All states and territories in Australia require that the maximum visible light transmission (VLT) of a window tint be 35% on vehicle windows. This means that a minimum of 35% of visible light must pass through the tinted glass. This applies to all vehicle windows except for the front windscreen, which can’t have any window film aside from a visor strip across the top for glare reduction.

The only exceptions to this rule are the Northern Territory, which allows a minimum VLT of 16% for windows behind the driver, and Western Australia, which allows 20% VLT on windows behind the driver – meaning a darker tint is acceptable in these cases.

Commercial window tinting

Commercial vehicle tinting laws do differ across the states and territories – so be sure to check your local regulations online if you need to tint a commercial vehicle. Generally though, any darkness film is allowed behind the driver in vehicles registered as a commercial type.

Reflectivity

Reflective films are shiny silver and bronze films, which can be “fader” films changing from dark to reflective, solid reflective films, or even patterned. While they may look interesting, Australian law states that window film on vehicles can’t be reflective. In fact, reflective films are considered even more dangerous than illegally dark tinted windows. That’s why police officers are always on the lookout for highly reflective window tints, so it’s best to stick to a low-reflective option.

What are the risks?

You might be wondering why it’s so important to keep your window tint within a specific visibility. An illegally dark or reflective car window film can cause a number of issues:

• Your car being deemed unroadworthy by police or transport authorities
• Failure to pass registration during your inspection
• Low visibility at night, which could lead to an accident
• Your window film manufacturer’s warranty being void due to the darkness of your window tint
• Your car insurance being void

Window tinting benefits

The good news is that there are still plenty of window tinting options out there that look great and fall well within the regulation limits. You can even choose a window tint based on your specific needs, so talk to your local window tinting expert about the different types of films available and their benefits, which could include:

• SPF and UV protection
• Glare reduction
• Temperature control
• Increased privacy
• Upholstery protection
• Window shatter-proofing
• Aesthetic quality

Are you ready to go over to the dark side? Have a chat with your local window tinter.