Window tinting

**ilovetechno** · 18th October 2010, 12:37

Right, got my car booked for next week to get my full windows tinted.
First thing the guy mencioned was that the legal side of things, that doing front windows is illegal.But they can provide the service.
My question to u guys, that have them done is:

Did u tinted all windows?
Did u mencion it to insurance company?
how dark did u got it?

Basically show your tints!

**Danger_MouseUK** · 18th October 2010, 12:54

IIRC, The front are legal to tint, however they must allow through 70% of natural light.

**Big Dave** · 18th October 2010, 12:57

If you have the front side windows tinted they have to allow a minimum of 70% light through them.

http://www.sctints.co.uk/qas_thelaw.php

"If your front windows are tinted to any level you do risk being stopped by either Traffic Police or VOSA (Vehicle & Operator Services Agency) they have light meters to test the light that passes through your glass. If you have a subtle tint fitted then you should just be asked for it to be removed, if you have dark front door windows you could be told you cant drive your car any further and face a fine and points on your licence! "

**leonvectrac** · 18th October 2010, 13:00

i got limo black round the back and the lightest smoke on the front, i havent mentioned it to my insurance as last time i did they tryed to charge me £60 !

**bigdave1701** · 18th October 2010, 13:03

As mentioned above, the law says 70% light must pass through the front windows so a light smoked tint on those will be completely legal. the police will only expect you to remove the tint if it fails the light meter test.

The company doing the tint will be able to advise you on the amount of light that will pass through any particular tint.

**Danger_MouseUK** · 18th October 2010, 13:47

Also worth noting, If you do not inform your insurance company when purchasing your policy you will have committed the offence of obtaining insurance by making a false declaration, and you might find yourself arrested and taken to a custody suite for interview. It's a bit picky but you might get the Police Officer who's wife has just ran off with the milkman.

Personally tho, i think you should be locked up anyway for liking techo music!

**Grumpy1954** · 18th October 2010, 14:13

What they all said above. It would be crazy to flout the law (and they DO insist you remove it at roadside) and risk invalidating your insurance. Keep it legal, the tint company can advise what the limits are.

**Rorschach** · 18th October 2010, 14:39

Originally Posted by bigdave1701

As mentioned above, the law says 70% light must pass through the front windows so a light smoked tint on those will be completely legal. the police will only expect you to remove the tint if it fails the light meter test.

The company doing the tint will be able to advise you on the amount of light that will pass through any particular tint.

Not the case unfortunately. You're right, 70% of light must be able to pass through, but remember, glass does not let 100% of light through in the first place. On top of this, most vehicles leave the factory with very slight tints on them already I'm afraid. I think from the factory, my old audi let through 75% light from standard going on what the officer told me. Just be careful mate.

**rochey** · 18th October 2010, 14:42

the ol bill only really cause you a prob if its rediculously dark tints or your driving is terrible i know a few cars with 50% on front windows with no probs from the law
if you see a police car just lower your windows by half so they can see your face and they should leave you alone

**Danger_MouseUK** · 18th October 2010, 16:00

Originally Posted by rochey

the ol bill only really cause you a prob if its rediculously dark tints or your driving is terrible i know a few cars with 50% on front windows with no probs from the law
if you see a police car just lower your windows by half so they can see your face and they should leave you alone

From his user name, when he lowers his 50% tinted windows the less that glorious sounds of techno music will waft towards the police car, and lets just say that I would look out for a nearby safe place to stop the car, for when the blue disco lights and music light up your rear window.

The facts of the matter are the law s quite clear, and the fitters will quite happily tell you what you want to hear, because they will have a disclaimer somewhere that the tints are for show/display purpose only, and it's the driver of the vehicle that is responsible for its roadworthyness, so when you are stopped and found to have illegal tints, it will be you footing the bill.

And trust me, tints are looked out for by traffic bobbies. Especially when, once every so often, they come round on the monthly focus list. As for not declaring them to your insurance, if you are in a smash and it is noted that your windows are illegally tinted, especially if it's a side on collision/swipe or at night, then it's quite probable that your insurance will walk away wiping their hands with a big smile on their faces, as they are desperate to try and save cash these days because of all the claims they have having to pay out to, just look at the price rise of insurance over the past year or so.

.. In short, it's just not worth the risk... but on your own head be it.