UK window tint law, explained
The limits, window by window
The percentage is visible light transmission: how much light gets through. A higher number means lighter glass. The rules only cover the windscreen and the two front side windows, the ones the driver looks through to see the road.
- WindscreenAt least 75% light
- Front side windowsAt least 70% light
- Rear side windowsNo limit
- Rear windscreenNo limit
Why the front windows have so little room
The 70% limit applies to the glass and the film together. Factory glass is not perfectly clear, so it already uses some of that allowance before any film goes on. That is why dark film on the front side windows of a modern car is not legal, even if the film on its own looks light.
Older cars
Cars first used before 1 April 1985 follow a different rule: both the windscreen and the front side windows must let through at least 70% of light. The rear windows have no limit, the same as newer cars.
Choosing a rear shade
All of these are legal on the rear side windows and rear windscreen. Figures are for OPX NR Elite Duo, the film we fit; every shade blocks 99% of UV.
- 50%Light. A subtle look with some privacy. Cuts 43% of glare and rejects 29% of the sun's energy.
- 35%Mid. Noticeably darker. Harder to see into the car in daylight. Cuts 60% of glare and rejects 37% of the sun's energy.
- 20%Dark. The cabin is hard to see into from outside. Cuts 77% of glare and rejects 41% of the sun's energy.
- 5%Limo. Near black from the outside, for the most privacy. Cuts 94% of glare and rejects 43% of the sun's energy.
If your tint is too dark
You could get:
- a prohibition notice, stopping you using the vehicle on the road until the tint is removed
- a penalty notice
- a court summons
It is also an offence to fit or sell vehicle glass that breaks the rules.
Chameleon windscreen film
Coloured or chameleon film on the windscreen is covered by the same rule as any other film: with it fitted, the windscreen must still let through at least 75% of light.
Quick answers
Is window tint legal in the UK?
Yes, within limits. For cars first used on or after 1 April 1985, the windscreen must let through at least 75% of light and the front side windows at least 70%. The rear side windows and rear windscreen have no limit.
Can I tint my front windows?
Only lightly. The front side windows must let through at least 70% of light, measured through the glass and the film together. Factory glass already blocks some light, so there is very little room left for film on the front windows.
How dark can I tint my rear windows?
As dark as you like. There is no legal limit on the rear side windows or the rear windscreen, so 5% limo tint is legal there.
What happens if my tint is too dark?
You could get a prohibition notice, stopping you using the vehicle on the road until the tint is removed, a penalty notice or a court summons. It is also an offence to fit or sell vehicle glass that breaks the rules.
Is chameleon windscreen film legal?
Any film on the windscreen is covered by the same rule: the windscreen must still let through at least 75% of light with the film fitted.
What are the rules for cars first used before 1 April 1985?
Both the windscreen and the front side windows must let through at least 70% of light. The rear windows have no limit.
See each shade on a car before you choose, then get a price for your body type.
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