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When window tint is installed to the glazing of a vehicle it reduces the amount of visible light, how much depends on the darkness of the tint. Car window tint is graded in a % VLT (Visible Light Transmittance - the amount of light the film allows to pass through). Some companies grade the film as how much light the film blocks so 20% VLT could be that it allows 20% of light to pass through, however with another company if could allow 80% of light to pass through as the 20% is the amount of light it blocks, this confuses things and you should always check before installing film. In this article all percentages refer to the visible light transmittance (VLT).

Authorities in many countries and states have laws as to how dark you can tint your windows. This is because if the windows are tinted too dark you may not be able to see hazards clearly, especially at night, and also police may not be able to identify individuals inside a vehicle. In this article we have tried to compile a list of the laws in varying countries and states, you should use this as a guide only and should check with your local authority before installing window tints to your vehicle.

Important

Front windows = the front windows forward of the B-pillar not including the front windscreen (not including sunroofs)

In Belarus any kind of window tint is illegal. An exception is made for factory tint in vehicles purchased before 1st April 2006. Vehicles of cash collectors, KGB and certain officials are exempt from this legislation.

Window Tint Laws in Belgium

You have to allow at least 70% VLT on the front windows and this must be certified by the Glass Institute. This is not authorised for the front windows of M1 vehicles except for window film installed prior to 30th April 2003). There is no limit on the shade for all the rear windows, but if installed on the back windwscreen you must have at least one rear view mirror in the side opposite the driver

Window Tint Laws in Czech Republic

On the front side windows the window film must equal at least 70% VLT, safety or combined films must be certified, same VLT regulations. You can not fit any film to the front windscreen. For the rear windows there is no limit provided the film is certified.

Window Tint Laws in Denmark

For the front windscreen you must allow a minimum of 75% VLT, the front side windows must allow a minimum of 70% VLT. For the rear windows you must allow 40% VLT.

Window Tint Laws in Finland

For the front windscreen you must allow a minimum of 75% VLT, the front side windows must allow a minimum of 70% VLT. For the back windscreen you must allow 70% VLT for M1, M1G-, N1- to N1G vehicles provided that there are front windows providing suitable visibility to the rear. If a rear brake light is installed. as a compulsory device, then tint must not cover this.

Window Tint Laws in France

The only film you can apply to the front windshield is a maximum 10cm banner at the top of the window in a uniform colour for solar protection or small infomrative labels. The front side windows must be homologated in an appointed lab (applies UN-ECE R43). Providing the car is fitted with 2 side mirrors you may film the rear windows for solar protection, films must be homologated in an appointed lab (applies UN-ECE R43)

Window Tint Laws in Greece

For front and rear windows the current law states that the transparent parts of a vehicle must ensure that the driver and passengers are visible at all times, because of this it seems that dark tints are prohibited.

Window Tint Laws in Hungary

For the front windscreen you have to allow a minimum 75% VLT and for the front side widnwos a minimum of 70% VLT. For passenger cars the back side windows must allow 70% VLT, for non passenger cars the back side windows and rear windscreen have no limits of VLT. For the windscreen. Clear safety films and high UV films must be homologated by the Hugarian authorities with a 75% VLT.

Window Tint Laws in Italy

You may not put any film on the front side windows or windscreen. Provided that the vehicle is equipeed with rear view mirrors on each side there is no limit to the VLT for the rear windows. Italy will soon accept ABG certifed films (with a translation)