Window tinting on all vehicles

Under roadworthiness testing laws, a vehicle’s windscreen, and front side windows must have a light transmission or transparency level of at least 65% to pass the test.

Under the Irish road traffic regulations, the driver must always have a view to the front and side of the vehicle necessary to enable them to drive safely.

An Garda Síochána currently have equipment to test the transparency level of windows at roadside checks. If a vehicle is found to have excessively tinted windows, both the owner and driver can be charged.

Heavily tinted windows present a significant safety hazard for vehicle drivers and their occupants.

Visibility is greatly reduced particularly at night-time or times of low light and may prevent drivers from seeing other road users or pedestrians.

There are also enforcement issues for An Garda Síochána in regard to driver recognition and the detection of driving offences e.g. holding a mobile phone while driving and other criminal activity.

No. The tint restrictions only apply to the vehicle’s windscreen and front side windows.

We would recommend submitting a letter from the original manufacturer including the vehicle’s identification number to the NCT which confirms the original specification tint level for your vehicle’s windscreen and front side windows. Also note that apart from the roadworthiness test, if stopped by the Gardaí and your vehicle’s tinted windows prevent you from driving safely you could still be charged under road traffic legislation.

Private vehicles over 40 years old are exempt from roadworthiness testing, however if An Garda Síochána feel your vehicle's excessively tinted windscreen prevents you from driving safely, you could still be charged with an offence under road traffic legislation. The user of a vehicle is responsible for the vehicle being maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition at all times when in use on a public road.

No. The roadworthiness testing legislation does not allow for any exemptions on medical grounds as the test refers to the vehicle itself not the driver or occupants of the vehicle. It is possible to get tint films which block UVA light, yet meet with the legal limit of 65% light transmission.

• If it is a tint film that is on your car, these tend to be quite easily removed.
• If it is the glass itself that is excessively tinted, these will have to be replaced on windscreen and front side windows only.

Contact Competitive and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) for advice on consumer rights when purchasing a vehicle.

NCT Testers' Manual - Passenger cars

CVRT Testers' Manual - Heavy and Light Commercial Vehicles