PSNI warning after very dark window tint on BMW lands driver in trouble
The PSNI has reminded motorists that having heavily tinted windows on their vehicles could not only be dangerous but also land them in trouble with the law.
They highlighted the issue following an incident on Saturday when officers discovered a vehicle being driven with only three per cent of light able to pass through window glass.
The law requires the windows on a vehicle must allow at least 75 per cent of light through the front windscreen and 70 per cent through the front side windows.
"Whilst many cars come with tinted windows, giving the occupants some privacy, there is a minimum amount of light that must still be allowed to pass through the glass. This limit applies to any windows in front of the B-pillar,” police said.
"What this means is that the glass on the front doors must allow at least 70 per cent of light through and 75 per cent for the windscreen.
"When officers from Mahon Road spotted this BMW in Portadown, it was obvious that the glass was much too dark.
"When we checked it with our tint measuring device, we discovered only three per cent of light was able to pass through.
"The chances of seeing a car, motorcyclist or cyclist at a junction is massively reduced, even during daylight hours,” police warned.
The driver received three penalty points and a fine. The car was immediately prohibited until the tint was removed.
NI Direct states: “In most modern vehicles there is a slight tint added to the windows when they are made. If you add any more tint it’s likely to result in the windows failing to meet the legal requirements.
"The rules on tinted windows don’t apply to the rear windscreen or the rear passenger windows.
“Window tints will restrict your ability to see the more vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists, especially in low light conditions. Visibility problems are particularly bad around dawn and dusk, or the sudden onset of bad weather when light levels change quickly.
"If you drive a vehicle with increased tinting to the front windows you may face enforcement action. This could be a prohibition notice, stopping you from using your vehicle on the road until you have had the extra window tint removed, a fixed penalty notice or court summons.”