There are strict laws governing tinting on vehicles, and failure to comply with these can result in a fine and/or your vehicle being defected. There are different rules for passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, trucks and buses. These rules relate to the visible light transmission (VLT) of the windows, which is a percentage of the visible light that passes through. 35% VLT means 65% of light is being blocked from passing through the window.

Having an illegal tint will prevent you from registering your car, but more importantly, if your window tinting does not meet the requirements of the state the vehicle is registered in, your vehicle insurance will be invalid. This means if you are involved in a collision, and your illegally tinted windows are deemed to have contributed to the incident, you could be fined and face criminal charges.

You can be sure that any tinting done by Window Tinting Specialists is a legal tint.

General rules:

• Reflective or mirror like tint is not acceptable - it could be dazzling to other drivers
• Spray on tinting and finishes are not acceptable
• A tinted or opaque band across the top of the windscreen is OK, provided it is not lower than 10% of the windscreen height, and is above the portion covered by the windscreen wipers
• Windscreen glass blocks at least 98% of harmful UV rays, and therefore do not benefit from being tinted

Passenger vehicles:

• Tinted film that is damaged, bubbled, discoloured, or has deteriorated in any way that adversely affects the driver's view must be removed, along with any residues left behind
• Rear vision mirrors must be fitted to both sides of the vehicle if the VLT of any side or rear window is less than 70%
• NSW law requires that side and rear windows maintain at least 35% VLT for all tinting done since August 1st, 1994
• When replacing tint that provides less than 35%VLT (done prior to 1st August 1994), the new tinting must provide at least 35% VLT

Trucks, commercial vehicles and buses

• The windows either side of the driver have the same tinting requirements as passenger vehicle (at least 35% VLT)
• There is no minimum VLT for windows rearward of the driver for these categories:
  • Light Goods Vehicle (NA)
    Gross vehicle mass not exceeding 3.5 tonnes
  • Medium Goods Vehicle (NB)
    Gross vehicle mass between 3.5 & 12.0 tonnes
  • Heavy Goods Vehicle (NC)
    Gross vehicle mass exceeding 12.0 tonnes
  • Light Omnibus (MD)
    Gross vehicle mass not exceeding 5.0 tonnes, 10 or more seating positions
  • Heavy Omnibus (ME)
    Gross vehicle mass exceeding 5.0 tonnes, 10 or more seating positions
  NA, NB, NC, MD & ME are Australian Design Rules category vehicle codes which are stamped on the vehicle's compliance plate.

This information has been sourced directly from the RMS (Roads and Maritime Service)