Tinted Vehicle-Glass
Enforcement Guidelines


Introduction
a) In recent times there has been an increasing trend for owners of light
vehicles to have the side windows and even windscreens tinted, most
commonly by the application of tinted film. The practice seems to have
been more prevalent in some areas of Great Britain than others. Where
there has been the perception by Police forces or Examiners that the level
of the problem is sufficient to warrant attention, then checks have been
carried out.
b) There have been a number of problems identified which need to be
addressed if activity in this area is to be effective and minimise
unnecessary inconvenience to motorists. These are as follows:1. The regulation governing the tinting of vehicle glass was open to a different
interpretation to that intended. It provided the potential for a challenge on the
basis that the standard (expressed in the percentage of Visual Light
Transmission (VLT) applied to the glass only and not to any film applied to it.
2. The repeatability of results did not provide sufficient confidence in the
readings obtained when some makes of meter were used.
3. The absence of a national scheme/policy caused difficulties associated with
the removal of prohibitions for motorists and Police staff.
c) This document describes the measures taken to resolve these problems
and introduce consistent procedures and standards.

Regulations
d) Regulation 32 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations
1986 requires vehicles to comply with specific light transmission standards
these are given in Table II of regulation 32 which is reproduced in Annex
A. Following consultation with the Automotive Group of the Glass and
Glazing Federation, the 2003 Road Vehicles (Construction and Use)
(Amendment) No.5 R Regulations (SI 2003/3145) came into effect on
01/01/2004. This amendment provides clarification that the visual light
transmission standards (VLT) apply to glass and any film applied to it.

Procedures and Standards
e) This document covers situations where vehicles with excessively tinted
glass are encountered at checks specifically aimed to tackle this problem
and where vehicles are encountered by chance. The aim is to bring the
Police use of TintMan operating guidelines in line with the national policy
already adopted by our partners The Vehicle And Operator Services
Agency (VOSA).


f)

Equipment
Trials for suitable equipment have identified only one that is suitable for
enforcement, that is the ‘TintMan’ manufactured by Turnkey Instruments
Ltd.
Trained ‘TintMan’ Operators
g) The TintMan instrument is a calibrated device that should only be used by
SUITABLY TRAINED OFFICERS.
h) Only those officers who are authorised by the Chief Constable, and have
successfully completed the ‘Police’ course, can issue a prohibition notice in
respect of an offence detected by the use of TintMan.
i)
It is for each force to decide on what level of training they feel is appropriate. It
should be borne in mind however that any Police force would be open to criticism
and possible litigation where untrained personnel have incorrectly used TintMan
resulting in the prohibition of a vehicle and subsequent replacement of vehicle
glass.


Instrumented Checks
j) Enforcement action should be reserved for obvious instances of glass
being excessively tinted. All Police operators should be trained in the use
of the equipment and understand the user manual. The essential key
measures to take are:
1. Before use, check and adjust the TintMan instrument sensitivity against the
sample Reference Window having first made sure it is clean.
2. Clean the areas of glass to be tested.
3. Before taking a reading make sure the source and detector are concentrically
aligned and firmly against the material.
4. In the case of windscreens take readings in the “Primary vision area”* only.
5. The primary vision area is the area of the windscreen through which the driver
would normally look through the most. It excludes glass within 2.5”(6cm) of
the top and bottom edges of the screen and within 3.5”(9cm) of the offside
and nearside edge of the screen. For this purpose this memo the ‘edge’ is
where transparent glass ends. Exclude blackened glass at pillars used
primarily for bonding the glass.
6. Allow 10 to 20 seconds with the button depressed for the light source intensity
to stabilise.
7. If the low battery warning remains on do not accept the transmission reading
and change the batteries before taking fresh readings.
8. Take at least three measurements at different positions for each area of glass
and calculate an average value.
9. Details of calibration checks should be recorded as a Pocket Note Book
Entry.

Enforcement Standards
k) If the calculated average visual light transmission (AVLT) reading falls with the
range in column 1 in the table below then take the action in column 2. The same
limits will be applied to windscreen and side window glass.
AVLT
Police Action
Less than 25%
In EXCEPTIONAL Circumstances
PG9
Less than 25%
Consider Summons
25% to 45%
? Fixed Penalty Non Endorsable.
(286)
46% to 70%
Advice/VRS

A PG9 must only be issued where an IMMEDIATE danger exists.
Examples of this might be an AVLT of say less that 10% at night. A PG9
should not be issued unless the officer can substantiate the danger, merely
having an AVLT of 25% or less may not substantiate an immediate PG9.


Non-instrumented Checks
l) If heavily tinted vehicle glass is encountered in situations when a TintMan
meter is not available then a subjective assessment may be made. It will
be made of the relevant glass from the driving seat with the doors closed.
If it is obvious that the VLT is less than the legal requirements and the
level of visibility of the surroundings has been obscured to the extent that
the “danger of injury” criterion for immediate prohibition action has been
met, then an immediate prohibition may be issued. If the level of visibility
is not obviously dangerous then advise that the legal requirements may
have been breached, thus putting the onus on the owner to investigate
further.


Variations to the Normal Prohibition Procedure
m) As VLT for glass is outside the scope of the MOT test, the direction issued
for non-testable vehicles (option C) on the PG9 form can be used. It
should be noted that on light vehicles where other defects are found that
would also warrant an immediate prohibition option B on the PG9 form
should be used as the vehicle would be subject to an M.O.T (as well as
repairing the vehicle glass). Once the vehicle has been re-tested the
owner should then contact the police to have the prohibition removed
subject to the vehicle glass being re-tested using TintMan. A standard
explanatory form (see Annex D) will be attached to every prohibition
issued for this defect directing the motorist to contact their local police
station or local VOSA(Vehicle and Operator Services Agency) area office.
When the motorist makes contact with the police for clearance, we will
endeavour to contact a qualified officer (if not the issuing officer) for the
motorist, where a TintMan is available. Contact details will be provided to
the motorist for the location where the removal of the prohibition is
proposed.


Variations to the Normal Exemption Procedure
n) Taking the nature of the defect into account, it may be appropriate to allow
vehicles to be used under exemption provided conditions can be imposed
which remove the danger of injury. For example if driving the vehicle with
the side windows lowered renders the vehicle safe to be used then this
condition could be specified to prevent a motorist being stranded.



Variations to the Normal Prohibition Removal Procedure and Standards
o) Prohibitions for tinted glass will be normally removed by Police examiners
at a local Police station or other suitable venue by prior arrangement with
the owner. There is nothing to stop the owner contacting a local VOSA
(Vehicle and Operator Services Agency) area office in order to have the
prohibition removed should they wish to do so.
p) In relation to tinted glass, ‘fit for service’ means the glass meets the
requirements of regulation 32. If the AVLT value is within the range in
column 1 in the table below then take the action in column 2. These
values take account of the accuracy limitations of the TintMan meter (0.5% to + 3%).
Column 1
AVLT
Motor vehicles first used before 1st
April 1985
All relevant window glass:
<65%
Column 2
Action
Refusal
Clearance (PG10)
=>65%
Motor vehicles first used on or after 1st
April 1985
Windscreen glass:
<70%
=>70%
Side window glass:
<65%
=>65%

Refusal
Clearance (PG10)
Refusal
Clearance (PG10)
Motorcycle Visors
q) TintMan must not be used on any ‘shaped’ surface i.e. Motorcycle Visors.
r) All visors must carry the British Standard Kite Mark or display the EEC
22.05 marking.
s) If neither of the above are displayed the visor is illegal. The officer should then
take the enforcement action as deemed appropriate by the circumstances for
example. A motorcyclist who is wearing a dark illegal visor during the hours of
darkness would be considered a greater risk than one riding on a bright day.
Appendix A
1
2
3
4
5
Item
Class of vehicle
Windows
Percentage
Documents
specifying
procedure
1
Motor vehicles
first used before
1st April 1985
All windows
70
2
Motor vehicles
first used on or
after 1st April
1985
a) Windscreens
75
b) All other windows
70
British Standard
Specification
No.857 or
No.5282
The documents
mentioned in
sub-paragraph 9
(i), (ii) or (iii) of
the definition in
paragraph (13)
of “specified
safety glass
(1980)”.
Note:
The above standards do not apply to:
i)
Any part of the windscreen out side the vision reference zone.
ii)
Any windows through which the driver, when in the driver’s seat is
unable to see any part of the road on which the vehicle is waiting or
proceeding.
In order to achieve consistency of action, for enforcement purposes, action
will be taken only for glass not complying which is:
i)
In the case of windscreens, in the ‘Primary vision area’ on the driver’s
side and,
ii)
In the case of other windows only those to either side of the driver in
the doors provided for access to the front seats.
Appendix B;Guide
TintMan – Quick Reference
Any material to be tested should be clean and free
from grease, finger marks and dust. If necessary
the material should be cleaned using a proprietary
glass cleaner and thoroughly dried using lint free
cloth.
Before use always calibrate and adjust the
Tintman instrument sensitivity. Please refer to the
Checking and Adjusting Tintman instructions at
the end of this guide.
To use the instrument connect the light source and
detector t
o the readout unit with the colour coded
connectors. Check that the colours match and the
connectors are pushed in firmly. The light source
has a red connector, the detector black. No
damage will be done if the connectors are
mistakenly swapped.
Attach the source and detector to either side of the
material to be measured, if necessary use the
captive suckers to secure to vertical windows. The
source and detector should self align magnetically.
On raked windscreens attach the detector to the
inside of the glass hanging from its sucker. When
the source is placed on the outside of the
windscreen the magnetic attraction between the
two should automatically draw the detector to the
windscreen.
Before taking a reading, visually check that the
source and detector are concentrically aligned
and firmly against the material.
To take a transmission reading press the large
button on the readout unit. The display will show
the measured transmission in percent. Allow about
10 to 20 seconds with the button depressed for the
light source intensity to stabilise. Keep the button
pressed throughout this period. It is recommended
that three readings are taken at different positions
and the average value used.

A low battery warning will appear on the display
momentarily when the button is depressed and then
disappear. If the low battery warning remains on
do not accept the transmission reading and change
the instruments batteries (four AA alkaline cells)
immediately.
If the transmission test is done in very bright direct
sunlight, stray light scatter may increase the
apparent transmission by up to 0.5%
Note that the high power magnets used in
Tintman are brittle. Do not drop them or bang
them together. They will shatter. Do not force
either of the magnets against another magnetic
pole of the same polarity - their strength may b
weakened!
Checking and Adjusting Tintman
TintMan should be calibrated before and after each
use and only by authorised personnel. The
calibration should be recorded in the officers’
pocket book or on any appropriate pro-forma
document.
The calibration is carried out in 3 stages, these are
as follows:1. The sensitivity can be checked and adjusted at
100% by inserting the 4 mm thick 100% Spacer
Ring between the source and detector magnets
Adjust the sensitivity so that the instrument
reads within -0.5% or +3.0% of the expected
value.
Note - Any adjustment is made at this stage
only
2. Check using the calibration sample glass.
3. Remove the light source (red plug) from
TintMan – press read button for 5 to 10
seconds. The reading should be 00.0 +/- 0.5
(page 28 of TintMan manual)
If the readings fluctuate, clean the connector
contacts by rotating the red connector plug in its
socket.

Do not place the source or detector near
computer disks, the fields from their magnets may
corrupt the disk.
Tinted Vehicle Glass Prohibition
Your vehicle has been examined by a trained Police Vehicle Examiner appointed
under section 12 (9) of the Road Traffic Act 1991. As a result of the examination one
or more serious defects have been observed which are described on the prohibition
notice (PG9). The prohibition is a legally enforceable ban on driving the vehicle on
the road. The ban on the further use of your vehicle is immediate (unless an
exemption has been granted). At least one of the defects listed on the prohibition
notice is for the vehicle glass being excessively tinted in breach of the requirements
of regulation 32 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 as
amended.
You should have the material used to tint the glass removed to bring the visual light
transmission (VLT) back within the prescribed requirements. If your vehicle has been
directed for an M.O.T test –this should be done now. When you are satisfied your
vehicle meets the VLT requirements and is otherwise free of defects you should
contact the Police Station below who will offer you an appointment for your vehicle to
be re-examined at an agreed time and suitable inspection location
Issuing
Officer………………………………………………….………………………..……
…
Contact telephone
number…………………………..………..………………………………
Police Station
Address…………………………………………..…………………………….
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q1. What does the law say.
A1. The law limits the amount of light that can be prevented from passing
through vehicle glass by tinting of the glass or by applying a tinted film to it.
Q2. What is the purpose of the law?
A2. The purpose of the law is to ensure that vehicle glass is not tinted beyond
the point where the driver’s ability to see the road around the vehicle is
restricted.
Q3. How does excessively tinted glass effect road safety?
A3. Whilst permanently tinted glass may improve the ability of drivers in
bright conditions it will restrict it in dark conditions which may prevent drivers
from seeing other motorists or pedestrians. Also when vehicles are emerging
from junctions approaching drivers will look for confirmation that the drivers of
the emerging vehicles have observed their approach. Excessively tinted
glass can prevent eye contact being established.
Q4. Which glass in the vehicle is regulated?
A4. The windscreen, and the front side windows to either side of the driver’s
head
Q5. In what units is the level of tint measured?
A5. The limits specify the percentage of light which must be allowed to pass
through the glass.
Q6. What are the limits?
A6. For vehicles first used before 1April 1985 the glass in the windscreen and
front side windows must allow 70% of light to be transmitted through it. For
vehicles first used on or after that date the light transmitted through the
windscreen is increased to 75%.
Q7. How do Police Examiners measure glass for compliance?
A7. If Examiners encounter vehicles with excessively tinted glass and they
have no equipment with them to measure the visual light transmission (VLT)
for the glass then action will be taken only in the worst instances of noncompliance. Action will be taken if it is obvious to the Examiner that the
driver’s vision is severely restricted by the level of tint. When Examiners have
equipment available they will use an opacity meter to measure the VLT. They
will take enforcement action only when glass has VLT significantly below the
required level and will notify you what the measured values were.
Q8. Are there any other implications for motorists who tint the glass of
windscreens and front side windows?
A8. Any modification to a vehicle that alters the standards to which it was
manufactured is likely to render the insurance invalid. If the modification also
makes it illegal for use because it breaches the legal requirements then this
becomes a certainty.