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Can tinted windows make any difference to your insurance?

Posted on Wednesday, 08 June 2011 08:18AM by Editor

While tinted windows often enhance the appearance of a car and provide a certain degree of security by blocking a thief’s view into the vehicle, vehicle owners must be sure that, when deciding to have their windows tinted, they’re not breaking any driving laws and invalidating their insurance.

So why might certain degrees of tinting be illegal? British law states that any windscreen tint must allow a minimum of 75 per cent light penetration, while side windows may be slightly darker and must let in at least 70 per cent. The reason for this is that anything darker may impede a driver’s view of the road ahead, especially at night, and would therefore be very dangerous.

The Vehicle Operators Service Agency (VOSA) has provided a light meter to the police who use them in roadside checks. If it detects between 45-65 per cent light penetration, the driver will be asked to remove the tint - failing to do so could result in a fine of up to £2000. If the meter detects only 30-45 per cent penetration, the vehicle is deemed unfit for the road and a delayed prohibition is issued, which means that the owner has 10 days to have the tint removed. If the meter detects less than 30 per cent, then the vehicle cannot be driven again until the tint is removed.

According to UKmotorists, officers in Calderdale, West Yorkshire, have been coming down hard on illegal window tinting. Sgt Alderson explained the reasoning behind the constabulary’s crackdown: "Glass that is heavily tinted can present a real danger. Tinted glass restricts the ability of a motorist to obtain a clear view of the conditions outside their vehicle, particularly when it’s dark. It is vital that a driver can, at all times, see pedestrians and other vehicles. Furthermore, those who drive behind tinted windows have reduced eye contact with others, they cannot confirm that they have seen you, which is another potential hazard.”

“Most vehicles these days do come with a small amount of tinting as standard,” continued Sgt Alderson. “This means that you don’t have to add too much extra for it to become illegal.

“As well as the issue of safety there is also the fact that any modification to a vehicle, that alters the standard to which it was manufactured, could render the insurance invalid if the insurance company are not notified - so you could also find that you are not covered. Also, window tinting is not currently included in an MOT, there are steps being taken to incorporate it in the future, but you could find yourself with a car that has passed its MOT but is still not road legal.”

So while it’s true that tinted windows may prevent, to some degree, car theft and break-ins and that they may result in cheap car insurance, the implications when it comes to invalidating that insurance policy are far more pertinent. It’s therefore crucial that drivers thoroughly check they’ll be complying with road safety law when they choose to have their windows tinted.
 
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