Is Window Tint Legal in the UK?
In the UK, window tint is legal on the glass behind the driver, but the front windscreen and front side windows must meet minimum light-transmission limits - and most aftermarket front tint does not.
Why?
The rule is the same for every car on UK roads and it comes down to how much light gets through the glass in front of the driver. The front windscreen must let at least 75% of light through, and the front side windows at least 70%. Those two figures are the whole test.
There are no limits at all on the rear windscreen or the rear side windows, so they can be tinted as dark as you like, including near-black film. It is only the front that is restricted.
Most aftermarket films sold as 5%, 20% or 35% put the front windows well under the 70% mark, which makes them illegal to use on the road. Police and DVSA examiners measure tint with a calibrated light meter at the roadside, so it is not a matter of opinion. Too dark and you can be handed a prohibition notice that takes the car off the road until the film comes off, and fitting or selling over-tinted glass is a separate offence.
What decides if it's legal
- Front windscreen: at least 75% of light must pass through.
- Front side windows: at least 70% of light must pass through.
- Rear windscreen and rear side windows: no legal tint limit.
- Measured at the roadside with a calibrated meter; over-tint means a prohibition notice.
Does it depend on your car?
The limits are identical for every car - a hatchback, a saloon or an SUV all face the same 75% and 70% front-glass rule. What changes is the factory glass: some cars leave the showroom with darker privacy glass on the rear (which is fine), but factory front glass already uses up part of your margin before any film goes on.
Related UK legality guides
Sources
This page is general guidance, not legal advice, on UK rules for window tint. The detail varies by exact vehicle and changes over time - confirm with your insurer and the latest DVSA/GOV.UK guidance before modifying.