January 29, 2026 | Roads Policing and Safety Cameras , Traffic Offences
Request Number: FOI/16691
Category: Roads Policing and Safety Cameras - Traffic Offences
Subject: Vehicle Guidance and Policies
Request and Answer:
Your request for information has now been considered. In respect of Section 1(1)(a) of the Act we can confirm that the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) does hold information to which your request relates. The decision has been taken to disclose the following.
Request 1
Any policies, guidance documents, operational instructions, training materials, or internal memoranda provided to PSNI officers concerning the enforcement of window tint or vehicle glass light transmission requirements.
Answer 1
A number of officers within PSNI are trained on how to use light measuring equipment to measure window tints, only these officers should use the devices to measure light transmission. The following guidance is provided:
The power to stop vehicles comes from Article 180 Road Traffic (NI) Order 1981.
The requirements for vehicle windows and windscreens are contained within two different sets of legislation. Vehicles used in Northern Ireland must comply with EEA Directives in addition to the Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1999
Regulation 35(1) states that a motor vehicle shall be so designed and constructed that the driver has at all times a full view of the road and traffic ahead of the motor vehicle.
Regulation 35(3) states that all glass or other transparent material fitted to a motor vehicle shall be maintained in such a condition that it does not obscure the vision of the driver while it is being driven on a road.
Regulation 37 requires vehicles to comply with specific light transmission standards, which are given in Table II of Regulation 37. This is reproduced in Appendix A. The Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2005 came into effect on 22 April 2005. This amendment provides clarification that the visual light transmission standards (VLT) apply to glass and any film applied to it.
Regulation 115 (1) requires that all vehicle parts or accessories shall at all times be in such a condition that no danger is caused or likely to be caused to a person in or on the vehicle.
Article 54 Road Traffic (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 A person is guilty of an offence if he uses, or causes or permits another to use, a motor vehicle or trailer on a road when-
(a) the condition of the motor vehicle or trailer, or of its accessories or equipment:-
is such that the use of the motor vehicle or trailer involves a danger of injury to any person.
Article 58 Road Traffic (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 Breach of other construction and use requirements
A person who -
(a) contravenes any construction or use requirement other than one within Article 56(a) or 57(1) (a); or
(b) uses on a road a motor vehicle or trailer which does not comply with such a requirement, or causes or permits a motor vehicle
or trailer to be so used,
is guilty of an offence.
Guidance given complies with Section 32 of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000 and the PSNI Code of Ethics.
The law requires that the windows on the vehicle allow at least:
- 75 per cent of light through the front windscreen
- 70 per cent of light through the front side windows
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.
Request 2
Any guidance or instructions referring to specific visible light transmission (VLT) thresholds, including any differentiation in enforcement action based on measured VLT percentages.
Answer 2
The following guidelines are normally applied, and it should be noted they are guidelines:
If your window transmits greater than 30% but less than 45% average visual light, you can be issued with a notice to rectify your vehicle as well as a non Endorsable fixed penalty notice.
If your window transmits greater than 10% but less than 30%, you can be issued with an immediate prohibition notice on your vehicle along with an Endorsable fixed penalty notice.
Less than 10% is an immediate prohibition notice and you may be prosecuted for using your vehicle in a dangerous condition.
Further information can be found at the following website:
Tinted vehicle windows - the rules | nidirect
Request 3
Any guidance on the use of endorsable versus non-endorsable offences in relation to window tint enforcement, including the circumstances in which penalty points may be issued.
Answer 3
See response to Request 2.
Request 4
Any guidance on the use of offences relating to a driver’s view of the road ahead where window tint is a factor.
Answer 4
There are a number of offences which may be used and this will all be dependent on the vehicle involved and the observations of the officer dealing:
Using a vehicle with windows with insufficient transmission of light
Driver does not have full view of road and traffic ahead.
Using Vehicle in a Dangerous condition.