Car Tint Laws You Must Follow in Nottingham
Thinking about darkening your windows? You can look cool and keep the cabin cool, but you need to know the legal limits first. In the UK the rules are strict, and breaking them can land you a fine or even a MOT failure. Below we break down the limits, how police check tint, and what you can do to stay on the right side of the law.
UK Tint Limits Explained
The law sets a maximum VLT (Visible Light Transmission) for each window. VLT tells you how much light can pass through the glass. For most cars the limits are:
- Windshield (front): No tint at all – you must keep it clear.
- Front side windows: At least 70% light must pass through (meaning you can only have a very light shade).
- Rear side windows and rear windshield: Any VLT is allowed, but you still need a rear-view mirror if the rear window is heavily tinted.
These numbers apply whether you’re in Nottingham, Manchester or anywhere in England. Scotland and Wales follow the same rules. If you install a film that makes the front side windows darker than 70%, you risk a ticket.
How to Stay Legal and Avoid Fines
Police use a handheld light meter or a simple visual test to see if your tint is too dark. If they think it’s illegal, they’ll ask you to show a certification label from the installer. Without that label you’ll be given a fixed‑penalty notice, usually around £80‑£120, plus the cost of removing the illegal film.
Here’s a quick checklist to keep you safe:
- Buy film from a reputable supplier who provides a British Standard certification.
- Ask the installer to give you a written statement that includes the film type, VLT rating, and date of installation.
- Check the tint yourself with a cheap VLT meter (available online for under £30).
- Make sure the rear windows have a proper interior mirror if you go very dark.
- Keep the certification in your vehicle – you might need it for an MOT check.
If you already have a tint that looks too dark, you can get a professional to measure it and, if needed, replace the film with a legal one. It’s cheaper than paying a fine and getting a repeat inspection.
In Nottingham many drivers opt for ceramic or carbon tint because they stay clear longer and are easier to certify. Just remember the front side rule – no matter how good the film looks, you can’t go below 70% VLT.
Bottom line: you can enjoy a sleek look and cooler cabin, but stay within the 70% limit for front windows and keep your paperwork handy. Follow these steps and you’ll avoid tickets, keep your MOT clean, and still look great on the road.
