Bringing some light to the tinted window issue

VEHICLE window tints that are too dark will not land motorists in jail, says Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

He said those who breached tint limits will only be fined between RM100 and RM250.

“For dark windows, not a single case was brought to court. So far, only fines apply, and it is not an expensive amount,” Loke said in his winding-up speech on the Budget 2024 policy debates.

“A notice will be given to them (vehicle owners) and they will have to be present at the Road Transport Department (JPJ) office. If their tint does not follow regulations, we will just ask them to remove the tint,” he said.

Presently, window tint regulations stipulate that a vehicle’s front windscreen should let in at least 70% of light while front driver and passenger windows must allow 50%.

Rear passenger windows and windscreen may be totally dark.

Loke was responding to a recent news report quoting the JPJ as warning motorists that window tint breaches could result in a fine or jail time.

He claimed JPJ’s remarks were misunderstood as the jail time warning was a general reminder for errant drivers who continually break the rules.

“So far, not a single tinted window case was brought to court. I hope this explanation will clarify the matter, where it is untrue that we will jail those who overly-tint their windows,” said Loke.

He said the regulation of 50% light transmittance for rear windows and 70% for front windscreens was a policy he introduced during his first tenure as transport minister in 2019.

“We decided to relax regulations because many people complained that the weather was too hot,” he added.

Loke said fully-tinted windows are allowed for VVIPs or ministers for safety purposes, but they needed to apply for special approval from the JPJ director-general.

“A committee chaired by the JPJ director-general will filter through the list of applications and they will forward the revised list to the minister for endorsement,” he said.

Loke said special approvals for fully-tinted windows are allowed and cost RM5,000 for two years.

“For those with health issues, they can get a doctor’s approval and we will allow (fully-tinted windows) without any extra charge,” he added.