Yes, 15% window tint is legal in South Korea only for the rear windows of passenger vehicles, provided it meets specific visibility and reflectivity standards. Front-side windows and windshields are strictly prohibited from exceeding 25% light transmittance under the Road Traffic Act and Korean Industrial Standards (KS) regulations. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) enforces these rules, with local traffic authorities conducting periodic inspections. Non-compliance risks fines up to ₩300,000 (≈$230) and mandatory removal.
Key Regulations for 15% Window Tint in South Korea
- Light Transmittance Limits: Rear windows may have ≤15% tint, but front-side windows and windshields must allow ≥75% light transmittance (≤25% tint). Vehicles manufactured before 2020 may face stricter scrutiny due to older compliance standards.
- Reflectivity Restrictions: Tinted windows must not exceed 10% reflectivity to prevent glare hazards, as mandated by KS A 0067:2021. Excessive reflectivity triggers immediate penalties during roadside checks.
- 2026 Compliance Shift: From January 2026, all new vehicles must use certified tint films with embedded UV-blocking properties, verified by MOLIT-approved testing labs. Retrofitting non-certified films after this date will result in invalidation of vehicle insurance.
Local traffic authorities (e.g., Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency) conduct random inspections, particularly in high-traffic zones. Vehicles with aftermarket tint must carry a certificate of compliance from the installer, issued under the Special Act on the Safety of Motor Vehicle Parts. Failure to present this document during a traffic stop constitutes a violation.