No. 35% window tinting is illegal in the UK under Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, as amended. Front side windows must allow over 70% light transmission, while rear windows may have up to 20% tint if the vehicle has external mirrors on both sides. Enforcement is conducted by police and Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) officers, with penalties including fines up to £1,000 and MOT failures.
Key Regulations for 35% Window Tint in United Kingdom
- Front side windows must permit at least 70% light transmission (VLT ≥ 70%). Tint darker than this is prohibited, regardless of vehicle type.
- Rear side and rear windows may have up to 20% tint (VLT ≥ 20%) if the vehicle is equipped with external mirrors on both sides. Otherwise, rear windows must meet the 70% standard.
- Windscreen tinting is completely banned in the UK, including any aftermarket films or factory-tinted strips. The entire windscreen must allow 100% light transmission.
The DVSA enforces these rules during MOT tests, where non-compliant tints result in an automatic failure. Police may also issue prohibition notices or fixed penalty notices (£60–£1,000) for violations. From 2026, new automated number plate recognition (ANPR) systems will cross-reference tint compliance with vehicle registration databases, increasing detection rates. Vehicles imported from regions with looser tint laws (e.g., parts of the EU) must comply with UK standards before registration.