Window tinting
This information applies to light vehicles only. For heavy vehicles, with a Gross Vehicle Mass exceeding 4.5 tonnes, please consult the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.
Drivers must have the best possible vision of the road and other road users. Any reduction in driver vision will lead to a reduction in safety, particularly in poor light conditions, such as twilight, rain, fog or snow.
Tinted windows can significantly reduce driver vision. This effect may be even worse for the elderly and people with even minor vision loss. Therefore, it is desirable that the visible light transmittance (VLT) of windows is not reduced below the level as supplied by the vehicle manufacturer. Nevertheless, windows are often tinted with the intention of assisting privacy and reducing heat, glare, and ultraviolet light.
If you wish to tint your vehicle’s windows, the application of window tinting must comply with the requirements set out below.
Department of Transport and Planning may grant certain exemptions for vehicles constructed for a special purpose. For further information, please refer to the Vehicles non-compliant with Australian standards page.
Windscreens
Windscreens need to have a minimum VLT of 70 percent.
Tinting on windscreens is only acceptable if they are darkened during the manufacturing process. Films can not be applied to windscreens, except for the top section, as described below.
Windscreens may have a tinted band of less than 70 percent VLT above the wiper arc area or the top 10 percent of the windscreen, whichever is greater. However, the tinted band must not cover any sensors or cameras mounted inside.
Windows
Front side windows may have tinting provided that the VLT is 35 percent or more.
If a car has a rear vision mirror fitted to each side, windows located behind the driver’s seating position may have tinting provided that the VLT is 20 percent or more.
For buses and vehicles designed for the carriage of goods, there are no minimum VLT requirements for windows located behind the driver’s seating position.
Any windows located above the driver are also exempt from minimum VLT requirements.
Privacy glass
Some vehicles are fitted with windows that have been darkened at the time of manufacture. They are known as ‘privacy glass’ or ‘body tinted’ windows. They are typically marked with the word ‘TINTED’ or the codes ‘AS3’ or ‘V’.
If you apply a film to a factory-tinted window, the resulting VLT must not be less than the requirements listed above.
If a factory-tinted window has a VLT less than the requirements, then you may not apply any film to the window. This prohibition includes ‘clear’ films.
Signs and wrapping
The requirements for perforated signs and vehicle wraps are the same as the requirements for tinted films. Rear windows may be covered by a perforated sign or wrap if the above VLT requirements are met.
Reflectance
The reflectance of any window fitted with film must not be more than 10 percent. This is the equivalent reflectance of untreated glass.
Passenger vehicles
A - Minimum 70% VLT. No film permitted.
B - Tinted band of less than 70% VLT permitted above the wiper arc area or the top 10% of the windscreen (whichever is greater).
C - Minimum 35% VLT.
D - Minimum 20% VLT if at least one rear vision mirror is fitted to each side of the vehicle.
Vehicles designed for carriage of goods and light buses
A - Minimum 70% VLT. No film permitted.
B - Tinted band of less than 70% VLT permitted above the wiper arc area or the top 10% of the windscreen (whichever is greater).
C - Minimum 35% VLT.
E - No minimum VLT if at least one rear vision mirror is fitted to each side of the vehicle.
