What Is the Darkest Legal Tint in QLD?
In Queensland, the darkest legal tint for a standard car is 35% VLT on the front side windows and 20% VLT on the rear side windows and rear window. The windscreen can only be tinted in a strip across the top, and no tinted window can reflect more than 10% of light.
QLD tint limits at a glance
| Window | Minimum VLT | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front side windows | 35% | Driver and front passenger windows |
| Rear side windows | 20% | Vehicle must have a mirror on each side |
| Rear window | 20% | Vehicle must have a mirror on each side |
What does VLT mean?
VLT stands for visible light transmission: the percentage of light that passes through the glass and film together. The lower the number, the darker the window. A 20% rear window lets through one fifth of the light, while 35% on the front keeps the driver’s side view clear at night and lets police see into the car.
Why the film number is not the final number
Car glass is not perfectly clear to begin with, so the film and the glass combine to give the final reading. Fitting a film labelled 35% to a front window can produce a result below the legal limit. Our installers choose the film to suit your glass so the finished window still meets the 35% and 20% limits when checked with a tint meter.
Utes, vans and factory privacy glass
Goods vehicles such as utes and vans with mirrors on both sides have no minimum VLT for the rear glass behind the driver. Many new SUVs come with darker factory privacy glass in the back. Adding film over it can push the window below 20%, so ask us to measure it before you choose a shade.
What happens if your tint is too dark?
Police and transport inspectors can test your windows with a meter on the spot. Illegal tint is treated as a vehicle defect, which can mean a defect notice, a fine and a demerit point. It can also cause problems with a roadworthy inspection or an insurance claim. Queensland has no individual medical exemption for darker tint.
Is 20% tint legal on front windows in QLD?
No. 20% is only legal on the rear side windows and rear window. The front side windows must stay at 35% VLT or lighter.
Get the darkest legal tint fitted at your place
Westside Window Tinting is a family-owned mobile business with over 15 years of experience. Our darkest legal tint package uses PRIME automotive film with 99% UV rejection and a lifetime warranty, and we fit it at your home or work anywhere across Brisbane.
Call 0418 911 193 or request a free quote. You can also view our car tinting prices or learn more about car window tinting in Brisbane.
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