Motorists are being reminded that Barbados’ new tint regulations come into force tomorrow, December 1.
In a statement on the deadline, the Barbados Licensing Authority urged vehicle owners to pay close attention to the required tint percentages, noting that the rules are designed to improve visibility into vehicles while still allowing reasonable sun protection.
Under the new law, front windows on the driver and passenger sides must allow at least 25 percent of light to enter, while rear windows and the rear windscreen must allow at least 20 percent. The legislation permits a margin of error of three percentage points when tested.
For the front windscreen, the lowest allowable tint is 70 percent. Visor tints must be no darker than 25 percent. Vehicles with windscreens three feet or less from top to bottom may have visors up to six inches, while larger windscreens may use visors up to ten inches.
Metallic and mirrored tints will no longer be allowed.
Public Service Vehicles, including minibuses and route taxis, must follow the same tint rules as private motorists.
Medical and business exemptions may be granted under specific circumstances, but applications must be submitted with supporting documents. Forms are available on the BLA website.
The Authority is advising all motorists to have their current tint professionally measured to ensure compliance. Free tint testing is available at the sites in Oistins, Christ Church and West Terrace, St James. (PR)
In Barbados, the fine for non-compliant window tint is a traffic violation resulting in a BBD$2,000 fine. It’s crucial to adhere to the new regulations, which state that front side windows must allow at least 25% of light in, and rear windows and rear windscreen must have a minimum of 20% light transmission, with a 70% minimum for the front windscreen. Additionally, reflective tints are prohibited, and a five-inch strip of tint is the maximum allowed on the top of the front windshield.
So why are officials and police allowed dark tints? We need to see them too.