The fine print, in plain English
- Windscreens: a tinted or opaque band in any shade is allowed at the top — it must not extend below the portion swept by the wipers, or 10% of the depth of the screen, whichever is greater. No film at all on the lower part.
- Reflective or mirror-like film is not permitted in NSW.
- Bubbled, damaged or discoloured film impacting driver vision is not allowed.
- If side or rear windows are tinted, the vehicle must have dual exterior rear-view mirrors. Without both mirrors, 35% VLT is the rear limit.
- Commercial vehicles (utes, vans, trucks): minimum 35% on the driver's side windows — no VLT limit rearward of the driver where vehicle construction reduces the need to see through the rear window.
- Vehicles first registered before 1 August 1994 also have a 35% minimum VLT unless darker tint was already fitted.
- 5% "limo" tint is not legal on any NSW passenger vehicle — it will fail a pink slip and can attract fines and defect notices.
- Medical exemptions exist for conditions like UV sensitivity and lupus, via a doctor's certificate and Transport for NSW approval before installation.
Penalties for illegal tint
| Consequence | Details |
|---|
| Defect notice | Remove tint and re-inspect the vehicle |
| Pink slip failure | Registration can't be renewed until fixed |
| On-the-spot fine | Fines apply depending on severity |
| Insurance issues | Illegal tint can void claim liability in some cases |
Windscreen tinting & glass safety
The front windscreen uses laminated glass. Applying film to the entire windscreen can increase heat absorption and may contribute to thermal stress and thermal heat breakage under certain conditions — one more reason full windscreen tint is neither legal nor recommended.
Side and rear glass is typically toughened (tempered) glass, making it far more suitable for tint installation.
We measure VLT before and after
Tint Wizard measures VLT before and after installation so your vehicle is 100% legal — and we provide compliance advice for rego, inspections and pink slips. NSW highway patrol cars trust our tinting; yours is in good hands.