by SHAZNI ONG / pic by BERNAMA

The Ministry of Transport (MoT) said private vehicle owners are free to darken the tints beyond the existing visible light transmission (VLT) limits for rear side window and rear windshield effective today.

Minister Anthony Loke said the new changes would include private vehicles used for e-hailing services.

He stated that the move was in response to public demand to darken their vehicle windows to overcome heat.

“There have been so many requests to review the current regulations for vehicle window tinting. After many discussions and meetings, we have decided that private car owners would now be able to decide the tint level for their vehicles.

“With these amendments (to existing laws), we have no more (VLT) limitations for passengers at the back and the rear windscreens. They can be darkened even more,” he told reporters at a press conference in Putrajaya yesterday.

Loke stated that the minimum VLT for the front windscreen as well as the driver and front passenger side windows would remain at 70% and 50% respectively, due to safety reasons.

Previously, the VLT for the rear side windows and rear windshield stood at 30% each.

Loke added that the move was also in line with United Nations Regulation 43 which says safety glazing with VLT of below 70% is allowed when two exterior rear view mirrors are fitted.

Private car owners who seek darker tints to all windows will have to obtain and apply permission from the Road Transport Department (RTD) and due consideration will be given for security and health factors.

“A fee of RM50 will be charged for every application, and applicants who receive the approval will be charged a RM5,000 fee. But if for health reasons, no charges will be imposed. Each approval will last for two years, and they need to reapply each time,” Loke said.

The applications and approvals will then be determined by a special committee, headed by the RTD DG Datuk Seri Shaharuddin Khalid, who will meet monthly. The process could take up to three months.

“Once the application is received, it will have to go through a strict vetting process by police for criminal records and pending summonses. If the applicants have any criminal record, the application will be rejected, while summonses must be cleared before approval is given,” Loke said.

Vehicles with existing tinted windows that are already lower than the set VLT will have to re-apply for approval or will be considered as illegal.

The MoT expects the move to rake in tens of millions of ringgit in revenue as from 2011 to 2018 as some 20,000 cars were allowed darker tinting.

Failure to adhere to the new regulations could lead to a fine of RM300.