Home Blog What is the Legal Window Tint Percentage of Cars in Dubai?

What is the Legal Window Tint Percentage of Cars in Dubai?

by Orange Auto Team
Published: Last Updated on
Car window tinting

This blog is part of an explanatory series about car tinting services.

The car tinting business in Dubai, UAE has gone through a huge evolution over the decades. The emirate’s rules and regulations have fluctuated and with a number of various players in the industry, there tends to be a variety of contradictory interpretations of the law. To eradicate confusion and save yourself from the fines that come with it, this article will seek to answer the question what is the legal window tint percentage of car in Dubai?

Maximum Level Of Car Legal Window Tint Percentage Allowable By Law

In accordance with the Traffic Law and its implementing regulations, no additions may be made to vehicles such as tinted reflective glass beyond the restrictions approved by the Federal Traffic Law, which specifies a maximum amount of darkness of 50 percent Visual Light Transmission (VLT) to the side and rear windows only and not the front window. VLT is a unit used to measure the amount of light that transmits through a window, hence 50 percent of light must come through. Bear in mind that though car glass may look visibly clear, most windows have a shade of tint from the factory. If you want to know whether the tint darkness of your car window is legit, the total of both the factory glass and the window tinting should equal a maximum of 50 percent. Hence, it is wise to get a window tint shade that is slightly lighter than 30 percent, so the total percentage darkness of the window tint + factory glass is less or equal to 50 percent.

Fine for Non-Compliance

Anyone caught violating Legal Window Tint Percentage regulations is issued a fine of 1500 AED, in addition to the confiscation of the vehicle for a month. It’s important to stay updated on these laws as fines are revised over time, so always check the latest traffic regulations to avoid hefty fines and potential confiscation of the vehicle. 

What About Cars Registered Under The Company?

Only cars currently registered under an individual can be tinted. This is the case irrespective of whether the vehicle is a cargo vehicle or a passenger car. Though the basis for this law was to track the legality of goods being hauled by company cargo vehicles, it has unintentionally impacted a lot of individuals, especially senior management who have been supplied by their company with family vehicles as part of their compensation packages. The best solution for this situation is the installation of a clear window tint that would enable thorough visibility into the car. The good news is that there are a number of options of clear window film available in the market, some of which outstandingly block out Dubai’s harsh heat and detrimental UV rays.

The Amount Of Heat Blocked By The Car Tint

The window tint’s effectiveness in blocking heat radiation differs greatly depending on the brand and specifications. This is the main reason why car owners opt to install higher-end window film on their vehicles. 3M Crystalline is a top-quality window tint that effectively blocks up to 97 percent of infrared rays and 99.9 percent of UV rays.

Why Non-Metallic Window Film?

Though metallic window film possesses excellent heat rejection properties, the metal coatings used often reduce the radio reception’s quality. Thus, only non-metallic window film should be installed to prevent this interference. The latest technological advances have seen the launch of carbon and carbon-ceramic coatings as well as the use of nanotechnology in the production of window film. These technologies offer benefits such as outstanding heat and UV protection while being metal-free. As a motorist in Dubai, you have to be aware of the city’s car tinting laws to avoid trouble with the RTA. Now that you already know the answer to the question ‘‘what is the Legal Window Tint Percentage in Dubai’, visit a reliable auto service center now and let them handle the job.

Allowed and Prohibited Window Tint Colors

While the law specifies the tint percentage, it also addresses the types of tint that can be used. Not all colors or types of window tint are permitted in Dubai:

Allowed Tint Colors:

  • Standard black or charcoal tints are commonly used and legally accepted.
  • Nano-ceramic tints, which offer better heat reduction without compromising visibility, are also allowed.

Prohibited Tint Colors:

  • Reflective or mirror-like tints (including chrome or metallic finishes) are illegal, as they may cause visibility issues for other drivers.

Brightly colored tints, such as red, yellow, or blue, are also prohibited because they can affect the driver’s and others’ visibility, particularly at night or during adverse weather conditions.

FAQs on Car Window Tinting in Dubai

Is 70 percent tint allowed in Dubai?

No, 70% tint is not allowed. The maximum tint percentage allowed in Dubai is 50%, meaning 70% of the light must still pass through the windows. This is the standard for personal vehicles, and any violation can result in fines.

Is it allowed to tint front windows?

No, the front windows cannot be tinted. The law mandates that the windshield and the front side windows should remain clear to ensure the driver has full visibility and for the safety of other motorists.

Is a clear windshield tint legal?

Yes, clear or transparent films designed to block UV rays while still allowing complete visibility are legal for the front windshield. These films provide protection from the sun without obstructing the driver’s view.

Is chrome window tint illegal?

Yes, chrome or any metallic reflective tints are illegal in Dubai. Such tints can reflect too much light, causing hazards to other drivers, and are strictly prohibited under UAE traffic law.

Is nano-ceramic tint legal?

Yes, nano-ceramic tints are legal in Dubai. These advanced tints offer excellent heat reduction and UV protection while still complying with the 50% visibility requirement. Many car owners prefer them for their durability and effectiveness in reducing cabin heat.

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