Police are divided over the Transport Ministry’s new rules on tinted car windows, with some arguing it will hamper enforcement work and others saying it can deter vehicle break-ins.
- New private vehicle tint regulations effective May 8
- Changes made in response to demands from motorists who want darker windows as protection from the heat
- Changes in line with UN Regulations
- VLT limit for front windshield, and front windows remain at 70% and 50% respectively
- No more 30% VLT limit for rear windshield and rear windows, now can be as dark as you want
- Can apply to have all windows fully tinted for health/security reasons
- Applications for darker tint cost RM50, approval cost RM5k for 2 years
- Approval takes up to 3 months
- Applicants will be provided with approval letter signed by minister, hologram sticker to affix to windshield
- Applications for health reasons exempted from charges, but need to provide written validation from government medical professionals to prove claim
- JPJ enforcement officers will start checks on vehicles under new regulations in 3 months
- Owners of vehicles already heavily tinted must make fresh applications to have permits renewed or else be summoned RM300 if the tinted glass does not pass standard given
As for ordinary Malaysians, many are against the new regulations while some lauded the move which will be effective from today (May 8).
Bukit Aman traffic police chief Azisman Alias told Harian Metro that the ministry should have discussed with the force the ruling to allow private vehicles to have darker tinted windows and windshields.
“I feel slighted. Ideally, they should discuss it with us, and perhaps consider our views,” Azisman said.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke yesterday announced that the visible light transmission (VLT) rate for the front windshield, and driver’s and front passenger’s windows of private vehicles need to remain at 70 per cent and 50 per cent respectively.
However, he added that the 30 per cent VLT limit for rear windshield and windows would be done away with.
Loke said these changes were made in response to demands from motorists who want darker windows as protection from the heat and sun.
The changes are also in line with the United Nations Regulations on safety glazing materials installation on vehicles.
Loke also announced that vehicle owners can now apply to have all their windows fully tinted for health and security reasons.
Applications for a darker tint will cost RM50, with approval costing RM5,000 for two years.
The approval process can take up to three months and once it is done, applicants will be provided with an approval letter signed by the minister and a hologram sticker which will be affixed to the windshield.
Road Transport Department (JPJ) director-general Datuk Seri Shaharuddin Khalid said the new procedures were aimed at making the application process more transparent and charging fees could be a new revenue channel for the government.
“We know those who would want fully tinted windows on their cars are dignitaries and they can afford the fees.
“Even if the ministry did not charge a fee in the past, we heard that there were middlemen who collected a commission to make the applications on their behalf. We want to cut out the middleman.
“In the past, those who wanted to have all their windows tinted probably knew the minister personally and just wrote in,” he said, claiming that the previous transport minister approved 5,469 applications between 2011 and 2018.
According to Loke, the government could collect about RM6 million annually from the fees.
However, those applying to have all windows fully tinted for health reasons are exempted from charges but need to provide written validation from government medical professionals to prove their claim.
The new regulations will only apply to private vehicles, including those used for e-hailing services.
JPJ enforcement officers will start their checks on vehicles under the new regulations in three months.
On vehicles that are already heavily tinted, Loke said it was an offence and the owners must make fresh applications.
“There were thousands of approvals for three years since 2011 and most have lapsed. Therefore, all the permits need to be renewed, or else they will be summoned RM300 if the tinted glass do not pass the standard given,” he said.
“Police were never called to discuss the new rules. I’m surprised. At the very least, they should have discussed it (with us) and take into consideration our views,” Azisman was quoted saying.
He said darker windows make it difficult for officers to see drivers, passengers and objects in vehicles during inspections.
It will also make it hard for police to detect traffic offences, such as mobile phone use while driving and failure to wear seat belts, he added.
Kuala Lumpur Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department chief Zulkefly Yahya has a different view, telling The Star that heavier tinting can prevent thefts.
“Thieves may think twice before breaking into vehicles.”
Darker windows can also protect drivers from the glare of high beams from cars behind them.
The Malaysian Automotive Accessories Traders’ Association welcomed the ministry ruling but said a 30% tint is sufficient and “fully darkened” windows will affect visibility, especially at night.
President Lim Bee Choo was quoted by The Star as saying this is a particular concern for the rear window, which car owners have the freedom to tint as much as they want.
“If the rear windscreen is fully darkened, what the driver sees through the rear-view mirror will also be darkened.
“It may be okay during the day, but it is a safety concern at night when the driver has poor visibility due to the dark windscreen.”
Lim added that the association has found that many members regret installing “overly dark tint” on the rear windscreen due to the visibility issue at night.
Meanwhile, ordinary Malaysians took to social media to express their concerns on road safety and crime, while some even urged the government to “think of the children”.
Some fear that kidnappings, especially of children, will be rampant.
Some expressed concerns about children left alone in cars, that the situation could worsen and there will be less opportunity for rescue if something happens.
Others were concerned about road safety, citing the need of drivers to see beyond the rear windshield of the car in front of them to correctly judge traffic patterns.
One social media user said reversing out of a parking lot and not being able to see approaching cars through the dark windows of adjacent cars is really dangerous.
However, another netizen applauded the move as “it’s really hot here in Malaysia”.