Tinted Windows
Discussion
calibrax said:
The cars you've seen on the road are illegal.
Indeed. And lots if them.Quite why they are still driving about like that is beyond me. It would be the easiest 3 points and fine that the police could dish out all day long, but for some reason they don't bother, which especially surprises me seen as how it's a safety matter.
If every traffic officer bagged just one set of illegal tints per day it would be a start.
Up until 1984 (I think) all front glasses had to transmit 75%. I heard a rumor that Peugeots were failing this at some point, maybe this is why the limit was changed for front door glasses. I can't think of a car currently being sold with clear glass. Even clear glass will only transmit ~83%vlt (visible light transmission). There fore if you have 83% and you install a clear film that will also transmit ~83% you will then be below 69% and therefore illegal.
There are a lot of companies that will tint to below the limit and tell people "you can get away with a light smoke". There are limits, these limits are measurable and enforceable.
As darkened windows reduce light getting into the vehicle and your eyes see reflected light the effect will be doubled looking from the outside in. There are a lot of things that will effect how dark a tint job will look. How big the windows are, how tall the vehicle is, if you can see through to the windows on the other side, the colour of the interior and the colour of the cars body work. Bright colours (not necessarily light) will show of a tint job better.
There are a lot of companies that will tint to below the limit and tell people "you can get away with a light smoke". There are limits, these limits are measurable and enforceable.
As darkened windows reduce light getting into the vehicle and your eyes see reflected light the effect will be doubled looking from the outside in. There are a lot of things that will effect how dark a tint job will look. How big the windows are, how tall the vehicle is, if you can see through to the windows on the other side, the colour of the interior and the colour of the cars body work. Bright colours (not necessarily light) will show of a tint job better.
When I was in my late teens/early 20's (over 20 years ago now) I had dark 'limo' tint on my car, all side & rear windows. The film was applied properly by a company who specialised in window film tints, otherwise it would have more bubbly than an Aero if I had done it myself.
I realise that this might not be the case for everyone but I don't ever recall having a problem where I felt I couldn't see approaching traffic at junctions etc. I never once pulled out in front of anyone. I don't even remember it being in any way a PITA. I just got used to the level of visibility quite quickly and adjusted my driving to suit.
I realise that this might not be the case for everyone but I don't ever recall having a problem where I felt I couldn't see approaching traffic at junctions etc. I never once pulled out in front of anyone. I don't even remember it being in any way a PITA. I just got used to the level of visibility quite quickly and adjusted my driving to suit.
Drumroll said:
Unless you are a real prune you don't drive in the dark wearing sunglasses. Tinted glass (less than 70%) in the dark is a real safety issue.
You didn't answer the question ? The question was how much light do sunglasses let in I never mentioned wearing sunglasses at night but as you have brought it up how much light do anti glare night driving glasses let through ? Only a 15% tint is allowed on spectacles. Most, if not all, of those anti glare glasses you see advertised are illegal to use. Incidentally, technically tint on windscreens and specs should be combined.
A standard clear spectacle lens without an anti reflection coating transmits between 92-90%, some cheap photochromic lenses are when clear transmit less than 85% and are therefore technically illegal for night driving unless you put an AR coating on them. Not that the people selling them to you will tell you that.
A standard clear spectacle lens without an anti reflection coating transmits between 92-90%, some cheap photochromic lenses are when clear transmit less than 85% and are therefore technically illegal for night driving unless you put an AR coating on them. Not that the people selling them to you will tell you that.
matty6660 said:
That wasn't my question was it. I was wondering if I'd misunderstood the law - as there are so many people who drive with 'apparently' illegal tinted windows.
As the other person whining about my post said, it's pretty simple to understand. My reply was because you know the law and have ready it yourself but cant grasp it for some reason, maybe thinking because others flout it you might be able to as well? Anyway, I was offering you another way of looking at it to help. Never mind. Oh and theres no 'apparently' if they're dark they're illegal. As for the sunglasses situation, I guess the majority of people dont wear their glasses in the dark/heavy cloud etc so it isnt an issue not being able to see properly in these conditions?
calibrax said:
I'm sure the law has less to do about you being able to see out, and more to do with the police being able to see in...
Absolutely right, can't see any other reason why 'they' would want to ensure you could actually see out of your car when driving it. It must be so plod can see if you're eating a Mars bar, smoking or just look like the wrong sort! Nothing to do with safety at all.Q - How competent are you at using your wing mirrors to reverse your vehicle?
Cos seriously, at night with 70% tint in the back, it will be like driving a van. Extra vigilance via the mirrors will also be required in daylight hours... So, if you can't reverse for candy, I'd leave well alone in all your windows.
Cos seriously, at night with 70% tint in the back, it will be like driving a van. Extra vigilance via the mirrors will also be required in daylight hours... So, if you can't reverse for candy, I'd leave well alone in all your windows.
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