Australia Tint Laws
Australia tint laws are different depending on state or territory. This website contains accurate and up to date information on all Australian window tint laws.
Summary of current window tint Laws in Australia by state and territory is below. We strongly advise clicking links below and reading more about each location, as there are more rules and regulations you need to be aware of.
Australian Capital Territory
Windshield: No tint allowed.
Front side windows: 35% VLT tint allowed.
Back side windows: 20% VLT tint allowed.
Rear windshield: 20% VLT tint allowed.
New South Wales
Front windshield: No tint allowed.
Front side windows: 35% VLT tint allowed.
Back side windows: 20% VLT tint allowed.
Rear windshield: 20% VLT tint allowed.
Northern Territory
Front windshield: No tint allowed.
Front side windows: 35% VLT tint allowed.
Back side windows: 15% VLT tint allowed.
Rear windshield: 15% VLT tint allowed.
Queensland
Front windshield: No tint allowed.
Front side windows: 35% VLT tint allowed.
Back side windows: 20% VLT tint allowed.
Rear windshield: 20% VLT tint allowed.
South Australia
Front windshield: No tint allowed.
Front side windows: 35% VLT tint allowed.
Back side windows: 20% VLT tint allowed.
Rear windshield: 20% VLT tint allowed.
Tasmania
Front windshield: 70% VLT allowed.
Front side windows: 35% VLT tint allowed.
Back side windows: 20% VLT tint allowed.
Rear windshield: 20% VLT tint allowed.
Victoria
Front windshield: No tinting allowed.
Front side windows: 35% VLT tint allowed.
Back side windows: 20% VLT tint allowed.
Rear windshield: 20% VLT tint allowed.
Western Australia
Front windshield: No tint allowed.
Front side windows: 35% VLT tint allowed.
Back side windows: 20% VLT tint allowed.
Rear windshield: 20% VLT tint allowed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Each Australian state or territory can set its own laws. This includes traffic and vehicle equipment laws. Generally speaking, tinting laws in Australia are very similar in every territory. To have legal tinting in entire Australia, you can use 35% VLT on front side windows, and 20% on any windows behind driver.
Penalties for violating Australia tint laws are different in each administrative division. Fines range from $100 to $600. Your vehicle may also be deemed unworthy for safe driving and you may be forced to undergo a vehicle inspection process, which can include additional costs. In case of a traffic accident, illegal window tint can even be used as evidence in court proceedings as a contributing factor, or it can also invalidate your car insurance.
Australia federal laws regulate tinting windows in Australia. They allow 70% VLT on all windows. But, this only refers to vehicle windows manufactured as such, and aftermarket tinting film may not be allowed.
VLT stands for Visible Light Transmission. It’s a method of determining how much light passes through the tinting foil. For example, 70% VLT blocks 30% of total light from coming through.
Laws for territory where vehicle is registered will apply. If you register a vehicle in your province, then those laws are pertinent.
VLT is measured with a special device called a photometer. The device is sometimes also referred to as tint meter or light transmission meter. This is a cheap device, which is why many police officers are equipped with them nowadays.
Most modern vehicle windows already have a certain amount of tint. These windows will already prevent a small amount of light from coming in. A 90% VLT factory-made window plus a 35% VLT tint foil would equal VLT lower than 35%, which would be illegal in all of AU. Even transparent film such as UV filters or frost shields often reduce light transmission by 5%.
Why use tinted windows?
Privacy is often cited by drivers as the main reason for tinting windows. Tinted windows can significantly reduce vision into the interior of vehicles. As a result, tinted windows help keep your belongings safer if you often leave items such as wallets or bags in back seats.
Protection from sun is another frequent reason why drivers tint vehicle windows. This has two main benefits. Firstly, it protects your skin and eyes from unnecessary exposure to the sun. Secondly, it keeps your vehicle interior from fading or cracking under extended sun exposure.
Heat reduction is another crucial reason why car owners install tint. High quality tint film such as carbon can block a substantial amount of heat from coming into the vehicle. This can protect the car when left unattended for hours in the sun, for example while you work. In addition, less heat in the vehicle saves energy from the air conditioner.
It’s important to keep in mind that window tint is not a replacement for sunglasses. Sunglasses are cheaper and certainly easier to take off if sun glare bothers you while driving.
AustraliaTintLaws.Com – Trusted Resource
AustraliaTintLaws.com is the first website dedicated to consolidated window tint laws in Australia.
We are constantly consulting with local legal experts, and are in direct contact with authorities and law enforcement, to ensure you have accurate and trusted information about Australia tint laws.
Our only goal is to remain the best resource for window tinting laws in Australia. More about us »
