New South Wales Tint Laws

New South Wales tint laws do not allow tinting front windshield. Front side windows may have 35% VLT tint. All windows behind driver may have 20% VLT.

Front Windshield

Top 10%

Front Side Windows

35% VLT

Back Side Windows

20% VLT

Rear Windshield

20% VLT

Window tint laws in New South Wales (NSW) are very precise, easy to understand, and don’t leave much for interpretation.

Front windshield tint is allowed only on top 10% of the window, or above the highest point swept by windshield wipers. This does not prohibit installing clear and transparent frost glazing or UV shields.

Front side windows may have 35% VLT tint film applied. These include windows in front of, or immediate left or right of the driver seat.

All windows behind driver seat may be tinted with at most 20% VLT.

New South Wales Window Tint FAQ

How is tint darkness measured?

Tint darkness is measured with VLT – visible light transmission percentage. This percentage corresponds to how much light is allowed to pass through tinted windows. For example 35% VLT blocks 65% of total light from coming through.

Is reflective tint allowed in New South Wales?

New South Wales laws do not permit using tint film with higher than normal reflection. For safety of other drivers we strongly suggest avoiding using any tint film with higher than normal glare.

Are there window tint medical exemptions in New South Wales?

There are no medical exemptions for any kind of conditions which would allow for darker than normal window tint.

Does window tint in New South Wales require certificates or stickers?

By NSW laws there are no special certificate or stickers required on tint film.

Which vehicles can have rear windows tinted in New South Wales?

Vehicles designed to carry goods, vehicle for which their construction doesn’t allow it, or vehicles in which there is no need to see through windows behind driver while driving may have any tint darkness on all windows behind driver. This includes trucks, vans, hearses, limousines, buses, utility or other similar vehicles. It does not include SUVs.

Can windows inside vehicles be tinted?

According to NSW laws any windows inside the vehicle can legally have 70% VLT. This for example includes windows in taxi cars.

Are side mirrors required in New South Wales?

Side mirrors (also called side wings) are required only if windows behind driver are tinted below 35% VLT.

Tint Darkness Preview:

Drag the slider to preview tint darkness. Actual results can vary based on tint film, interior and exterior light sources, and other factors. Tool provided by CarTintLaw.

Sources & References

You can verify all information about legal New South Wales window tinting on the following:

  1. New South Wales Laws – Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Regulations – Schedule 2 Light Vehicle Standards Rules #44 – Window Tinting
    https://legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/sl-2017-0451#sch.2

Our legal experts keep New South Wales tint laws continuously up to date. But, we always recommend verifying it with official sources listed above. All info provided on our website is for informational purposes only. No part should be considered substitute for professional legal advice.

Last update: February 19, 2024.

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