Northern Territory Tint Laws

Northern Territory tint laws do not allow tint on 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

15% VLT

Rear Windshield

15% VLT

Window tint laws in Northern Territory (NT) are very specific and 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. Installing clear and transparent frost glazing or UV shields is also allowed.
  • Front side windows are those in front of, or immediately to the left or right of driver seat. These can have 35% VLT tint film applied.
  • All windows behind driver seat may be tinted with at most 15% VLT. This is different than most of Australia where 20% tint is allowed on these windows.

Last update: June 29, 2024.

Northern Territory Window Tint FAQ

What does VLT mean?

VLT stands for visible light transmission percentage. It measures how much light is allowed to pass through tinted windows. For example 15% VLT blocks 85% of light from coming through.

Is reflective tint allowed in Northern Territory?

Northern Territory laws do not permit using tint film with more than 10% reflectance. No distortion or bubbling is permitted. For safety of other drivers we strongly suggest avoiding using any tint film with higher than normal glare.

Which vehicles can have rear windows tinted in Northern Territory?

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 Northern Territory laws any windows in the interior of the vehicle can legally have 70% VLT. This for example includes windows in taxi cars.

Are side mirrors required in Northern Territory?

Side rear view mirrors (also called side wings) are required only if windows behind driver are tinted below 70% VLT.

Are these any exceptions to windshield tint in Northern Territory?

The only exception to front windshield tinting is for vehicles manufactured before year 1971. Those may have 70% 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 Northern Territory window tinting on the following:

  1. Northern Territory Government – Vehicle Standards for Registration – Window Tinting Standards; Windscreen tinting in Appendix F – Windscreen damage and repairs.
    https://nt.gov.au/driving/rego/vehicle-compliance-and-modification/vehicle-standards-for-registration#heading4
  2. NT Government Information Bulletins: V51 – Vehicle window tinting
    https://nt.gov.au/driving/industry/vehicle-information-bulletins-and-forms

Our legal experts make sure our Northern Territory tint laws are always up to date. But, we always recommend verifying laws with official sources listed above. All data provided on our website is for informational purposes only. No part should be considered substitute for professional legal advice.

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