The Land Transportation Office (LTO) regulates the use of tinted windows on vehicles to ensure road safety and compliance with visibility standards. According to LTO regulations, the windshield must have a minimum Visible Light Transmission (VLT) of 70%, while front side windows should maintain at least 50% VLT. However, there is no specific VLT requirement for rear side windows and the back window, but they should maintain adequate transparency for safe visibility.
On the other hand, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) enforces additional regulations within Metro Manila to address specific concerns regarding car tinting. MMDA Regulation No. 03-006 prohibits the use of dark tinted, colored, or painted windshields or window glass, curtains, blinds, and similar devices on public motor vehicles within Metro Manila. Violators of MMDA regulations may face fines and penalties, including the removal of non-compliant tints at the expense of the owner/operator.
Understanding the Car Tint Regulations in the Philippines
If you are considering adding a touch of style and privacy to your vehicle by going for tinted windows, then it is important to understand the rules and regulations regarding car tinting in the country. Let’s take a closer look at what regulations the LTO and the MMDA have in place so you can carry out the tinting while staying on the right side of the law.
LTO Regulations
Passenger vehicles are advised to maintain a VLT of 30% for front side windows and windshields, with rear windows remaining clear. Trucks and other larger vehicles, on the other hand, are suggested to adhere to a 70% VLT for front windows, while rear windows can follow the guidelines set for passenger vehicles.
The LTO has set specific guidelines regarding the Visible Light Transmission (VLT)—the amount of light that can pass through the tint film—for the different windows of your vehicle:
- Windshield: A minimum of 70% VLT is required
- Front side windows: At least 50% VLT is mandated
- Rear side windows and back window: No minimum VLT is specified, vut drivers are advised to be cautious of visibility from the rear window
- Reflective, mirrored, or tints below the allowed VLT levels are prohibited
MMDA Regulations
The MMDA, as a major player in the road safety and traffic regulation and management system, also have their own regulations regarding car tinting. After all, tints may affect visibility and security on the roads.
- Prohibition of Dark Tints: MMDA Regulation No. 03-006, adopted from DOTC Department Order No. 93-693 series of 1992, prohibits the use of the following on public utility vehicles (PUVs) in Metro Manila:
- dark tinted windshields or window
- colored windshields or window
- painted windshields or window glass
- curtains
- blinds
- other similar devices
Enforcement
Aside from the LTO-deputized agents and enforcers, the MMDA Traffic Operations Center has the authority to enforce these car tinting regulations. Vehicles found in violation may be subject to the removal of curtains, blinds, or other similar devices. Additionally, for vehicles with darkly tinted, colored, or painted windshields or window glass, the MMDA has the authority to remove the tint or paint at the expense of the owner/operator.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Owners/operators of vehicles found violating the regulations may face fines and other serious legal repercussions as consequences for their violation of the tint regulations. The fines are as follows:
- LTO
- First offense: A fine of five hundred pesos (P500.00).
- Second offense: A fine of one thousand pesos (P1,000.00) and/or imprisonment of up to 3 months.
- Third offense: A fine of two thousand pesos (P2,000.00) and/or imprisonment of up to 6 months.
Note: According to the provisions of Sec. 73, MC 89-105, installation of jalousies, curtains, dim colored lights, strobe lights, dancing lights or similar lights, colored tinted or painted windshield on window glass on “for hire” vehicles is an impoundable violation.
- MMDA
- If the vehicle is caught with curtains, blinds, or other similar devices on its windshield or window glass that are darkly tinted, colored, or painted: A fine of five hundred pesos (P500.00)
Tips and Reminders for Getting a Tint Job
When you finally decide to get your car tinted, here are some tips and reminders to make sure you are safe from legal repercussions while getting your sense if aesthetics satisfied:
- Choosing the Right Tint
When selecting a tint for your vehicle, consider the following:
- Ensure the tint film you choose complies with LTO regulations regarding VLT percentages.
- Opt for high-quality tint films that offer UV protection and durability.
- Professional Installation
Choose a reputable tint shop that employs skilled technicians for proper installation, ensuring adherence to legal limits.To help you, here are some really helpful tips:
- Make sure the shop uses high-quality tint film that meets LTO standards.
- Ask about the shop’s warranty on the tint film and installation.
- Get a written estimate before you have the work done.
While the official law on car window tints is still pending, at least for private ones, discussions between the LTO and vehicle manufacturers are ongoing. This means that as of writing, installing tints is not prohibited. The regulations simply aim to strike a balance between safety and security. Nevertheless, heavily tinted windows can pose challenges for law enforcement, but they also provide protection from the sun’s harsh rays, especially in the tropical Philippine climate.
Video: LTO Discussions on Tint Regulation
For more information on the LTO consultations regarding tint regulation in the country, you may check out this video clip from Motoring Today:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For your reference, here are some commonly asked questions and answers regarding car tinting in the Philippines:
1. What happens if you are caught using the wrong shade?
It’s not like you can magically replace or remove your car window tint. That’s why if you’re caught, the authorities will give you ample lead time to comply and fix the issue. You will still have to replace it and also pay for the associated fines and penalties for the violation.
2. Are factory-tinted windows included in the regulation?
Yes. Unfortunately, aside from the manufactured car tints, the regulation also covers factory-tinted windshields. Automobile manufacturers have long been in discussion with the LTO, and they are aware that they need to comply with whatever is going to be authorized as the grade of tints allowable for the cars they produce.
Summary
As we mentioned earlier, installing tints aren’t prohibited but regulated. Tints can actually enhance privacy, reduce glare, and provide protection from UV rays. If only you adhere to these regulations properly, then you, as a car owner, can enjoy the benefits of tinted windows without the fear of legal repercussions. Just make sure to choose a reputable tint shop that uses high-quality film and provides warranties on both the product and installation to avoid problems later on.