Car Tint Law: Use of Tinted Windows on Vehicles Philippines

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.

car tint vehicle window rules philippines

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.

Photo credit: Nova.

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.

LTO Imus (Cavite) Office Location and Contact Information

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Imus City in the province of Cavite is made up of a set of two LTO offices: the LTO Imus Driver’s License Renewal Office (DLRO) and the LTO Imus District Office (DO). These LTO offices were opened to serve the city of Imus and all the people within its geographical area of responsibility (GAOR), through the extension of the agency’s operations. The creation of these LTO offices allowed the agency to offer more accessible and convenient LTO services to the people. The LTO Imus Offices are also operated well in the hopes of making the LTO more effective in their regulation so the public can be rest assured of their safety on the road.

As the de jure capital of the province and the seat of the provincial religious center, Imus houses not only the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Imus but also other government agencies like the LTO in the area. These LTO branches are intended to keep the roads safe through more effective driver education, licensing, registration, and regulation, without the inconvenience of spending so much time, effort, and money on the end of the local motorists, drivers, and car owners who try to avail of and keep up with the LTO rules and regulatory policies.

lto Imus cavite office location and contact number

What is LTO Imus? 

LTO Imus refers to the LTO offices stationed in Imus City, Cavite: the LTO Imus Driver’s License Renewal Office (DLRO) and the LTO Imus District Office (DO). Just like the other LTO offices, the LTO Imus offices are created to display the agency’s efforts to bridge their programs and its intended beneficiaries—including the motorists, drivers, car owners, and operators in Imus City and its neighboring areas. The LTO offices in the city were physical manifestations of the agency’s desire to serve its mandate and ensure that their core programs and services—including the registration and renewal of motor vehicles (MV) and license and permits applications and renewals—are offered more conveniently, especially to the people whose work is done primarily behind the wheels or those who can’t afford to take the time off to travel to another place for their LTO-related needs.

LTO Imus Driver’s License Renewal Office (DLRO)

The LTO Imus DLRO, as the name suggests, is a dedicated license renewal office (DLRO) in the city of Imus. It is one of the operating arms of LTO in the city and it serves the people by offering faster, better, more convenient, and more affordable license renewal services to the locals of Imus, especially those who frequently visit the Robinsons Mall in Imus. So, if you ever find yourself needing to deal with an LTO office for licensing renewal services while in Imus City, then you can head on to the third level of Robinson’s Mall in Tanzang Luma, Imus, Cavite for this LTO DLRO.

LTO Imus District Office (DO)

The LTO Imus District Office (DO) literally serves as the LTO presence in the local area. It is located in Brgy. Malagasang II-C, a quarter in Imus, Cavite located near the community center, Athena Classique 1-A Clubhouse, and the sports venue, Golden City Basketball Court 2. This LTO office was created so the LTO operations in Imus can become as effective as can be. It was meant to offer the agency’s core programs and services, including applications and renewal of licenses and permits, registration and renewal of motor vehicles (MV) and motorcycle registrations, and renewal with revision of records for the people of the city of Imus.

List of Services Offered by LTO Imus

If you find yourself in need of LTO-related services while in Imus City or anywhere nearby, then you can head on to either one of the two LTO offices in the city. Both of these LTO branches in Imus City follow the same sanitation and physical distancing policies and standard operating procedures, so those who are intending to visit can relax knowing that they are in for a safe and impeccable public service. As a frontline agency that shares the mission and vision of the LTO Central office, LTO Imus offers convenient services to the public while working towards a more effective and localized implementation of LTO rules and regulatory policies.

Some of the most common LTO services available to the transacting public include:

  • License And Permit
    • Student Permit
    • New Driver’s License (Non-Professional)
    • Conductor’s License
    • Plain or Advance Renewal of Driver’s/Conductor’s License and Renewal of Driver’s License of Filipino Living Abroad
    • Miscellaneous License Transactions
    • Renewal of Driver’s / Conductor’s License with Examination [Expired for more than two (2) years] and/or with ten (10) or more but less than forty (40) Demerit Points
    • Change Classification from Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL)  Code to Professional Driver’s License Code with Same Driver’s License (PDL) Code
    • Additional Driver’s License Code/s
    • Conversion of Foreign Driver’s License to Philippine Driver’s License Including Renewal of Expired Philippine Driver’s License with a Valid Foreign Driver’s License
    • Change Classification from Professional Driver’s License (PDL) Code to Non-Professional Driver’s License Code (NPDL), Dropping of DL Code and Change Clutch Type
    • Request for System Updates (RSU) for Double License
    • Request for System Update (RSU) for License and Customer Details/Misrepresentation of Age/Identity
    • Accreditation of Medical Clinics – New
    • Accreditation of Medical Clinics – Renewal
    • Registration of Physicians – New
    • Registration of Physicians – Renewal
    • Accreditation of Driving School / Driving Enhancement Program Training Center – New
    • Accreditation of Driving School / Driving Enhancement Program Training Center – Renewal
    • Accreditation of Driving Instructor – New
    • Accreditation of Driving Instructor – Renewal
    • Examination for Driving School Instructors
    • Driving Enhancement Program (DEP)
  • Vehicle Registration
  • Miscellaneous Transactions
    • Duplicate OR/CR
    • Duplicate Plate
    • Transfer of Ownership
    • Annotation & Cancellation of Mortgage
    • Revision of Records
    • Duplicate License (for Lost Licenses)
  • Insurance
  • Proper Driver Education
  • Law Enforcement
    • Settlement of Admitted Apprehension
    • Adjudication of Contested Apprehension
    • Encoding of Alarm
    • Filing of Complaint and Lifting of Alarm
    • Lifting of Alarm (Traffic Adjudication Service)
    • Certification of No Pending Apprehension and Alarm
  • Collection of fees from law enforcement violations
  • Drug testing
  • Emission testing
  • Inventory of Plates

  • The use of self-service kiosks 
  • Process Application for New Driver’s License (DL) via the Automated Driver’s License Examination System (ADLES) Facility 

Note that not all LTO offices are created equal so while some are well-equipped to be full service branches, some have very limited service offerings so it’s best to always check with the specific branch office you intend to visit first if the service you need is available, before making the actual trip.

How to Contact LTO Imus

Reaching out to the LTO Imus Offices involves engaging in a simple task of reaching out to either of the LTO Imus offices directly or via the LTO CALABARZON (Region 4) regional office. It can be done by making contact via their phone numbers, email addresses, or social media accounts. 

For the complete contact information of the LTO CALABARZON office, please check the following:

Land Transportation Office Region 4 – Office of the Regional Director

Agency Code: 0400
Office Address: 2nd Floor Building, Old City Hall Compound, Interior, B. Morada Avenue, 4217 Lipa City
Telephone Number: 043 403 3147
Head of Agency: Atty. Noreen Bernadette S. San Luis-Lutey
Email Address: ltoord@gmail.com, ltor4a@gmail.com
Operating Hours: 8AM – 5PM (Mondays-Fridays)

Contact Information

To reach out to the LTO Dasmariñas Offices, please check the following contact information:

LTO Imus Driver’s License Renewal Office (DLRO)

Agency Code: 0413
Office Address: 3rd Floor Robinson’s Mall, Tanzang Luma, Imus, Cavite
Telephone Number: 046 416 6053, +639 979872002
Head of Agency: Dorothy Joy M. Tadina
Email Address: 0438.ltoimus@gmail.com
Operating Hours: 8AM – 5PM (Mondays-Fridays)

LTO Imus District Office (DO)

Agency Code: 0438
Office Address: Brgy. Malagasang II-C, Imus, Cavite
Telephone Number: 046 4346826, +639 959869981
Head of Agency: Eugenio M. Peji
Email Address: 0438.ltoimus@gmail.com
Operating Hours: 8AM – 5PM (Mondays-Fridays)

Where is Imus City

Imus, officially known as the City of Imus, is a third class landlocked component city and the de jure capital of the coastal province of Cavite. It is dubbed as the “Flag Capital of the Philippines” and is known for hosting historic events including two major Katipunero victories during the Philippine Revolution against Spain and the raising of the Philippine flag for the first time in history. It is also one of the fastest-growing cities and the accelerating point of trading, commercial, and industrial activities in the local area. It also hosts some of the country’s biggest corporations like Liwayway Corporation and San Miguel – Yamamura Asia Corporation. 

Geographically, the city is one of the lowland towns in the province of Cavite.  It is approximately 18 kilometers from Manila and can be reached either through Binakayan, a barangay in Kawit or through the Cavite Coastal Road and Gen. Aguinaldo Highway which leads to Tagaytay City. Five (5) towns bound the city of Imus: by the town of Kawit in the north; Bacoor on the northeast; General Trias on the west; the Municipality of Dasmarinas on the south; and Muntinlupa City on the east.

Google Map Location

Imus, as a landlocked city, is easily accessible by land. It is served by numerous bus companies, jeepneys, and tricycles, which makes it easy to get in and around the city. Plus, with the heavily trafficked Aguinaldo Highways cutting through the city, the road networks are quite established. If you are driving a private car, the City of Imus is a 45-minute drive south of Manila. There are two possible exits to take, Manila–Cavite Expressway (CAVITEx) Bacoor Exit and the South Luzon Expressway (SLEx) Muntinlupa–Cavite Expressway (MCX) from Susana Heights/MCX Exit. 

For more detailed information on the best routes to drive through to visit either one of the LTO Imus Offices, please check the maps below:

LTO Imus Driver’s License Renewal Office (DLRO)

LTO Imus District Office (DO)

What Should you Watch out for When a Rider is Approaching at an Intersection?

When a rider approaches an intersection, it is crucial to observe their hand or turn signals, a practice endorsed by the Land Transportation Office (LTO). These signals indicate the rider’s upcoming maneuvers, providing critical information about whether they intend to turn left, right, or stop. Understanding and anticipating these signals allows other road users to adjust their actions accordingly, enhancing overall safety at intersections.

Additionally, all drivers should approach intersections with heightened awareness and caution. This includes checking blind spots and mirrors frequently, as motorcycles and bicycles have a smaller profile and can easily be overlooked. By maintaining a safe distance and being vigilant about the riders’ positions and intended paths, collisions can be effectively avoided, ensuring safer navigation for everyone involved. It is also important to have a proper understanding and anticipation of their movements and signals. Here’s what you should keep an eye out for when a rider approaches at an intersection.

What Should you Watch out for When a Rider is Approaching at an Intersection

Understanding Turn and Hand Signals

As motorcycle riders approach an intersection, using turn signals is crucial for indicating intended direction changes clearly and consistently to other drivers. Hand signals can complement turn signals, enhancing visibility and understanding, especially in busy or complex intersections. It’s advisable for riders to use both signaling methods to ensure maximum visibility and safety in such critical traffic situations.

If you are driving behind one, then one of the most important things to watch for, as pointed out by the LTO, is hand and turn signals. These signals are a rider’s main way of communicating their intended path of travel, especially if their vehicle’s traditional signaling lights are less visible. Riders might use standardized motorcycle hand signals to indicate turns or stopping. For example, an extended left arm indicates a left turn, an extended right arm signals a right turn, and an upward bent left arm indicates slowing down or stopping.

Photo credit: Nova

Tips to Understand Turn or Hand Signals at an Intersection

For tips on hand and turn signals of riders approaching an intersection, please check this list:

1. Recognizing the Intentions

Whether you’re a driver, a co-rider, or a pedestrian, understanding these signals helps predict the rider’s actions, allowing you to adjust your movement accordingly. Keep in mind that not all riders use hand signals, and new models of motorcycles often have enhanced lighting systems that are similar to those used in cars, providing a clearer indication of the rider’s intentions through flashing blinkers.

2. Approach Intersections with Caution

The approach to any intersection requires focused attention. As vehicles converge from multiple directions, the complexity of movement increases. Every driver, including motorcyclists and bicyclists, should approach intersections at a cautious speed, adhering to the posted speed limits and slowing down when necessary.

3. Right of Way Understanding

Knowing who has the right of way is essential. Generally, vehicles already in the intersection have the right of way. In the Philippines, the rule is straightforward; you give way to the vehicle on your right, particularly in uncontrolled intersections, roundabouts, or when traffic lights are non-operational.

4. Eye Contact and Acknowledgment

Making eye contact with riders and other drivers at intersections can significantly improve safety. It helps in acknowledging each other’s presence and intentions. Often, a simple nod can confirm mutual understanding and significantly reduce the risk of collisions.

5. Anticipate Unexpected Movements

Riders may perform sudden maneuvers to avoid obstacles, road defects, or to filter through traffic. Always assume that a rider might make a sudden move and maintain a safe following distance. This buffer allows you to react appropriately should an unexpected change in their path occur.

6. Check Blind Spots and Mirrors

Always check your blind spots and mirrors for riders. Motorcycles and bicycles are smaller and can easily slip into areas where they might not be immediately visible. A quick shoulder check before turning or changing lanes can prevent a potential accident.

7. Be Mindful of Weather Conditions

Weather conditions affect all road users, but riders are particularly vulnerable. Wet or slippery surfaces can alter a rider’s ability to brake or turn safely. Be extra cautious and leave more space between you and riders during adverse weather conditions.

8. Light and Shadow Plays

Intersections with intermittent shadows can make it difficult to spot riders. Be extra vigilant in such areas, and adjust your speed to ensure you have ample time to react to any sudden appearances from shaded areas.

9. Use of Horn

While the horn should be used sparingly, a quick beep can be a useful tool to alert a rider of your presence, especially in a situation where they may not have seen you.

Video: How to Get Through Any Intersection Safely

For more information regarding the road safety in intersections, here’s a video from Zutobi Driver’s Ed:

Summary

Understanding and anticipating the actions of riders at intersections significantly contribute to road safety. By watching out for hand and turn signals, approaching intersections with caution, and maintaining a keen awareness of your surroundings, you can help ensure not only your safety but that of those sharing the road with you. Remember, road safety is a shared responsibility, and regardless if it’s in a bustling city road or a quieter rural junction, safe traveling starts with understanding and respect for all who share the roads.

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