What Is The Darkest Legal Tint In NZ?

It’s a smooth, long state highway and you are happily cruising along, admiring the scenery all around. Suddenly, a black sedan whooshes past your car, and the breathtaking black aura stuns you: Black tints covering the windows, throwing an amazing vibe, and believe me, such a situation can make you feel jealous!

Let’s admit it: Black tints, rather dark black tints on a car can radiate a mysterious look and feel, and it’s impressive all right. Besides, the black tints protect the riders and the driver from direct sunshine and keep the car cool and cozy. 

However, there are certain rules and regulations regarding black tints on the cars, trucks, wagons, and other vehicles, as recommended and imposed by the New Zealand Transport Agency and Ministry of Transport, which should be adhered to, and followed. 

In this section, we will discuss everything about tints, and their corresponding rules which are mandatory to follow. 

And finally, we will tell you how to install these black tints, legally, on your car, right away!

How to Install Darkest Legal Tints In NZ

We at AutoExpert.co.nz are experts in installing car tints, with an impeccable track record. When it comes to car tinting, then AutoExpert is the name to reckon with, since we have more than 8 years’ experience in this domain.

 In order to install the best quality, legally allowed darkest tint on your car, please visit us at our car studio, and consult with our tint experts to transform your car with dark tints.

 If you are wondering why AutoExpert, then find out more about us right here. 

 Our address and our contact details are mentioned here.

 Now, let’s decode the rules and regulations pertaining to window tinting laws in NZ, and find out everything about the darkest legal tints in NZ.

Legal Tint NZ: The Need For Rules

Although black tints appear cool, uber, and imposing, there are legal complaints regarding its usage and installation.

And you may wonder why?

Mainly because, once the car windows are completely tinted, then the inside of the vehicle is not visible, and the anti-social elements can exploit such a situation, and the cops would be in the dark, literally.

To avoid such a situation, New Zealand has rules and regulations regarding the usage of black, dark tints.

Not only windows, but there are rules for installing tints on the headlights too: As per the New Zealand Transport Agency, it’s illegal to apply tint on the lamps, and headlights. Only decoration-based lamps can have dark tints.

How To Measure The Tints

Tints being used on the car windows and windshields are measured in visual light transmittance or VLT. 

 Technically, VLT is the unit to measure the light that passes through the windows, once the tint has been installed: If the VLT is high, then it means more light is passing via the windows, hence, the tint is of a lighter shade. And if the VLT is lower, then it means less light is passing via the windows, hence, the tint is a darker shade.

 Now, let’s get an overview of the passenger vehicles and their classification for a better understanding of the legal rules regarding dark tints.

Classification Of Passenger Vehicles

New Zealand Transport Authority has classified different vehicles, as per the size/power and seating capacity.

Passenger vehicles have been classified into three categories: MA, MC, and MB.

MA or Passenger Car is a vehicle that has no more than 9 seating positions, including the driver’s seating position.

MB or Forward Control Passenger Vehicle is a vehicle that has 9 seating positions, including the driver’s, along with a steering wheel that is in the forward quarter of the vehicle’s overall length.

MC or Off-Road Passenger Vehicle is a vehicle that has special features for the off-road expedition, and the 9 seating position rules.

Other broader classifications of the vehicles include MD (light omnibus), ME (heavy omnibus), goods vehicle, and trailer. These vehicles have more sub-classifications based on the weight, carriage capacity, and purpose of usage.

Now, the big question: what is the darkest legal tint that is allowed in New Zealand?

Window Tinting Laws NZ For Passenger Vehicles

For all the vehicles categorized under MA or passenger car, the legal limit for darkest tints on all the windows is 35%.

Hence, passenger cars under the MA category can’t have less than 35% VLT for the tints. Now, different windows and sections of the car have different rules and limitations. 

35% VLT limit for the tints is applicable for the front side windows (both driver and co-driver side), rear windows, back windows, and side-rear windows.

However, if you are planning to install tints on the windscreen, then the VLT limit is 75%, and not lower. 

Station wagon and sedan, both are classified under the MA category of passenger vehicles.

Another important fact you should know: On the windshields, dark tints are not allowed. Only anti-glare bands can be installed on the windshields, no lower than the bottom of the sun-visor and the stone guards (in the case of trucks and goods vehicles).

At the same time, for the MB, MD, MC, and NA classified vehicles, the rear side windows can have any dark tints with any VLT (this means there are no limits), but the front side windows can have a maximum of 35% VLT, and 70% VLT for the windshield.

Another interesting bit of information: In case the passenger vehicle or goods vehicle comes with factory-installed tints, then the VLT can be lower than 35%. But in such cases, the windows are marked as AS3 glass.

Methodology To Check Windows Tint

The best and most accurate way to check the Window Tinting Laws in NZ is by using a calibrated VLT meter, that is available at our car studio. 

With this device, we can find out the exact VLT of the tint, and accordingly install the dark tints on the vehicle’s windows, thereby fully complying with the New Zealand Transport Agency and Ministry Of Transport rules and regulations.

We also recommend adding a sticker like this: on the windshield, that informs the investigating authority about the level of VLT for the tints installed on the windows.

Although it’s not a mandatory rule to have this sticker, this makes the inspection process fast and seamless. 

WFAANZ is the Window Film Association of Australia and New Zealand.

For complete and in-depth rules related to the legal compliances and regulations related to the usage of dark tints on passenger and goods vehicles, we will recommend you to visit the Ministry of Transport’s website: Land Transport Rule: Glazing, Windscreen Wipe and Wash, and Mirrors Rule 1999.

Conclusion

Dark tints on car windows are stylish, cool, and an important safety guard against the prying eyes of strangers, as well as harsh sun rays.

At the same time, criminals can use the same dark tints to evade law enforcement and to carry anti-social activities inside the cars. 

Hence, Govt has imposed certain regulations for the usage of dark tints on the car windows, and every vehicle owner in New Zealand should follow these rules.

We at AutoExpert.co.nz have more than 8 years of experience in installing the best, highest quality dark tints, that follow all the rules and regulations and make your car safe, stylish, and uber cool.

Consult with us today, and transform your car right away!