Australia has car tinting laws in place, but it’s important to note that they vary by state. Having an awareness of your local restrictions is great. However, you also have to check on the car tinting laws for any and all places you’re looking to visit or head for. Cross country travel could get rather tricky over time given varying local restrictions. The one constant is that window tint cannot and should not be peeling or bubbled.
Australian Window Tint Percentages
There are several numbers that pop up when window tint options are laid out. Out of them all, there are two which are relevant to abiding by the law:
Reflectivity
Thankfully, this number is largely the same throughout Australia. Essentially, the limit is at around 10 per cent meaning it should be just like untreated glass. So car windows cannot have a distorting tint or a tint that’s got mirror qualities.
The VLT
This number refers to visible light transmission. It basically serves as an indicator of just how much light will go through the tint. High numbers mean a rather light tint; lower numbers, on the other hand, denote darker tint. VLT’s legal value is dependent on parameters of where in Australia you’re at, and whatever window is being tinted.
Requirements for Windows Vary Considerably
Tint-wise, more light needs to come through the front windows compared to the others. It may seem like a given since drivers use that to see more than they would side or rear ones. Still worth highlighting, however.
Windscreen tints are common throughout Australia. The window’s top 10 per cent is all that can get tinted, and that area has to be above the windscreen wiper’s top reach. It’s a consideration meant for the driver (and, by extension, anyone in the front passenger seat) to better deal with any glares from the sun.
By State and Territory
Australian Capital Territory
Windscreen: Top 10 per cent, above wipers
Front: 35 per cent
Rear Side: 20 percent
Rear: 20 percent
Reflection limits: 10 per cent
New South Wales
Windscreen: Top 10 per cent, above wipers
Front: 35 per cent
Rear Side: 20 percent
Rear: 20 percent
Reflection limits: Not allowed
Northern Territory
Windscreen: Top 10 per cent, above wipers
Front: 35 percent
Rear Side: 15 percent
Rear: 15 percent
Reflection limits: 10 per cent
Queensland
Windscreen: Top 10 per cent, above wipers
Front: 35 per cent
Rear Side: 20 percent
Rear: 20 percent
Reflection limits: 10 per cent
South Australia
Windscreen: Top 10 per cent, above wipers
Front: 35 per cent
Rear Side: 20 percent
Rear: 20 percent
Reflection limits: 10 per cent
Tasmania
Windscreen: Top 10 per cent, above wipers
Front: 35 per cent
Rear Side: 20 percent
Rear: 20 percent
Reflection limits: 10 per cent
Victoria
Windscreen: Top 10 per cent, above wipers
Front: 35 per cent
Rear Side: 35 per cent
Rear: 35 per cent
Reflection limits: 10 per cent
Western Australia
Windscreen: Applied film not allowed
Front: 35 per cent
Rear Side: 35 per cent
Rear: 35 per cent
Reflection limits: 10 per cent
Conclusion
Window tint is highly helpful when it comes to driving around in a car. However, the darkest possible tint varies legally across Australia. When it comes to window tint figures, pay attention to the VLT and reflectivity numbers above all else.
Are you looking to buy window film? Check out Premier Film Distribution today! We’ve been providing Australia’s tinting industry with wholesale films since 1985.