What’s the Darkest Legal Tint by State in Australia

What's the Darkest Legal Tint by State in Australia

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.