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New rules for windscreens and window tinting in Barbados will start on December 1, 2025. Deputy Chief Licensing Officer Lynette Williams is reminding drivers to check their vehicles before the deadline.
She says the updated rules are meant to improve road safety and help the police do their work. The new tint limits were approved earlier, and enforcement begins soon.
Police often object to dark tinted car windows because they make it harder to see who or what is inside the vehicle, which can also make witnesses less able to identify suspects.
Very dark tint can reduce a driver’s own visibility, especially at night or in bad weather, increasing the risk of accidents. Emergency responders also say it slows their ability to assess a situation quickly, and road users often feel uneasy around vehicles they cannot see into, because the driver’s intentions and awareness are less clear.
Williams explained: “I want to encourage all vehicle owners to pay special attention to the required tint percentages. The driver and front passenger windows should be no less than 25 per cent. The rear windows and rear windscreen no less than 20 per cent. The front windscreen should be no less than 70 per cent. However, the legislation allows for a margin of error of three percentage points. I also encourage you to visit the free tint testing sites at Oistins and the NCF car park to ensure compliance with the tint regulations.”
Tint percentage means how much light can enter the vehicle. A lower number means darker tint. Under the new rules, the minimum allowed tint will be 25 per cent on the front windows and 20 per cent on the back windows and rear windscreen. There will be a three-point margin of error when the tint is tested.
For front windscreens, the lowest allowed tint is 70 per cent.
There are also rules for visors. Visors must be at least 25 per cent tint. If a windscreen is three feet tall or less, the visor can be up to six inches deep. If it is more than three feet, the visor can be up to ten inches. This is meant to block sun while still allowing a clear view into the vehicle.
Reflective tints, including metallic and mirrored tints, will not be allowed.
Public Service Vehicles, such as minibuses and route taxis, must follow the same rules as private cars.
Medical exemptions will be available. People with certain conditions may apply, but must include a medical report from a specialist.
The government says the reason for the change is to improve public safety and help police reduce crime. By making it easier to see inside vehicles, officers can better observe passengers and possible criminal activity. Officials hope this will deter crime and help investigations.
Drivers should check the tint on their vehicles now. If the tint is darker than the law allows, it will need to be removed.
Free tint testing is available at Oistins in Christ Church and at West Terrace in St. James. Drivers are also encouraged to read the Road Traffic Act CAP. 295 (Windscreens and Windows) Regulations 2025, and to speak with a certified tint installer. Making changes before December 1 will help avoid penalties.
More details can be found on the websites and social media pages of the Barbados Licensing Authority and the Ministry of Transport and Works.
With the deadline coming soon, officials hope that public awareness will make the transition smooth and help create safer roads for everyone.
Source: Barbados GIS
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