Car Window Tinting In The UAE: Rules, Fine, Price Details
Important Things To Learn
- Car window tinting laws in the UAE
- Window tinting fines & penalties
- Exemptions in the car window tinting rules
- Types of car window tints
- Advantages of car window tinting
- Cost of car window tinting in the UAE
- Cars that do not require window tinting
- Our verdict
- FAQs
Car window tinting in the UAE is one of the basic and functional modifications that owners go for. Numerous used cars in the UAE are already tinted, while the new cars are often seen at car window tinting shops as soon as they leave the showrooms. UAE being one of the hottest countries around the world, requires window tints to save passengers from the harshness of the bright and direct UV sun rays. Moreover, car window tinting helps in increasing the effectiveness of the car air conditioning system.
With that said, there are certain laws that one must follow in the UAE to get their car windows tinted. Learn everything about car window tinting in the UAE including the cost, types of tints, rules, and fines associated with it, in our detailed article below.
Also Read: Car Registration Process In Dubai 2024: A Complete Guide For Used Car & New Car Registration
Car Window Tinting Laws In The UAE
Before you proceed with the tinting process of windows on your car, it is important to understand the rules and regulations associated with it in the UAE. Being one of the hottest regions around the globe, the UAE allows its car owners to tint their windows but there are some restrictions. These restrictions depend on the amount of interior visibility, called the ‘Visible Light Transmission (VLT)’ percentage. In simpler words, the higher the VLT, the lighter the window tint shade, and the lower the VLT, the darker the window tint shade would be. To help you understand the window tint better, below is an image depicting how the tint shade varies with the VLT percentage.
This VLT percentage has been fixed by the authorities in the UAE as per the below-mentioned levels:
- Front Windshield: No tint is allowed on the front glass of the car as a minimum of 70 percent VLT is required by the UAE’s law.
- Front Side Windows: A lighter tint of only up to 30 percent VLT is allowed on the driver and passenger side front windows. This tint allows the authorities to easily see the front seat passengers.
- Rear Side Windows & Rear Windshield: A darker tint of up to 50 percent VLT is allowed on the rear side windows and the rear windshield.
A fun fact is that the VLT percentage before 2017 was allowed only up to 30 percent. However, the government reformed this law by taking into consideration the excessively hot weather conditions.
Also Read: Buying A Used Car In UAE - A Complete Detailed Guide
Car Window Tinting Fines & Penalties In UAE
UAE’s traffic rules and regulations are very strict when it comes to implementation. Hence, the car window tinting is very minutely scrutinized and observed on a regular basis. If a car owner is found driving a vehicle with less than 50 percent VLT window tint, he/she is bound to pay a fine of AED 1,500. Moreover, the penalty can be severed depending on the degree of window tint found on the vehicle. There are high chances of receiving black points and the vehicle can be confiscated in extreme situations of law-breaking in the UAE. Therefore, it is mandatory to adhere to the traffic rules in UAE. You can also read our guide on traffic fines and the black points system in the UAE to know more about vehicle-related penalties.
Exemptions In Car Window Tinting Rule
In some cases, the RTA approval can exempt the vehicle owners from the car window tinting rules. One such example is a medical issue that may be generated due to the harsh sun rays. In such a case, an RTA-approved doctor will examine and create a report that will be further approved by the RTA and handed over to the owner to drive a car with darker window tints. Multiple examples like potential threats, VIPs, etc., are exempted by the RTA, depending on the severity of the situation.
The Road and Transport Authority in the UAE exempts taxis and commercial vehicles from the car window tinting rule.
Types Of Car Window Tints Available
When choosing a car window tint, there are multiple options available in the UAE’s aftermarket for cars. You can easily get cheaper quotations from as low as AED 200 to AED 1000, depending on the type and quality of the window tint. Below are the popular window tint types that you should consider while upgrading your car.
- Dyed Tint: The cheapest one in the market is the dyed tint that is made by the dying process. With a certain amount of hue, the dyed tint is usually non-absorbent of heat and is known to heat up the interiors, get cracked, and fade away in the long run. Its average lifespan is also 3-5 years, which is very less.
- PET Film: PET (polyethylene terephthalate) film is among the most commonly used window tints in the UAE. It offers good heat absorption as well as its lifespan is 5-7 years. It is easily accessible at moderate rates and it is made from thermoplastic polymer resins.
- Crystalline Tint: The crystalline tint is among the premium category as it is constructed from optical nanofilm technology. It offers a strong heat resistance from about 99.9% UV rays and up to 97% resistance from infrared rays. Crystalline tints are usually costly and last up to 10 years easily.
- Hybrid Tint: One of the most expensive and durable car window tints is the hybrid tint. Made up of hybrids of titanium & grey dye, these films have reflective properties with the necessary amount of light passing through. These films offer privacy as well as heat absorption altogether. The hybrid tints are known to last more than 10-12 years.
- Ceramic Tint: The latest films on the lot are ceramic tints. These are made up of ceramic particles that have light-blocking properties. These window tints can easily block up to 50% harmful solar heat and up to 99% UV rays. These films can last more than 10 years easily.
Also Read: Top 5 Used Nissan Cars In UAE To Look Out For
Advantages Of Car Window Tinting
While it is a very much known fact that direct sunlight can harm human skin in various ways, in reality, there are more effects than that. To top it off, the extremely hot weather conditions of the UAE are notorious for various skin issues. The harsh sunlight and hot waves can damage your car as well. Below are some of the top advantages of getting your car windows tinted in the UAE.
- Reduces Sun Heat: The most common and yet the most important job that car window tinting does is to protect your skin from the sun's heat. Good quality window tints are known to reduce the sun's heat by up to 78%, thus, directly saving sensitive human skin.
- Prevents UV Rays: It is a common misconception that the sun rays and the UV rays are the same; they are not. UV rays are more dangerous than the harsh heat produced by the sun's rays. These rays have cancer-developing properties that you would not want to experience. Hence, good films can reflect up to 99% of these harmful rays.
- Improved AC Performance: A good quality window tint on your car will help the AC performance improve drastically. By keeping the cabin temperature low, the AC re-circulation would be more effective and chill the cabin quickly as compared to a car without window tints.
- Increased Fuel Economy: Another benefit of a cool cabin is that you will require AC less than usual. Hence, the fuel economy of your vehicle will increase; saving you money and better health of your car.
- Improved Privacy: Car window tinting restricts the view of your car’s cabin, hence, improving your privacy. It is highly useful for people who require privacy due to various reasons.
- Protects Cabin: A car’s cabin is made up of various materials, mostly including plastics. Direct sunlight gets trapped in the cabin and heats up the temperature, further leading to cracks and deformation of the cabin trims. Window tints help in keeping the cabin safe from these harsh sun rays, hence, saving the trims.
- Improved Night Visibility: While driving at night, one major issue is the high beam lights that fall directly on the IRVM, thus, creating visibility issues. Window tints reduce the glare produced by the bright headlights from other vehicles and help in improving visibility.
Also Read: Top 5 Used SUVs To Buy Under 60,000 AED In 2024 - Check All Details
Cost Of Car Window Tinting In UAE
Getting your car’s window tinted in the UAE is not a very costly affair until you choose the best quality and long-lasting window tints like the ceramic tint. It usually depends on the type of tint you choose and the quality of materials used to manufacture it.
- Basic Tints: Opting for the basic materials for the car window tinting starts from as low as AED 200 for the sedans and AED 300 for the SUVs. The big MPVs and SUVs can be priced as high as AED 950.
- Premium Tints: Premium car window tinting, which includes ceramic materials and crystalline materials, is priced at around AED 1,600 for sedans, AED 2,000 for SUVs, and up to AED 3,000 for the big 7-seater SUVs and MPVs.
Cars That Do Not Require Window Tinting
While buying a used car in the UAE, you can also look out for select models that come equipped with UV-cut glasses from the factory. These glasses are tinted with anti-UV rays and anti-solar heating materials, thus, providing a cooler cabin experience than the vehicles without UV glasses. Some of these popular used SUV cars in the UAE and used sedan cars in the UAE with UV glasses are as follows:
Our Verdict
Considering the extremely hot weather conditions of the UAE, it is highly recommended to get your car’s windows tinted for a comfortable driving experience. Moreover, the added benefits of window tinting like the reduced glare during the night, increased privacy, and more, help in different ways in creating a safe road travel experience. Car window tinting is a relatively cost-effective modification that has multiple benefits.
Your Questions, We Answer!
1. Can I tint my car’s windows at home?
Yes, you can do a DIY for car window tinting but we do not recommend it. Consulting an expert will save you time and also help with the correct VLT percentage tinting.
2. How much do I need to pay for my car’s window tinting process?
It usually depends on the type of window tint you choose for your car. On average, a window tint will range from as low as AED 200 and goes as high as AED 3000. It also depends on the glass area of your vehicle.
3. Is it illegal to tint the front windshield in the UAE?
Yes, the front windshield must have a 70% VLT rating, meaning that the windshield should not have any type of tint.
4. What is the fine associated with the window tinting?
If your vehicle is caught with more than the window tint VLT percentage of 50%, a fine of AED 1,500 will be imposed. Your vehicle can also be confiscated in a serious case.
5. How long will the car window tinting last?
A good quality window tint usually lasts more than 5 years. However, select brands with premium film offerings, also claim a lifetime warranty.
Important Things To Learn
- Car window tinting laws in the UAE
- Window tinting fines & penalties
- Exemptions in the car window tinting rules
- Types of car window tints
- Advantages of car window tinting
- Cost of car window tinting in the UAE
- Cars that do not require window tinting
- Our verdict
- FAQs
Car window tinting in the UAE is one of the basic and functional modifications that owners go for. Numerous used cars in the UAE are already tinted, while the new cars are often seen at car window tinting shops as soon as they leave the showrooms. UAE being one of the hottest countries around the world, requires window tints to save passengers from the harshness of the bright and direct UV sun rays. Moreover, car window tinting helps in increasing the effectiveness of the car air conditioning system.
With that said, there are certain laws that one must follow in the UAE to get their car windows tinted. Learn everything about car window tinting in the UAE including the cost, types of tints, rules, and fines associated with it, in our detailed article below.
Also Read: Car Registration Process In Dubai 2024: A Complete Guide For Used Car & New Car Registration
Car Window Tinting Laws In The UAE
Before you proceed with the tinting process of windows on your car, it is important to understand the rules and regulations associated with it in the UAE. Being one of the hottest regions around the globe, the UAE allows its car owners to tint their windows but there are some restrictions. These restrictions depend on the amount of interior visibility, called the ‘Visible Light Transmission (VLT)’ percentage. In simpler words, the higher the VLT, the lighter the window tint shade, and the lower the VLT, the darker the window tint shade would be. To help you understand the window tint better, below is an image depicting how the tint shade varies with the VLT percentage.
This VLT percentage has been fixed by the authorities in the UAE as per the below-mentioned levels:
- Front Windshield: No tint is allowed on the front glass of the car as a minimum of 70 percent VLT is required by the UAE’s law.
- Front Side Windows: A lighter tint of only up to 30 percent VLT is allowed on the driver and passenger side front windows. This tint allows the authorities to easily see the front seat passengers.
- Rear Side Windows & Rear Windshield: A darker tint of up to 50 percent VLT is allowed on the rear side windows and the rear windshield.
A fun fact is that the VLT percentage before 2017 was allowed only up to 30 percent. However, the government reformed this law by taking into consideration the excessively hot weather conditions.
Also Read: Buying A Used Car In UAE - A Complete Detailed Guide
Car Window Tinting Fines & Penalties In UAE
UAE’s traffic rules and regulations are very strict when it comes to implementation. Hence, the car window tinting is very minutely scrutinized and observed on a regular basis. If a car owner is found driving a vehicle with less than 50 percent VLT window tint, he/she is bound to pay a fine of AED 1,500. Moreover, the penalty can be severed depending on the degree of window tint found on the vehicle. There are high chances of receiving black points and the vehicle can be confiscated in extreme situations of law-breaking in the UAE. Therefore, it is mandatory to adhere to the traffic rules in UAE. You can also read our guide on traffic fines and the black points system in the UAE to know more about vehicle-related penalties.
Exemptions In Car Window Tinting Rule
In some cases, the RTA approval can exempt the vehicle owners from the car window tinting rules. One such example is a medical issue that may be generated due to the harsh sun rays. In such a case, an RTA-approved doctor will examine and create a report that will be further approved by the RTA and handed over to the owner to drive a car with darker window tints. Multiple examples like potential threats, VIPs, etc., are exempted by the RTA, depending on the severity of the situation.
The Road and Transport Authority in the UAE exempts taxis and commercial vehicles from the car window tinting rule.
Types Of Car Window Tints Available
When choosing a car window tint, there are multiple options available in the UAE’s aftermarket for cars. You can easily get cheaper quotations from as low as AED 200 to AED 1000, depending on the type and quality of the window tint. Below are the popular window tint types that you should consider while upgrading your car.
- Dyed Tint: The cheapest one in the market is the dyed tint that is made by the dying process. With a certain amount of hue, the dyed tint is usually non-absorbent of heat and is known to heat up the interiors, get cracked, and fade away in the long run. Its average lifespan is also 3-5 years, which is very less.
- PET Film: PET (polyethylene terephthalate) film is among the most commonly used window tints in the UAE. It offers good heat absorption as well as its lifespan is 5-7 years. It is easily accessible at moderate rates and it is made from thermoplastic polymer resins.
- Crystalline Tint: The crystalline tint is among the premium category as it is constructed from optical nanofilm technology. It offers a strong heat resistance from about 99.9% UV rays and up to 97% resistance from infrared rays. Crystalline tints are usually costly and last up to 10 years easily.
- Hybrid Tint: One of the most expensive and durable car window tints is the hybrid tint. Made up of hybrids of titanium & grey dye, these films have reflective properties with the necessary amount of light passing through. These films offer privacy as well as heat absorption altogether. The hybrid tints are known to last more than 10-12 years.
- Ceramic Tint: The latest films on the lot are ceramic tints. These are made up of ceramic particles that have light-blocking properties. These window tints can easily block up to 50% harmful solar heat and up to 99% UV rays. These films can last more than 10 years easily.
Also Read: Top 5 Used Nissan Cars In UAE To Look Out For
Advantages Of Car Window Tinting
While it is a very much known fact that direct sunlight can harm human skin in various ways, in reality, there are more effects than that. To top it off, the extremely hot weather conditions of the UAE are notorious for various skin issues. The harsh sunlight and hot waves can damage your car as well. Below are some of the top advantages of getting your car windows tinted in the UAE.
- Reduces Sun Heat: The most common and yet the most important job that car window tinting does is to protect your skin from the sun's heat. Good quality window tints are known to reduce the sun's heat by up to 78%, thus, directly saving sensitive human skin.
- Prevents UV Rays: It is a common misconception that the sun rays and the UV rays are the same; they are not. UV rays are more dangerous than the harsh heat produced by the sun's rays. These rays have cancer-developing properties that you would not want to experience. Hence, good films can reflect up to 99% of these harmful rays.
- Improved AC Performance: A good quality window tint on your car will help the AC performance improve drastically. By keeping the cabin temperature low, the AC re-circulation would be more effective and chill the cabin quickly as compared to a car without window tints.
- Increased Fuel Economy: Another benefit of a cool cabin is that you will require AC less than usual. Hence, the fuel economy of your vehicle will increase; saving you money and better health of your car.
- Improved Privacy: Car window tinting restricts the view of your car’s cabin, hence, improving your privacy. It is highly useful for people who require privacy due to various reasons.
- Protects Cabin: A car’s cabin is made up of various materials, mostly including plastics. Direct sunlight gets trapped in the cabin and heats up the temperature, further leading to cracks and deformation of the cabin trims. Window tints help in keeping the cabin safe from these harsh sun rays, hence, saving the trims.
- Improved Night Visibility: While driving at night, one major issue is the high beam lights that fall directly on the IRVM, thus, creating visibility issues. Window tints reduce the glare produced by the bright headlights from other vehicles and help in improving visibility.
Also Read: Top 5 Used SUVs To Buy Under 60,000 AED In 2024 - Check All Details
Cost Of Car Window Tinting In UAE
Getting your car’s window tinted in the UAE is not a very costly affair until you choose the best quality and long-lasting window tints like the ceramic tint. It usually depends on the type of tint you choose and the quality of materials used to manufacture it.
- Basic Tints: Opting for the basic materials for the car window tinting starts from as low as AED 200 for the sedans and AED 300 for the SUVs. The big MPVs and SUVs can be priced as high as AED 950.
- Premium Tints: Premium car window tinting, which includes ceramic materials and crystalline materials, is priced at around AED 1,600 for sedans, AED 2,000 for SUVs, and up to AED 3,000 for the big 7-seater SUVs and MPVs.
Cars That Do Not Require Window Tinting
While buying a used car in the UAE, you can also look out for select models that come equipped with UV-cut glasses from the factory. These glasses are tinted with anti-UV rays and anti-solar heating materials, thus, providing a cooler cabin experience than the vehicles without UV glasses. Some of these popular used SUV cars in the UAE and used sedan cars in the UAE with UV glasses are as follows:
Our Verdict
Considering the extremely hot weather conditions of the UAE, it is highly recommended to get your car’s windows tinted for a comfortable driving experience. Moreover, the added benefits of window tinting like the reduced glare during the night, increased privacy, and more, help in different ways in creating a safe road travel experience. Car window tinting is a relatively cost-effective modification that has multiple benefits.
Your Questions, We Answer!
1. Can I tint my car’s windows at home?
Yes, you can do a DIY for car window tinting but we do not recommend it. Consulting an expert will save you time and also help with the correct VLT percentage tinting.
2. How much do I need to pay for my car’s window tinting process?
It usually depends on the type of window tint you choose for your car. On average, a window tint will range from as low as AED 200 and goes as high as AED 3000. It also depends on the glass area of your vehicle.
3. Is it illegal to tint the front windshield in the UAE?
Yes, the front windshield must have a 70% VLT rating, meaning that the windshield should not have any type of tint.
4. What is the fine associated with the window tinting?
If your vehicle is caught with more than the window tint VLT percentage of 50%, a fine of AED 1,500 will be imposed. Your vehicle can also be confiscated in a serious case.
5. How long will the car window tinting last?
A good quality window tint usually lasts more than 5 years. However, select brands with premium film offerings, also claim a lifetime warranty.
