Caption: From left, Minister in the Ministry of National Security Keith Scotland, Minister of National Security Fitzgerald Hinds, Minister of Works and Transport Rohan Sinanan, Police Commissioner Erla Harewood-Christopher, Transport Commissioner Clive Clark and Minister in the Ministry Works and Transport Richie Sookhai
By Prior Beharry
MOTORISTS will have six weeks to get their act in order regarding tints in their vechiles.
This as the Licensing Authority prepares to strictly enforce the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Windscreen and Window Tint) Regulations 2020. This initiative is part of the Ministry of National Security’s ongoing efforts to combat criminal activities.
The regulations, which could result in fines of up to $2,000 and the addition of demerit points to offenders’ driving records, will be enforced using new handheld devices that detect tint levels. The official launch of this initiative took place on Monday at the Ministry of National Security’s Port of Spain offices, where National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds highlighted the importance in enhancing road safety and security, particularly due to the misuse of heavily tinted vehicles in criminal activities. He listed three examples in the past when heavily-tinted vehicles were used to perpetrate crimes.
“There has, in fact, developed in Trinidad and Tobago, the use and abuse of heavily tinted vehicles, linking them to criminal attacks on businesses and individuals,” Hinds said. He said heavily tinted glass poses significant challenges for law enforcement in identifying weapons, criminal behavior, and contraband.
Hinds said, “Whether the crime is murder, moving to or away from the scene, kidnappings, gun trafficking, home invasions, drug trafficking—they all use the roads. These measures to take better control of what is happening on the roads are very, very important to us.”
Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan said that in six weeks, full-scale enforcement of the law would commence. The government plans to embark on an educational campaign to inform the public about the regulations, he said. Sinanan said some individuals exploit permissible tint levels.
Sinanan said, “The law is the law, and enforcement agencies are entitled to carry it out. Both the Ministry of Works and Transport and the Ministry of National Security will campaign to eliminate the excuse of ignorance.”
Police Commissioner Erla Harewood-Christopher said the new measures would significantly enhance the police’s crime-fighting capabilities. “We see it as another tool in our arsenal. For officer safety, it is crucial,” she noted, adding that the use of electronic meters would standardise the enforcement process and remove any subjectivity from officers.
Harewood-Christopher encouraged motorists to familiarise themselves with the regulations, revealing that around 200 police officers have already been trained in using light transmittance measuring devices.
Transport Commissioner Clive Clarke acknowledged the need for tinted vehicles but expressed concern over the safety and security risks posed by excessive tinting, especially to law enforcement. “In Tobago, I’ve seen tint levels at zero percent, which is a serious concern for law enforcement safety,” he said.
Regulation 3(1) of the act specifies that windscreens must have a minimum of 70% visible light transmittance (VLT), with the anti-glare bandwidth (six inches from the top) at least 35%. Front windows must have at least 35% VLT, while rear windows and the rear windscreen require at least 20%.
Motorists must seek permission from the Licensing Authority to apply any material to windscreens or windows. Reflective or mirrored effects and the installation of curtains or screens that obstruct visibility are prohibited unless approved, with exceptions for screens shielding children under five from direct sunlight.
Penalties for violations range from fines to demerit points. For example, non-compliance with VLT standards carries a fixed penalty of $2,000. Unauthorised installation of curtains or screens incurs a $750 fine and two demerit points.
Clarke said that tint shops and inspection stations were equipped with the necessary tools to help determine compliance with VLT standards.
