Darkest Legal Tint – What You Need to Know
At Total Tint Solutions, we get a lot of questions about the darkest legal tint allowed on vehicles in Western Australia. Whether you’re tinting your everyday car, a commercial truck, limousine, or a vehicle with factory privacy glass, it’s important to stay within the guidelines set by the Department of Transport.
We’re here to make it simple, safe, and legal — with a range of tint shades to suit your vehicle and lifestyle.
What is the Darkest Legal Tint in WA?
The term darkest legal tint refers to the minimum Visible Light Transmittance (VLT) percentage that is legally allowed. VLT is the amount of light that can pass through the window, including both the glass and the film applied.
According to the Department of Transport WA Tint Guidelines:
- Front side windows must have at least 35% VLT
- Rear side and back windows (behind the driver) can be as dark as 20% VLT
- Tint strips (glare strips) on the windscreen are also limited to 35% VLT or lighter
- Reflective or mirrored films are not permitted, as they can cause dangerous glare for other drivers
No film manufacturer is allowed to produce a film darker than these limits — all “darkest legal” films will comply with the same VLT standards.
Heads up: If a tinter tells you their film is darker than the legal limit — they’re either misinformed… or they’ve got a nose like Pinocchio. All darkest legal tints are the same shade by law — no darker, no sneaky exceptions.
No — the front windscreen cannot legally be tinted with any film, not even clear UV protection, except for a small glare strip at the top.
If your window tint is darker than the legal limit:
· Your vehicle may be deemed unroadworthy
· You could be required to present your car at an inspection centre (“the pits”)
· Your insurance may be voided in the event of an accident
It’s just not worth the risk — trust Total Tint Solutions to keep your tint stylish and legal.
Many modern vehicles come with factory-fitted privacy glass in the rear windows. While this isn’t a film, it does look similar to dark tint. We can apply:
· A clear UV protective film over privacy glass to block heat and UV
· A matching film on the front two doors, ensuring a consistent look and compliance with legal VLT
Unfortunately, no. Tinting tail lights or any vehicle lights is not legal in WA and can also void your vehicle’s warranty.
Absolutely! Clear tints offer:
· Up to 99% UV protection
· Up to 50% heat rejection, even at 70% VLT
· Great for those wanting UV and heat protection without darkening their windows
While clear films don’t reduce glare much, they’re perfect for health-conscious drivers, especially those concerned about sun exposure.
Of course! When you book a vehicle tint at Total Tint Solutions, you’ll be able to view and choose your preferred shade on the day — from clear films to the darkest legal tints available.
As a licensed 3M Window Film Installer, we only use premium quality films that meet all Western Australian regulations. Our team is highly trained and ready to help you select the perfect shade that balances style, comfort, and legality.
Contact us today — and stay cool, protected, and 100% legal with Total Tint Solutions.
