Window Tinting – Legal or Illegal? And Which Film is Right for You?

One of the most common questions I get is whether window tinting is legal in Ireland. The short answer? It depends on which windows you're tinting.

Rear Windows – No Restrictions

When it comes to the rear windows of your vehicle – that is, the rear side windows and the back windshield – you’re free to go as dark as you like. Whether you prefer a subtle tint or limo-black privacy glass, there are no legal limits in Ireland for these parts of your car.

Front Side Windows – The 65% Rule

Things get stricter up front. Legally, your front side windows must allow at least 65% of visible light (VLT – Visible Light Transmission) to pass through. That means only the lightest tint films are permitted.

From my experience, the lightest charcoal film available, which has a VLT of around 70%, is the only viable option for these windows. But even then, results vary by car. Some vehicles already come from the factory with slightly tinted glass. The following example is hypothetical:

On a 2020 BMW 3 Series, applying a 70% film to the front windows usually keeps you within the legal range.
On a 2015 Ford Focus, the same film may push the VLT below the limit, making it fail an NCT inspection.

That’s why it’s not just about the film – it’s about the car’s original glass too. In borderline cases, Gardaí may ask you to remove the film and present the car at a nearby station for inspection.

Front Windshield – Extremely Limited

The front windshield is even more restricted. It must allow at least 70% of visible light through – and that’s in its original state. No standard charcoal-tinted film, not even 70%, is legal here.

However, there's one exception I've found over the years – Chameleon films. These specialised films maintain legal VLT levels while offering a slight visual enhancement. It’s currently the only option I’ve tested that stays within the limit.

What About Sun strips?

Here’s where it gets murky. The RSA website doesn’t provide clear guidelines about how dark or how big a sun strip can be on your windshield. After asking around NCT test centres, we've heard conflicting opinions:

Some testers say the sun strip must not interfere with the path of the front wipers.
Others say it must not be larger than the sun visor (the flap inside your car).
We've also heard it shouldn’t cover more than 17% of the windshield height, but this is unconfirmed.

From my experience, a sun strip that's around 5 to 8 inches deep from the top of the windshield is usually safe. Go beyond that and you risk failing NCT or being asked to remove it by Gardaí. As for transparency – there’s no specific limit, if the strip isn’t too deep.

Choosing the Right Tint Film for You

When picking a window tint, it’s not just about the law – it’s about your needs and lifestyle. Ask yourself:

Do you want more privacy or just better UV protection?
Are you looking for heat rejection during summer months?
Do you care more about looks or function – or both?

Here are the most common types:

Charcoal film – the classic dark tint, available in different shades.
Ceramic film – higher-end, with better heat rejection and no interference with electronics.
Chameleon film – legal front-windshield-friendly option with a unique, subtle shimmer.

I always recommend visiting a specialist who can test your car’s glass and help you choose the right film – both legally and aesthetically.