If among your doubts as a driver is whether you can tint windows in order to darken your windshield and the front side windows, you may not like the news of its prohibition.
In fact, in most countries, tinting car windows such as the windshield is prohibited for road safety reasons. This makes even more sense when you know that 90% of the information a driver receives while behind the wheel comes through sight and, therefore, from the frontal field of vision through the windshield. But this measure is not exclusive to the windshield. The side windows, both the driver’s and the passenger’s, are also subject to this prohibition. Why?
The law establishes that the driver must have a field of vision of at least 180º forward. This is because excessively dark windows can increase the risk of accidents and may interfere with safety systems on highways, as well as with facial recognition if it were ever necessary. Then you may wonder why there are window tinting workshops. Let’s see.
Who can tint the windshield
According to the Official State Gazette (BOE), the only cars that may have tinted front windows and windshields are official vehicles intended for government personnel, protected users, or cars of people with photosensitivity who need ultraviolet protection in the windshield and front side windows in order to improve their quality of life.
What you can tint
The good news is that you can have the rest of your car windows darkened. This is because when purchasing a vehicle, you have the option to order it with the windows already tinted. These will come factory-approved, so it will not be necessary to go through the process yourself to pass the ITV (roadworthiness test).
On the other hand, if you already have a vehicle and your wish is to tint the windows, then going to one of the nearby window tinting workshops in your area will be the best option. Once in the workshop, the trained staff will carry out a full process to tint the car windows, during which they will adapt designs and apply films to the inside of the rear side windows or the rear windshield.
Among the options, you will be able to choose between different degrees of tinting. In general terms, there are finishes in light, medium, and dark shades. The difference between each has to do with the percentage of light that penetrates the interior of the car. Regarding this, it is necessary to mention that the opacity degree can never be 100%. Thus, the permitted levels are 45%, 25%, and 15%.
Likewise, if you were thinking of tinting side windows in order to protect yourself from ultraviolet rays, then you should know that it is indeed possible to install curtains on your windows to protect the occupants from the sun. This measure can be carried out as long as the vehicle has two functional side mirrors in good condition.
Safety and controls
At Ralarsa, one of our most important missions is to ensure road safety both inside and outside the car. Therefore, in the case of tinting car windows and to meet the required safety standards, the call is for all drivers to take the following measures into account:
- Clean the windshield periodically.
- Check the condition of the windshield wipers to avoid scratches or objects getting stuck between the blades.
- In case of having a broken windshield, verify its size and whether it affects the driver’s vision.
- Have the ADAS system properly calibrated.
- If you tint your windows, you must declare it to the insurance company so that you are covered in the event of a collision.
- Remember that driving with laminated glass that is not within regulations could result in a fine of up to 200 euros.
Why choose Ralarsa?
With so many window tinting workshops, you may wonder why to choose Ralarsa. And the advantages are many! First of all, we have highly qualified personnel who will answer all your questions with the best service. In addition, every time you come to our facilities, we provide a rainproof treatment to help ensure better safety and comfort inside your car.
What are you waiting for to book your appointment to tint your car windows? Call us or write to us through our website. We will be delighted to help you!
