Victoria’s Window Tinting Laws (2026)
Got pulled over for dark tints? You’re not alone. Victorian police run regular campaigns targeting illegal window tinting, and the fines aren’t cheap. Here’s what you need to know about Vic window tinting laws to keep your vehicle legal and roadworthy.
Must Know Info:
Victorian tint regulations are among the strictest in Australia:
- Front windscreen: Only the top visor strip (10% of windscreen or 65mm maximum) can be tinted; the main area must stay at least 70% VLT
- Front side windows: Minimum 35% VLT required
- Rear windows: Minimum 20% VLT allowed only if dual side mirrors are fitted
- Reflectance limit: Maximum 10% reflectance on all windows
- Penalties: Fines, defect notices, and potential insurance complications for non-compliant tinting
What Are Vic Window Tinting Laws?
VLT stands for Visible Light Transmission – it’s the percentage of light that passes through your windows. A 35% VLT means 35% of light gets through, blocking 65%. The lower the number, the darker the tint.
Victoria’s regulations are designed to strike a balance between driver visibility and the benefits of tinting, such as UV protection and heat reduction. But don’t mistake “balance” for lenient – these laws are strictly enforced across the state.
Front Windscreen Restrictions
Your front windscreen is the most restricted area. According to Transport Victoria, you can only tint:
- The top 10% of the windscreen, OR
- A strip above the wiper arc (whichever is greater)
- Maximum 65mm in height
Aftermarket films can’t be applied to the main swept area – full stop. Factory-tinted windscreens from manufacturers are permitted, but they must maintain at least 70% VLT.
Important: The tinted band can’t cover cameras or sensors mounted inside your windscreen. Modern vehicles with ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) need clear visibility for these safety features.
Front Side Window Rules
Front side windows (that’s the driver and front passenger windows) must allow at least 35% VLT. This is non-negotiable and applies to all passenger vehicles.
If your windows already have factory tinting (often called “privacy glass”), you need to be careful. Adding aftermarket film to factory-tinted windows can push you below the legal limit. Many car owners don’t realise their factory tint is already sitting at 35-40% VLT, meaning any additional film makes them illegal.
Rear Window Requirements
Rear side windows and your back windscreen have more flexibility – but only if you’ve got the right mirrors.
With dual side mirrors fitted (one on each side of your vehicle), rear windows can be tinted to 20% VLT. Without dual mirrors? You’re stuck with the same 35% VLT requirement as the front windows.
Commercial vehicles and goods carriers have different rules. Vans, trucks, and utilities can run darker tints on rear windows because visibility requirements differ. But this exemption doesn’t extend to SUVs – they’re classified as passenger vehicles.
Penalties and Enforcement
Here’s where Vic window tinting laws get serious. Victorian police actively enforce these regulations through:
- Roadside VLT testing with calibrated meters
- Random vehicle inspections at booths
- Targeted operations in high-traffic areas
If you’re caught with illegal tints:
- Defect notice requiring immediate tint removal or adjustment
- Fines issued on the spot (penalties vary based on the severity of non-compliance)
- Vehicle registration complications if defects aren’t rectified
- Insurance claims may be denied if your tints breach regulations at the time of an incident
That last point matters more than most people think. Insurance companies can refuse claims if your vehicle wasn’t roadworthy, and illegal tints make your car unroadworthy. It’s not worth the risk.
Reflectance Matters Too
It’s not just about darkness. Vic window tinting laws also limit reflectance to 10%, essentially the same as untreated glass. Mirror-like or highly reflective films are illegal because they create glare for other drivers.
This applies to all windows, regardless of VLT percentage. You can’t compensate for a lighter tint by making it more reflective.
Need Legal Window Tinting?
Victorian tint laws are strict and consistently enforced. Front windscreen tinting is limited to the top visor strip, front side windows need 35% VLT minimum, and rear windows require 20% VLT with dual mirrors fitted.
Getting it wrong means fines, defects, and insurance headaches. Our team at Wheel Revivers understands the regulations and can help you achieve the look you want while staying 100% legal. We offer professional car window tinting services that meet all Victorian standards – no guesswork and no risk.