Car Window Tinting Laws in UAE: What's legal in UAE?

Car window tinting in UAE must have been your first idea when you enter a car parked under the sun in UAE. Dubai temperatures are 41°C and 43°C in the summer. These extreme weather conditions make car window tinting vital in the UAE.

But legal technicalities of car window tinting laws are as important as UV blockage and heat rejection. Legal tint for cars in UAE is up to 50% VLT. No windshield tinting is allowed under window tint laws UAE.

If you are also planning to get car window tints, read our guide on car tint regulations Dubai.

What is Car Window Tint?

Car window tinting is made from polyester and scratch-resistant film. They are ultrathin and can resist scratches. It is applied inside on the window. It comes in multiple VLT (Visible Light Transmission) meaning they have a variety of darkness levels. It blocks the solar energy so taht only a low percentage can enter your vehicle. UAE has one of the highest concentrations of luxury cars. The sun can harm them if your windows are not protected. That’s where car window tinting laws come into play.

Car Window Tinting Laws in UAE

UAE has stringent window tinting rules. These window tint laws are enforced by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and traffic police. They ensure the visibility of the driver and safety. Front windshield tinting laws in UAE say that you can not apply any tint over it except top strip. Front-side windows should have a maximum VLT of 50%. The same percentage is applicable to rear side windows.

Let’s understand RTA window tint laws in detail.

Car Tinting Rules in Dubai: How Dark Can Your Windows Be?

You can not get car window tinting according to UAE vehicle tint rules. A narrow strip with only 15 cm in length is allowed on the top of your windshield. RTA says that side and rear window tints should not exceed 50% VLT.

What is the legal limit for car window tint percentage in UAE?

50% Car Tint Percentage Allowed in Dubai: What it Means

The main component is the VLT. VLT means that how much visible your window is. If the VLT is 50%, it means that your window tints are passing 50% of the light and blocking the other 50. 70% tints are passing 70% of the light. The higher the VLT, the higher the visibility. Earlier, the car tint percentage allowed in UAE was 30%. But the new automotive window tint laws came into force in 2017 under the revised federal traffic law.

Important Notes for Window Tinting Rules in UAE

• Trucks and taxis are not covered by the 50% rule (they have stricter requirements)

• Company-owned/leased vehicles need permission for tinting

• Medical exemptions are present for darker tint (RTA documentation)

• Reflective/mirrored tints are prohibited even if within 50%

Penalty for Exceeding 50%:

• AED 1,500 fine

• Vehicle impoundment if the case is severe

• Registration rejection if the illegal tint is not removed

• Black points

Is 70 Percent Tint Allowed in Dubai

Yes, 70 percent window tint is allowed in UAE because it has a higher light-passing percentage and the limit is a maximum of 50%. You must note that 70% tint is not dark. A common misconception is that "70% tint" is 70% dark. Being an automotive expert, we clarify that 70% is light VLT because it passes 70% of light.

Are There Any Exceptions to UAE Car Tint Laws?

Yes, there are a few exceptions to the standard car window tinting laws in UAE. 

• Individuals with medical conditions: may be allowed to exceed the usual legal tint in a few cases

• Official approval: Get it from the relevant authorities. 

• Some high-ranking government officials: qualify for exemptions under specific circumstances.

• If you get an exception: complete the paperwork.

• Keeping your authorization documents in the vehicle is important

• This proves compliance with local car tinting rules.

UAE Legal Window Tint Levels: What Do They Actually Look Like?

Here we have compared several window tinting percentages so that you can understand them better:

UAE Legal Window Tint Levels: What Do They Actually Look Like?

Under the current car window tinting laws in UAE:

• Private vehicles are allowed up to 50% window tint. 

• Anything darker than the legal limit may require special approval or exemption.

Car Window Tinting UAE Cost

Car window tinting in the UAE price depends on what kind of film you are using and what it provides. Like heat rejection and durability. 

• Basic Window Tints: start from around AED 200 for sedans 

• SUVs: AED 300 

• Premium Window Tints: AED 1,600 to AED 3,000

Best Legal Tint Percentage for UAE

As experts, we can surely say that 50% window tinting is the sweet spot. It gives you excellent heat protection and also remains safe during night driving. UAE vehicle tint rules allow only 50% VLT on side and rear windows of a private car. A legal 50% window tint provides a safer balance between comfort and visibility.

It gives you passenger comfort and protects interior materials from UV fading and cracking. We show our customers that our window tinting in UAE remains road-legal. We offer our customers film's official VLT rating and performance specifications before installation. We believe United Arab Emirates tint regulations must be adhered to with Ultraguard. Here is what we suggest:

Daily Commuters

• Best Tint: 30-40% VLT

• Front Windshield: Clear (no tint)

• Side & Rear Windows: 30-40% VLT

Families

• Best Tint: 40-50% VLT

• Front Windshield: Clear (no tint)

• Side & Rear Windows: 40-50% VLT

Luxury Vehicles

• Best Tint: 50% VLT (Premium Ceramic)

• Front Windshield: Clear (no tint)

• Side & Rear Windows: 50% VLT

Maximum Heat Protection

• Best Tint: 50% VLT Ceramic

• Front Windshield: Clear (no tint)

• Side & Rear Windows: 50% VLT Ceramic

Ultraguard AE: Your Trusted Car Window Tinting Supplier

Made with the latest nano-ceramic technology, Ultraguard AE window tinting solutions prevent up to: 

• 99% Infrared Heat (IR) 

• 99% UV rays 

They are designed to keep your cabin cooler even in 50°C+ in summer while complying with RTA window tinting rules. These films are 100 percent metal-free and offer crystal clear optical clarity. You also get zero interference with GPS or Salik signals.

Our range includes:

• 50% VLT

• 35% VLT

• 80% VLT

Here are window films offerings with the warranty periods:

Car Window Tinting Laws UAE: How to Choose

Car window tinting in UAE is essential due to the extreme heat in the region. We as professionals, suggest that you choose 50% VLT film because it's the legal benchmark of car tint regulations Dubai. With this tint, you get heat control, privacy, and safety.

Staying within the legal limits is the most crucial part. A pro tip for our readers is to go for ceramic or carbon tint for maximum heat rejection. You will not be violating window tint laws UAE.

Here are some key points to look for:

• Verify VLT rating

• Ask for warranty

• Use reputable installers

• Request compliance confirmation

FAQ's - Car Window Tinting Laws

Q1. What is the car window tinting cost in UAE?

Car window tinting in UAE cost is approx AED 200 for sedans. The price is higher for luxury cars.

Q2. How much car tint is legal in UAE?

As per RTA, your vehicle's side and rear windows can not be tinted more than 50%. 50% car tint is legal in UAE.

Q3. What is the windshield tint UAE limit?

You can not get your windshield tinted as per UAE tinting rules. Only a narrow strip with only 15 cm in length is allowed on the top of your windshield.

Q4. Is 50% tinting allowed in UAE?

Yes. According to the new window tinting law 2017, 50% window tinting is allowed. Earlier, it used to be 30%.

Q5. Where can I find reputable window tints in UAE?

Ultraguard offers window tints curated as per Dubai’s requirements. Our range also complies with the RTA window tinting rules of the United Arab Emirates.