TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Transportation on Tuesday said new regulations limiting window tinting on new vehicles will take effect on Feb. 28, with noncompliance resulting in a NT$1,800 fine (US$57).
The ministry last year issued guidelines setting minimum visible light transmission (VLT) standards for vehicle windows and windshields, per Liberty Times. The Highway Bureau said vehicles that fail to comply and do not make corrections within six months will have their license plates revoked.
The new rules were introduced primarily to improve pedestrian safety. Authorities said excessively dark windshields and front side windows can impair driver visibility and increase the risk of collisions with pedestrians.
Since the guidelines were rolled out last year, some drivers have criticized the standards, arguing that lighter window tint does not provide sufficient heat insulation during Taiwan’s hot summers. However, the ministry has maintained that pedestrian safety is paramount, a position strongly supported by road safety advocacy groups, prompting the government to codify the standards into law.
The guidelines were first announced on June 30 last year to help consumers identify compliant window tinting products. The Highway Bureau said it held multiple consultations with automakers and industry representatives before adopting a product-based management system to ensure compliance at the source.
Highway Bureau Director-General Lin Fu-shan (林福山) said the new rules apply only to newly registered vehicles. Cars registered for the first time on or after Feb. 28 must meet the tinting requirements, while existing vehicles are exempt.
Lin said general vehicles must have a VLT of at least 70% for front windshields and 40% for front side windows. For taxis and vehicles used to transport young children, the front windshield must meet the 70% standard, while all other windows, including the rear windshield, must be at least 40%.
The Highway Bureau also unveiled compliance labels for approved window tinting products. Two types will be accepted, including labels engraved directly by manufacturers and labels printed by certified institutions and issued by the Vehicle Safety Certification Center.
Manufacturer-engraved labels must list the brand, model, and VLT rating. Labels issued by the Vehicle Safety Certification Center must be affixed to the lower-right corner of the front windshield when viewed from inside the vehicle, on the passenger side.
Deputy Transportation Minister Chen Yen-po (陳彥伯) said the Highway Bureau has established cooperation mechanisms with major car dealers, distributors, and industry associations. He said dealerships will help inform buyers and assist them in selecting window tinting products that comply with the new regulations.
