One of the most popular after-sales auto upgrades are window tints, because they reduce the effects of UV light on a vehicle’s interior furnishings, keep the interior cool and provide privacy.

The problem is that there are legal limits to the VLT of an auto tint (the amount of visible light that is transmitted through a vehicle’s window tint). Too dark a tint or too low a VLT reduces the driver’s vision, which is why there are legal minimums for these tints.

What is the Darkest legal tint VIC?

Whilst fairly similar across Australia, there are some VLT differences between the states. These differences can pose a problem if you are moving inter-state and your car’s windows were previously tinted in a state that has higher minimum standards than your destination. If you are travelling around Australia however, as long as your tints are legal in your home state, there shouldn’t be a problem.

vlt tinting

The best way to ensure that your vehicle’s window tints are legal is to go to a professional installer who specialises in installing window tints. They will definitely know all the legal requirements, because if they didn’t, their reputation and their livelihood would be in serious jeopardy.

Is your car window tinting legal?

If you want to confirm that your auto tints are legal in Victoria, here are a few of the facts you need to know.

  • Dark tints
    There are a range of different tint brands on the market and a range of different VLTs, but whatever brand you select, there is a VLT minimum that applies. So if you want to install the darkest window tints in your car, you can only select the darkest legal tint or else the police can deem your vehicle unroadworthy. Police do perform random stops, checking the VLT of auto tints, so it pays to keep your tints legal!
  • Windscreen tints
    The location of these tints is just as important as the VLT of the tints, because nothing can be allowed to reduce the driver’s visibility, particularly through the front windscreen. This means that these tints must be placed in the top 10% of the windscreen, not be more than 65mm in width and must be above the windscreen wipers. The minimum VLT for windscreen tints for cars manufactured after July 1971 is 35%.
  • Rear window tints
    The minimum VLT for the rear window in Victoria is 20% (the same as in NSW and WA), however in the remaining states it’s 35%, except for the NT where it is 15%.
  • Front side window tints
    The minimum VLT for the front side windows is 35% in Victoria and across Australia.
  • Rear side window tints
    The minimum VLT for the rear side window tints has recently been amended to 20% in Victoria, in line with Queensland and New South Wales. As with the rear window tints, this is different in some states. For example, in the NT it’s 15% so always be sure to check the local laws.

These VLT differences may be subtle in appearance, but if you live in the NT and move to Victoria you will have to address the issue of your window tints or else suffer the legal consequences. Most people aren’t aware of these differences, when they want to move interstate, but now that you do, your best strategy may be to sell your vehicle in your home state and buy a car with legal tints in the state where you are relocating.

toyota car window tint

Frequently Asked Questions About Darkest Legal Tint.

1. What is the darkest legal car window tint I can have in Victoria?

  • For front side windows (driver and front passenger): The darkest legal tint is 35% Visible Light Transmission (VLT), meaning at least 35% of light must pass through the glass.

  • For rear side windows and rear windscreen: The darkest legal tint is 20% VLT if the vehicle has side mirrors on both sides; otherwise, the minimum is 35%. Some sources state 35% for rear windows, but consensus and recent updates allow 20% if mirrors are fitted.

  • For the front windscreen, no aftermarket tint is allowed, except for a tinted band at the top (upper 10% or above the wiper arc area), and the paired glass must have a VLT of at least 70% as supplied by the manufacturer.

2. What does VLT mean?

  • Visible Light Transmission (VLT) is the percentage of visible light that passes through the tinted glass. A lower VLT (e.g., 20%) means a darker tint.

3. Can I tint my front windscreen?

  • No aftermarket tint is allowed except for a visor strip or tinted band at the top (up to 10% of the windscreen’s height or above the wiper arc area, whichever is greater). The rest of the windshield must not be tinted post-manufacture.

4. Is reflective or mirror-like tint allowed?

  • No. Victoria bans tints with more than 10% reflectance. Mirror finishes are not permitted.

5. Are there medical exemptions for darker tint in Victoria?

  • No. Victoria does not allow medical exemptions for increased tint darkness.

6. Is a certificate or sticker required for legal window tint?

  • No. There is no mandatory requirement in Victoria for certificates or stickers to confirm the legality of tint.

7. What are the penalties for illegal tinting?

  • Penalties include defect notices (requiring removal or correction), fines, and, for repeat offences, possible vehicle registration cancellation.

8. Do rules differ for special vehicles?

  • Some vehicles designed for goods (e.g., vans, hearses, trucks) may have looser requirements for windows behind the driver. Private passenger cars, including SUVs, must follow the above VLT limits.

9. Will tinting affect my insurance or vehicle inspection?

  • Illegal tint may void your insurance, result in police fines, and render your car unroadworthy if detected during an inspection.

10. Can window tinting be identical on all windows in my car?

  • You can tint all windows to 35% VLT, but if you want the maximum legal darkness, front side windows must be 35% VLT, and rear windows can be 20% VLT if you meet the mirror requirement.

Key points to remember:

  • Front side windows: 35% VLT minimum (darkest allowed)

  • Rear windows: 20% VLT minimum, if dual side mirrors; otherwise 35% VLT

  • Windscreen: Only a visor strip or band at the top; otherwise, no tinting allowed post-manufacture

  • Reflectivity: No mirror-like or highly reflective tints allowed

  • No medical exceptions or certification requirements

If in doubt, always check the latest requirements from VicRoads or Transport Victoria, as laws and enforcement can change.