Should I Appeal Fixed Penalty Notice for Tinted Windows?

Have you recently received a Fixed Penalty Notice for tinted windows? It’s a common issue in the UK. Every month, over 32,000 people visit this site looking for advice on tickets and fines. It can be daunting and puzzling but don’t worry.

In this article, we’ll walk you through:

• What tinted windows mean and why it’s a concern.
• How you can appeal and possibly win against your Fixed Penalty Notice.
• The laws about tinted windows in the UK.
• What happens if your tint is too dark.
• Understanding a Fixed Penalty Notice.

Our team has dealt with many cases just like yours. We know how it feels to get a ticket, and we’re here to help. So, sit back and read on to learn how you can address your Fixed Penalty Notice for tinted windows. We’ll provide clear, step-by-step advice to help you make an informed decision about your next steps.

Remember, this isn’t just about avoiding a fine. It’s about understanding the rules, knowing your rights, and ensuring you’re treated fairly. So, don’t submit your appeal yet. Instead, let’s find out if you need to, and how to do it if you do.

How Do the Police Check Your Window Tint?

Getting a ticket for having too much tint on your windows isn’t like a parking fine, where the ticket might be placed on your car. You will only get a ticket after an actual inspection. The police have a range of ways they can detect VLA for tints, and I have explained these, below.

• Police officers are trained to visually inspect vehicle windows for tint. By observing the darkness of the tint, they can determine if it appears to be illegal. The vehicle may be pulled over if the tint appears too dark.
• A light meter, also known as a tint meter or VLT meter, measures Visible Light Transmission (VLT) through windows. The device measures how much light passes through the tint. The meter can be placed against the window and a reading taken to determine if it is legal.
• There are times when the police set up roadside checkpoints where they specifically target vehicles to check their window tint. Checkpoints may use visual inspection, light meters, or both to assess tint levels.

What Happens if Your Tint Is Too Dark?

You may face certain consequences if your vehicle’s window tint is too dark and does not comply with UK regulations. Below, I cover what can happen if your tint is too dark.

• Police officers may pull you over if they notice that your window tint is excessively dark. Window tints can be targeted during routine traffic stops or at roadside checkpoints.
• An officer may issue you a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) if your tint violates the regulations. You are usually required to pay a fine within a specified timeframe and may be able to appeal it.
• In some cases, the police officer may issue a prohibition notice requiring you to remove or modify the tint to comply with the law. You will be given a deadline to rectify the problem.
• You may be requested to submit your vehicle for a more detailed inspection in certain situations. So that your window tint can be checked more accurately.

Are There Laws About Tinted Windows?

In the UK, tinted windows on vehicles are regulated. I have taken a look at these regulations, and here are my main takeaways.

• The front windscreen must transmit at least 75% of light (known as Visible Light Transmission). Typically, only a slight tint, referred to as an “eyebrow” strip, is allowed at the top.
• The front side windows, including the driver’s side and passenger’s side, must allow a minimum of 70% VLT. Heavy tinting is not allowed.
• There are no specific regulations for tinted rear side windows (behind the driver and passenger). However, a minimum VLT of 30% is recommended.
• For the rear windscreen, there are no specific regulations, but a minimum of 30% VLT is recommended.

Appealing a Fixed Penalty Notice

You can challenge a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) in the UK if you believe you have grounds to do so. I have given a general overview of this process, below.

• Read and understand the Fixed Penalty Notice carefully. Be sure to note any relevant information in the notice, including the specific offence and date.
• Decide on what grounds you are appealing. Your defence may include contesting the facts of the offence, arguing a legal or procedural error, or presenting relevant evidence.
• Note the deadline for filing an appeal. The appeal must be submitted within a certain period of time, usually within 28 days of receiving the Fixed Penalty Notice. If you fail to adhere to this deadline, your appeal may be rejected.
• For information about the appeals process, please refer to the Fixed Penalty Notice. A written appeal may be required to the relevant authority, which is usually specified on the notice. Provide all the necessary information and evidence to support your claim. You can often use an appeal letter template here.
• Photographs, witness statements, or any relevant documents that challenge the offence or validity of the notice can be used to support your appeal. Your evidence should be relevant, credible, and persuasive.
• Typically, you will receive a response from the authority handling your appeal after submitting your appeal. Your appeal may be accepted and the Fixed Penalty Notice cancelled or rejected, or further information may be requested.

You may have additional options if your appeal is rejected, such as requesting a hearing in court to challenge the notice further. Note though, that at this stage, you may face additional costs such as lawyer and court fees if you lose the appeal.