The MOT loophole that could mean your car is ‘legal’ but can still be BANNED from the road – and even land you with a court date
TINTED windows are NOT part of the MOT test, but having dark glass on your windscreen or front doors is illegal.
It means your car could pass the MOT test but you're still at risk of being pulled over and being put in front of a judge.
Boy racers who fit dark glass in place of their regular windscreen are risking police banning the vehicle from the road until the tint is removed.
It can also land owners with a fixed penalty notice or a court summons - falling under "construction and use" rules similar to driving with balding tyres.
The law states for cars registered after April 1 1985, the front windscreen must let at least 75 per cent of light through and the front side windows must let at least 70 per cent of light in.
For older classics that pre-date this, the front windscreen and front side windows must both let at least 70 per cent of light through.
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Yet the annual MOT test which determines if you car is roadworthy doesn't check window tint.
It means you can be handed a pass yet still not be fit for the road.
Laura Newton, transport solicitor at Rothera Sharp, said: "A lot of people will be advised about it first as police have a flexible approach - they want it rectified.
"Normally they'll give them a notice to produce documents within 14 days to prove it's been sorted.
"If you have a car with tinted windows, go and get them checked. If you get a prohibition notice you'll have to pay to get the car released and will be stuck at the roadside.
"There's always a risk in extreme cases that police will say it's being driven in a dangerous condition and you can end up with a financial penalty and the risk of endorsement."
Those carrying out the modifications are also breaking the law as it's illegal to fit or sell glass - or a vehicle that's already fitted with a tint - that breaks the rules.
There are no light rules on tinting of rear windscreens or rear passenger windows though with privacy glass a popular option on many premium models.
Fitting tinted windows of any kind could also invalidate your insurance if you don't flag it up.
Any modification must be alerted to your insurer who will advise if your premium needs increasing or not.
Andrew Jervis, co-Founder of ClickMechanic, said: "While tinted windows may seem like a brilliant addition in the heat of summer, they can restrict the driver’s vision, particularly in dark conditions.
"Interestingly, tinted windows are not included in an MOT test. This is due to the relatively small number of vehicles that this issue currently affects as well as the expenditure and extra time it would take to test across garages nationwide.
"For the time being, roadside enforcement has been decided as the best and most cost-efficient route for monitoring tinted glass.
"If you are unsure of how tinted your windows are, you can always approach the DVSA to have them tested.
"Also, if you are having tinted windows installed, inform your insurance company as it counts as a modification and may affect claims."
