BELIZE CITY, Thurs. July 25, 2019– During an interview with us today, traffic officers explained that the law regulating the level of tint permissible in vehicle windows and windshields, outlined in Statutory Instrument no. 19 of 2011, is now being enforced. To be compliant vehicle owners are reminded that the tint in their vehicle must have a grade of 50% VLT in the front window, and at the top of the windshield.
The officers explained that 50% VLT (visible light transmission) describes how much outside light the tint allows to pass through. The traffic officers are equipped with a meter which is used to measure the VLT, and if it is less than 50% — too dark, it will not be accepted.
The officers told us that owners of vehicles that are not in compliance with the law will have ten days to remove the tint, and if it is not removed the vehicle owner will be issued a summons and will have to appear in court, where they can expect a fine between $150 and $500 and an order to get rid of the tint. Also, if a notice has been given for adjustments to be made to a vehicle to comply with the regulation, it cannot be licensed.
We asked how long this exercise will be held, and the officers said that it is the law, and the law is being enforced, and there is no time limit. It goes without saying: people with vehicles with heavily tinted windows and windshields should move to make their vehicles meet the 50% VLT requirement.
The traffic officers said that those found to not be in compliance, will not get a ticket, because it is a non-ticketable offense.