Tinted Windows in Mauritius: The Legal Limits Every Driver Must Know

Mauritius authorities have issued a reminder to all vehicle owners about the rules governing tinted windows, warning that non-compliance is an offence that applies to every motor vehicle on the road, including government cars.

Under the Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 2010, the windscreen and front side windows of any motor vehicle must allow a visible light transmission (VLT) rate of at least 75 percent. A tolerance of 5 percent is permitted, meaning the effective minimum is 70 percent. The measurement must be taken perpendicularly to the glass surface.

The regulation bans the use of any vehicle whose front windows are tinted or covered with a film that falls below the required light transmission level. This includes aftermarket window films applied after purchase, which are a common modification among drivers in Mauritius.

Medical exemptions do exist, but they come with strict conditions. A driver or vehicle owner who has a health condition that requires reduced light exposure may apply for a special permit. That permit must be issued by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport. Even with a valid exemption, the front side windows must still allow a minimum light transmission rate of 30 percent, so completely opaque or very dark films remain prohibited regardless.

There is also an important rule for anyone selling a vehicle that has been granted a medical exemption. The owner must remove the tinted film or windows before transferring ownership. The exemption is personal and does not carry over to a new owner.

What this means for drivers: if you have installed a tinted film on your windscreen or front side windows that reduces light transmission below the legal threshold, you are already in breach of the regulations. The rules apply whether the tinting was factory-fitted or added later, and whether the car is privately owned or belongs to a government department. Drivers who are unsure whether their tinting meets the standard should have it tested before police or transport inspectors do it for them. Sellers of vehicles with dark tinting should also be aware of their legal obligation to remove any non-compliant film before completing a sale, particularly if the tinting was installed under a medical permit.

Authorities have called on all vehicle owners to review their compliance with these regulations.

Source: ION News