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What the law says about tinted windows: allowed or not?

We explain everything you need to know about French regulations

The legislation concerning tinted windows on the front of vehicles was updated on January 1, 2017 following the decree of April 13, 2016. Variance Auto brings you the answers to your questions concerning this new law to know everything about 100% compliant tinted windows!
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You thought tinted windows were forbidden?

It's FALSE! Too many of you still believe that tinted windows are forbidden, but in fact they are permitted, but regulated. We'll explain how tinted windows are regulated today.

Understanding the law on tinted windows

Decree 2016-448, paragraph on tinted windows, comes to regulate the installation of tinted film on the front windows of cars. The law on tinted windows authorizes the installation of tinted film on the front, allowing more than 70% of visible light to pass through. It is therefore still permitted to fit solar film on front windows. Since January 1, 2017, if your vehicle is fitted with non-compliant tinted film on the front, you could be fined €135 and have 3 points taken off your driving license. Please note that the vehicle's other windows (rear side windows and rear window) are not affected by this restriction. It is still forbidden to apply film to the windscreen. You should also take into account your vehicle's original tint. Newer cars already have lightly tinted windows, in which case we advise you to apply tinted film only to the rear of the car to comply with the law.

French legislation on tinted windows

French legislation on tinted windows is governed by Decree 2016-448, which has been in force since January 1, 2017. This decree imposes a TLV (Visible Light Transmission) of 70% on vehicle front windows. This means that the front windows of cars must let in at least 70% of visible light. Rear windows, on the other hand, can be more tinted, but must also allow sufficient visibility for motorists following the vehicle.

It's important to note that these regulations apply to all vehicles, whether cars, trucks or motorcycles. However, certain exceptions are permitted, such as tinted windows for medical reasons, or for safety reasons such as UV protection.

Rear windows: All colors are legal

  • rear window TLV 85

    TLV 85%

    Ref product : Extreme clear 70

    Legally compliant
  • rear window TLV 51

    TLV 51%

    Ref product : Ultra clear 50

    Legally compliant
  • rear window TLV 35

    TLV 35%

    Ref product : Light smoke 35

    Legally compliant
  • rear window TLV 22

    TLV 22%

    Ref product : Medium 25

    Legally compliant
  • rear window TLV 16

    TLV 16%

    Ref product : Medium plus 15

    Legally compliant
  • rear window TLV 5

    TLV 5%

    Ref product : Dark 5

    Legally compliant

Front windows: Which tint is the right one?

  • front window TLV 85

    TLV 85%

    Ref product : Extreme clear 70

    Legally compliant
  • front window TLV 51

    TLV 51%

    Ref product : Ultra clear 50

    Forbidden
  • TLV 35 front window

    TLV 35%

    Ref product : Light smoke 35

    Forbidden
  • front window TLV 22

    TLV 22%

    Ref product : Medium 25

    Forbidden
  • front window TLV 16

    TLV 16%

    Ref product : Medium plus 15

    Forbidden
  • TLV 5 front window

    TLV 5%

    Ref product : Dark 5

    Forbidden

The different types of tinted window film

There are different types of tinted window film you can offer your customers.

  • Adhesive films: these are the most common type of film, generally used for rear windows. They are attached to the glass surface with an adhesive and can be easily removed if necessary.
  • Colored films: these colored films are not approved for the road or authorized by law. They are generally used for gatherings, motor sport events, rallies etc...
  • Safety films: these films are designed to enhance window safety in the event of impact or glass breakage. They are often used for side and rear windows.

A summary of the rules for driving legally with tinted windows

To comply with current regulations on tinted windows, it is important to follow certain rules when applying the films:

  • Front windows must have a TLV of 70% or more. If the TLV is lower, the car will not comply with regulations, and the motorist risks a fine and may be forced to remove the film.
  • Rear windows may be more tinted, but must allow sufficient visibility for following motorists.
  • The films must be free from defects or bubbles that could impair the driver's visibility.
  • Films must be free of motifs or markings that could impede visibility.
  • The films must not be overly reflective, as this could impede the visibility of following motorists.

Finally, it's important to note that police checks on tinted windows are becoming increasingly frequent. Motorists who fail to comply with the rules risk a fine of up to 750 euros, and may be forced to remove the film.

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Legislation: tinted front and rear windows are not prohibited

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