Yes, Chameleon Windscreen Tinting is legal, as long as the windscreen still lets 75% of light pass though. This can be tested before the film is installed.

At Utopia Tints North East, we often get asked about the legality and practicality of chameleon windscreen tinting. This innovative tint option not only provides a unique look for your vehicle but also offers several practical benefits. However, one of the main concerns is whether chameleon windscreen tinting is legal in the UK. In this blog post, we'll address this question and provide some insights into the installation process and potential complications.

Understanding UK Tinting Laws

According to UK law, the front windscreen must let at least 75% of light through, while the front side windows must allow at least 70% of light through. Most factory-fitted windscreens have a Visible Light Transmission (VLT) of around 83%, meaning they let in 83% of the light. You can find more detailed information about UK tinted window rules on the official GOV.UK website.

Chameleon Tinting and Legal Compliance

When applying most chameleon films, they typically reduce the VLT by about 5%. This means that a windscreen that originally lets in 83% of light will still be within the legal limit at approximately 78% VLT after tinting. Therefore, chameleon windscreen tinting is generally road legal in the UK, and all the installations we've tested so far comply with these regulations.

Available Chameleon Tint Colours

At Utopia Tints, int he North East, we offer a variety of Chameleon colours, including:

Blue
Purple
Red/Blue
Green
Orange

These options allow you to choose a tint that best matches your style and preference.

Installation Challenges with Chameleon Tints

While chameleon tints provide an eye-catching appearance, they are not without their challenges. Chameleon films are originally designed for flat glass on buildings, not the curved windows of vehicles. Here are some complications we encounter during installation:

1. Coverage Issues:
Due to the curvature of car windows, chameleon film can sometimes fail to cover the entire windscreen, particularly at the top. To address this, we often install a vinyl sun strip to cover any gaps. However, it's important to note that these sun strips can sometimes be problematic if they are touched by the windscreen wipers, potentially making them non-compliant with road regulations.

2. Imperfections:
Chameleon film is thicker than regular tint films, which means any imperfections such as creases or dust particles are more visible and harder to correct. While we strive for perfection, some minor imperfections may be unavoidable.

Our Chameleon Tinting Service

Despite these challenges, chameleon windscreen tinting remains a popular choice for its unique aesthetic and functional benefits. At Utopia Tints North East, we charge £179 for chameleon tint installation. Our experienced technicians work meticulously to ensure the best possible result, minimising imperfections and ensuring compliance with legal standards.

Conclusion

In short, chameleon windscreen tinting is usually road legal in the UK, provided the VLT remains above 75%. At Utopia Tints North East, we offer a range of chameleon tints that comply with these regulations and add a distinctive touch to your vehicle. While there are some installation challenges, our team is equipped to handle them and provide you with a high-quality finish.

Visit us at Unit 1, Dragonville Industrial Park, Gilesgate, Durham, DH1 2XJ, or contact us through our website at utopiatintsnortheast.co.uk to learn more or to book an appointment.

Is Chameleon Windscreen Tinting Legal in the UK?