The short answer is: mostly no. You can’t apply aftermarket tint film to the main part of your windscreen, but there’s a legal exception for a small strip at the top. Here’s what you need to know.
The Legal Reality
I’ve been in the automotive industry for years, and this is one of the most common questions I get asked. People want that sleek, dark windscreen look, but Australian law is pretty clear on this one.
Aftermarket tint film cannot be applied to your windscreen – except for one small allowance. The only place you can legally tint is the top 10% of your windscreen, or the area above where your wipers sweep, whichever is greater [1]. That’s it. No exceptions.
Why These Laws Exist
The reasoning is dead simple – safety. Your windscreen is your primary vision area, and any reduction in visibility can be deadly, especially at night or in poor weather conditions. The authorities reckon (and they’re right) that you need the clearest possible view of the road ahead.
When you’re doing 80km/h down a country road at dusk, you want every bit of light you can get coming through that windscreen.
What About That Top Strip?
You can legally install a “visor strip” or “sun strip” across the top of your windscreen. This has to be:
- Above the area swept by your wipers
- No more than 10% of the windscreen’s total area
- Not covering any sensors or cameras mounted inside
These strips are designed to reduce glare from the sun without affecting your main vision area.
The Penalties for Breaking the Rules
Don’t think you can get away with illegal windscreen tint on your front windscreen. The penalties are real and they hurt your wallet [2]. You’ll face:
- Defect notices requiring immediate removal
- Fines that vary by state
- Registration issues when it comes time to renew
- Insurance problems if your illegal tint contributes to an accident
State-by-State Breakdown
The windscreen rules are remarkably consistent across Australia:
| State/Territory | Windscreen Tint | Top Strip Allowed |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | No aftermarket tint | Top 10% only |
| VIC | No aftermarket tint | Top 10% only |
| QLD | No aftermarket tint | Top 10% only |
| SA | No aftermarket tint | Top 10% only |
| WA | No aftermarket tint | Top 10% only |
| NT | No aftermarket tint | Top 10% only |
| ACT | No aftermarket tint | Top 10% only |
| TAS | No aftermarket tint | Top 10% only |
What About Medical Exemptions?
Some states do allow medical exemptions for darker tints, but these are extremely rare and typically don’t apply to windscreens. Even if you have a medical condition requiring UV protection, the exemption usually only covers side and rear windows, not your windscreen.
Stay safe, stay legal, and if you’re unsure about anything, consult with a professional car window tinter who knows the local laws inside and out.
