Tinting companies have called for dialogue with the government after Prime Minister Mia Mottley announced penalties for non-compliant vehicle window tints, with new regulations set to take effect on January 1 next year.
The announcement has sparked concern among industry professionals regarding the lack of prior consultation.
“Let’s sit down and talk, come to something reasonable, and make sure everyone’s needs are met, including the government’s goals of safety and visibility on the roads,” Christopher Cumberbatch, owner of Tint Plus, told Barbados TODAY.
He expressed his surprise at the government’s decision and highlighted the confusion that it has generated among customers and tinting shops alike.
“We thought they would come to us first, give us a heads-up, and see if we could find some middle ground,” he said.
Cumberbatch pointed out that while his business is currently inundated with requests to modify or remove tints, there remains ambiguity about the law’s specifics.
“The law says you must see the driver from a reasonable distance, but there’s no clarity about whether it applies only to the front doors or the entire vehicle,” he explained.
Cumberbatch noted that many clients seek window tinting for protection rather than concealment.
“It’s not about hiding — people are looking for protection from UV rays, which contribute to skin cancer,” he added. He advocated for a more nuanced approach, suggesting that many international markets permit light tints that offer sun protection without compromising visibility. Cumberbatch also raised concerns about potential increases in theft if glass-panel vans are required to be more transparent under the new regulations.
For Deighton Henry, owner of Sunshade Tinting Studio, the government’s announcement has resulted in a significant uptick in business.
“As soon as the news came out, the phones started ringing. People don’t want to pay fines, so they’re coming in to get lighter tints and stay within the law,” he explained.
While acknowledging the necessity of some regulation — particularly regarding excessively dark tints — Henry agreed that the initial timeframe for compliance – October 14 – was too short.
“The delay until January is a relief. It gives people time to adjust, and it saves us from a rush job, which could have led to mistakes,” he said.
Henry observed that public reactions have varied – some customers are eager to comply immediately, while others plan to wait until the deadline approaches.
“We’ve had a tight schedule since the announcement, and some are already booking for December,” he noted.
Overall, Henry supports the regulation but emphasises the need for a balance between customer demands and road safety.
At Tintz, owner Trevor Pinder highlighted the practical implications of the new regulations on his inventory.
“We had old stock, including darker tints, that we now need to get rid of. It’s dead stock for us,” he said.
When the regulations are enacted, according to the government, the lowest tint percentage – the darkest tint – that will be permitted will be 20 per cent, which will apply to side windows, rear windows and the windscreen. A maximum of five inches of tint will be permitted from the top of the windscreen to allow for sun protection while maintaining a clear view into the vehicle. Metallic tints and mirrored window tints will be prohibited.
While Pinder does not oppose the regulations outright, he called for clearer guidelines on acceptable tint percentages. He also expressed concern for customers with medical conditions such as lupus or skin cancer who require darker tints for adequate sun protection.
“The 20 per cent tint that’s being recommended won’t block enough heat for those with medical conditions,” he explained, suggesting that exceptions should be made for individuals with a doctor’s certificate.
louriannegraham@barbadostoday.bb
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