Car owners install window films in their cars due to a plethora of benefits – reduces glare, maintains the car’s temperature, protects properties from thieves and even the passengers from certain illnesses such as sunburn, allergy, or skin cancer. Not to mention, it adds class to a car’s appearance. However, there are standards in window tinting in Birmingham to follow as too much tint can cause more harm than good.
Here are some reasons why tinting your car windows too dark may be dangerous:
Impedes Driver Visibility
A film is to be considered very dark once its shade exceeds 30%. This can significantly reduce the level of visibility, particularly at night. Between 15 to 30 meters away, it may be difficult for drivers to see road signs unless they are well lit. Furthermore, there might be a failure to notice moving motorists and crossing pedestrians, especially those who are wearing dark clothing.
Prevents Ability to Make Signals
Often, pedestrians and drivers use eye contact to know who they are sharing the road with. As effective as turning signals can be, making eye contact can help with the following:
- changing lanes
- waving someone into traffic
- letting pedestrians know that it’s safe to cross
Excessive tint prevents this ability and can cause people on the road to not give and take – creates the possibility of miscalculations on someone’s end that may result in an accident.
Creates Problems for Rescue Teams
Initially, responders assess the situation by finding out what is inside the car before they come up with an action plan. This procedure is usually being delayed by the very dark film on the side or rear windows – rescue personnel cannot determine the number of people and the other hazards inside. Time in an accident is valued, and delays in getting the necessary information could cost the people involved their last breath.
Gives Fanciful Convenience
As very dark film gives a high level of privacy, it might give false convenience to do such risky actions while driving – use of mobile phones, eat snacks, and other unnecessary tasks. Becoming too comfortable decreases the level of awareness and increases the chance of an accident. Just because people outside the car cannot see you doesn’t mean it’s safe to do such things.
What Does the Law Says?
In the UK, the car tinting law is taken very seriously. It states that:
Front windscreens and front side windows depend on when the vehicle was first used.
For a car that was first used on April 1, 1985:
- Darkness of the tint should be at least 75% of light through
- Front side windows must be at least 70% of light through
For a vehicle used before April 1, 1985:
- Front windscreen and front side windows must both be at least 70% of light through
Why It’s Important to Know the Right Tint for Your Vehicle?
While window film can bring certain benefits, it won’t affect the visibility if you’re applying the right percentage. Other than being useful for medical reasons, it keeps the windows from shattering when an accident occurs.
Global Tint UK offers the perfect window tinting in Birmingham that blends and gives style to your car. Call us today on 0800-158-8005, and we’ll assist you in choosing right level of tint for your car.
