Bad light cast on dark tints

By THE STAR | 9 May 2019


PETALING JAYA: Concerns remain over allowing darker-tinted rear windows in vehicles, as studies show that lower Visible Light Transmission (VLT) windows affect visual performance of drivers.

A 2015 report by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) compiled different studies which indicated that lower VLT windows would reduce the visual performance of motorists.

VLT refers to the amount of light that passes through a lens or glass. The lower the VLT rate, the more light is blocked.

The report found that a reduction of VLT from 100% to 50% could result in a reduction of visual performance from 20% to 10%.

A reduction of even 9% in VLT level, one study found, could lead to a drop in sight distance by three to four metres.

“Scientific evidence suggests that further drops in VLT level may affect visual performance since both variables are linearly related.

tint film


“Considering the worst-case scenario concerning elderly drivers during twilight or at night, VLT of 35% or less on a car’s front and side windows may compromise road safety,” the report said.

The report also found that the temperature differences were minimal between cars with high VLT windows and low VLT windows.

The study suggested that the window tint on cars had “merely minimal cooling effects”.

Bukit Aman Department of Investigation and Traffic Enforcement director Deputy Comm Datuk Azisman Alias said the police were not consulted on the new ruling before it was announced by Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

“I feel slighted as the matter should have been discussed thoroughly with our views being considered,” he was reported as saying yesterday.

Azisman said the new ruling compromised the safety of policemen as it would make it harder for them to see passengers seated at the back.

He also said the tinted screens would make it harder for police to detect drivers who use a handphone while driving or car occupants who fail to wear a seatbelt.

Malaysians Against Rape, Assault and Snatch Theft founder Dave Avran said it was a “no-brainer” that heavily tinted windows would contribute to a higher crime rate.

“Heavily tinted windows will definitely aid criminals in eluding police or carrying out kidnappings.

“These windows obstruct the work of police and rescue workers, making it difficult to identify suspects in criminal cases or victims in accidents,” he said.

He urged the government to stick to the 30% VLT ruling as a lower rate would prove to be a danger.

Meanwhile, consultant dermatologist Dr Tarita Taib said only those with severe photodermatitis may need to have their car windows fully tinted.

“These are patients who have an extreme reaction towards UV rays such as marked redness, scaliness and severe eczema.

“Only then would dermatologists consider approving the patients’ application to have their windows fully tinted,” she said, adding that permission was strictly granted.

“It is rare to find someone with severe photodermatitis in Malaysia. Those who have mild photodermatitis are able to withstand sunlight from windows with 70% VLT levels.

“They should be able to withstand sunlight if they wear sunblock, sunglasses or sun protection equipment,” she said.

Keywords