Tinted Windows – a cautionary tale

legal updates

Sellers do need to appreciate that it is a potential offence to fit, to sell or to offer to sell or supply a vehicle with window glass that is too dark.

Read our disclaimer keyboard_arrow_down

This website content is intended as a general guide to law as it applies to the motor trade. Lawgistics has taken every effort to ensure that the contents are as accurate and up to date as at the date of first publication.

The laws and opinions expressed within this website may be varied as the law develops. As such we cannot accept liability for or the consequence of, any change of law, or official guidelines since publication or any misuse of the information provided.

The opinions in this website are based upon the experience of the authors and it must be recognised that only the courts and recognised tribunals can interpret the law with authority.

Examples given within the website are based on the experience of the authors and centre upon issues that commonly give rise to disputes. Each situation in practice will be different and may comprise several points commented upon.

If you have any doubt about the correct legal position you should seek further legal advice from Lawgistics or a suitably qualified solicitor. We cannot accept liability for your failure to take professional advice where it should reasonably be sought by a prudent person.

All characters are fictitious and should not be taken as referring to any person living or dead.

Use of this website shall be considered acceptance of the terms of the disclaimer presented above.

One of our clients sold a vehicle that contained glass that was too dark to be used on the road. In essence, the windows were tinted.  

The driver was pulled by the police who imposed a fixed penalty fine and 3 points on his licence. 

The driver then wished for our client to write a letter admitting liability to selling a car that was illegal so that he could notify his insurers. Also, he demanded financial compensation.

We advised that under no circumstances should he admit liability. For 2 very good reasons:

a.    The driver inspected the car before purchase and so he knew it had tinted windows. If he did not know it was illegal to use them, that was his issue and not our client’s (who also didn’t know at the time). Moreover…

b.    Some 11 months had passed between sale and his being caught. This is sufficient a time for him to have acquired the knowledge that the glass was too dark to be safely driving. Also, I suspect that in that time someone would have mentioned it but that he chose to ignore their advice.

HOWEVER, sellers do need to appreciate that it is a potential offence to fit, to sell or to offer to sell or supply a vehicle with window glass that is too dark. The vehicle must allow 75% of light through its windscreen and 70% through its front side windows. It is NOT part of an MOT test but testing stations may well have a light measuring appliance to check on tinted windows.

It is alleged that the car in question in this case had a light filtration of just 16%. How the driver thought that was safe I do not know!

Cable For My CarWe offer free next day delivery* on all EV charging cables when shipped within mainland UK

Stocking only premium EV charging cables, we ensure you experience a stress-free EV charge, over and over, confidently backed by our 2 year warranty. Our premium & reliable charging cables are compliant with EU & UK safety standards. We offer free next day delivery* on all EV charging cables when shipped within mainland UK.

Jason WilliamsLegal AdvisorRead More by this author

Related Legal Updates

Implications, assumptions, and confusion – why being clear on your actions could be key to winning

The diagnosis showed the third-party garage had failed to repair the vehicle to a satisfactory standard and this was relayed to the consumer.

Burden of proof? Get your evidence while you can!

The burden of proof reverses for issues raised between 30 days and six months of ownership.

Claim Dismissed: No Proof of Fault at Purchase

Our member argued that numerous issues could have caused the overheating and ultimate failure.

Court Rules Against ‘Serial Returner’ in Distance Selling Dispute

It is clear from his evidence that his true intention was that he wanted the ability to reject the car at a time of his choosing.

The omni-channel approach and distance sales

The conclusion of a contract when purchasing a vehicle occurs when a deposit or the full purchase price is paid.

A New Case – What Do We Need From You?

You might be thinking, “Why do my thoughts and comments matter?”

Always prep, check, then check again

If you state that every vehicle comes with a new MOT, then ensure that they do!

Get in touch

Complete the form to get in touch or via our details below:

Phone
01480 455500
Address

Vinpenta House
High Causeway
Whittlesey
Peterborough
PE7 1AE

By submitting this quote you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.