The window tinting debate
Posted: Sat Oct 06, 2012 6:19 pm
There has been a growing call in recent weeks by vulnerable road user groups for the Federal and State government's to clamp down on the booming window tinting industry in Oz.
There is concern for the fact that all States and Territories are allowing motorists to apply darker tinting films (up to T35 - 35% light transmittance) to their vehicles in spite of the legal requirements set out under the Australian Design Rules.
The main reasons for this action are detailed below in an excerpt from correspondence between these groups and the TAC recently:
"Safe driving requires the driver to have the best possible vision of the road and other road users. Any reduction in driver vision, particularly in poor light conditions, such as twilight or wet weather conditions, will lead to a reduction in safety.
Tinted windows can significantly reduce driver vision. This is likely to be more critical for the elderly and other people with even minor vision disabilities. Therefore, it is desirable that the light transmittance of windows on a motor vehicle is not reduced below the level as supplied by the vehicle manufacturer.
Nevertheless, windows on motor vehicles are often tinted with the intention of reducing heat, glare, and ultraviolet light transmittance into the cabin of the vehicle. However, tint films may not significantly reduce the transmittance of ultraviolet light into the vehicle as the glazing material used in the windows of motor vehicles already blocks out most of the ultraviolet light. While a tint film may have some effect in reducing heat transmittance into the vehicle it can also cause an increase in cabin temperature by retaining heat in the vehicle."
While SCA feels there is some merit to this action being taken in southern States, we feel it well worth pointing out that due to Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory exposed to some of the harshest light and heat conditions in the world - albeit on a seasonal basis in some areas - the argument that dark window tints promote poor vision and the reduction in the ability of an operator to control their vehicle is in fact a counterintuitive proposition.
We also inclined to argue that current legislation which is uniform across the country requiring motor vehicles to have tints no darker than T35, and the requirement for tint-free front windscreens, is acceptable given the climate further north.
Additionally, with regard to the argument that tinting prevents other road users from being able to guage the intentions of motorists we think is by and large an invalid point.
We argue that second guessing other road users is at best a perilous passtime and at worst, a tragedy waiting to happen.
We are of the firm belief that even the most skilled and experienced drivers, motor bike riders and cyclists can and do make mistakes. You cannot rely on all going according to plan without incident. We have a road toll for a reason.
In SCA's opinion, the lack of window tinting does not make the average (underskilled) Aussie motorist more predictable or more competent, and in harsher conditions such as had here in Brisbane today - 36 degrees C@3pm and the UV Index (AT) Extreme - two way visiblity is not significantly impared. In fact the SCAMobile is tinted to T35, and you can still clearly see both in and outside even after dusk. If I personally felt it impared my ability to drive safely I would not drive with it.
I would love to hear your thoughts for and against window tinting standards in Oz, so please let us know what you think of our proposed position as the calls for greater regulation of the tinting industry become increasingly louder.
*Photo: The SCAMobile with T35 tinting. taken in Brisbane at 5.54pm today.
There is concern for the fact that all States and Territories are allowing motorists to apply darker tinting films (up to T35 - 35% light transmittance) to their vehicles in spite of the legal requirements set out under the Australian Design Rules.
The main reasons for this action are detailed below in an excerpt from correspondence between these groups and the TAC recently:
"Safe driving requires the driver to have the best possible vision of the road and other road users. Any reduction in driver vision, particularly in poor light conditions, such as twilight or wet weather conditions, will lead to a reduction in safety.
Tinted windows can significantly reduce driver vision. This is likely to be more critical for the elderly and other people with even minor vision disabilities. Therefore, it is desirable that the light transmittance of windows on a motor vehicle is not reduced below the level as supplied by the vehicle manufacturer.
Nevertheless, windows on motor vehicles are often tinted with the intention of reducing heat, glare, and ultraviolet light transmittance into the cabin of the vehicle. However, tint films may not significantly reduce the transmittance of ultraviolet light into the vehicle as the glazing material used in the windows of motor vehicles already blocks out most of the ultraviolet light. While a tint film may have some effect in reducing heat transmittance into the vehicle it can also cause an increase in cabin temperature by retaining heat in the vehicle."
While SCA feels there is some merit to this action being taken in southern States, we feel it well worth pointing out that due to Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory exposed to some of the harshest light and heat conditions in the world - albeit on a seasonal basis in some areas - the argument that dark window tints promote poor vision and the reduction in the ability of an operator to control their vehicle is in fact a counterintuitive proposition.
We also inclined to argue that current legislation which is uniform across the country requiring motor vehicles to have tints no darker than T35, and the requirement for tint-free front windscreens, is acceptable given the climate further north.
Additionally, with regard to the argument that tinting prevents other road users from being able to guage the intentions of motorists we think is by and large an invalid point.
We argue that second guessing other road users is at best a perilous passtime and at worst, a tragedy waiting to happen.
We are of the firm belief that even the most skilled and experienced drivers, motor bike riders and cyclists can and do make mistakes. You cannot rely on all going according to plan without incident. We have a road toll for a reason.
In SCA's opinion, the lack of window tinting does not make the average (underskilled) Aussie motorist more predictable or more competent, and in harsher conditions such as had here in Brisbane today - 36 degrees C@3pm and the UV Index (AT) Extreme - two way visiblity is not significantly impared. In fact the SCAMobile is tinted to T35, and you can still clearly see both in and outside even after dusk. If I personally felt it impared my ability to drive safely I would not drive with it.
I would love to hear your thoughts for and against window tinting standards in Oz, so please let us know what you think of our proposed position as the calls for greater regulation of the tinting industry become increasingly louder.
*Photo: The SCAMobile with T35 tinting. taken in Brisbane at 5.54pm today.