Rules
Window tinting: what is allowed in the Netherlands?
In short
In the Netherlands, the windscreen and the side windows next to the driver must let through at least 55 percent of the light, glass and film together. You can make the rear side windows and the rear window as dark as you like, as long as your car has a door mirror on both the left and the right. If the front windows are too dark, you get a fine and the police can take your vehicle registration certificate.
Which windows can you tint?
| Window | Rule |
|---|---|
| Windscreen | At least 55 percent light transmission, glass and film together. No damage or discolouration. |
| Side windows next to the driver (front side windows) | At least 55 percent, the same as the windscreen. |
| Rear side windows | Can be darker, if the car has a door mirror on both the left and the right. |
| Rear window | Can be darker, under the same condition. |
This is set out in the Regeling voertuigen (the Dutch vehicle regulations) and has applied since 1 May 2009 to passenger cars, commercial vehicles, buses, three-wheelers and mopeds. The Dutch government (Rijksoverheid) and the Public Prosecution Service (Openbaar Ministerie, OM) both use the 55 percent figure.
Why is there so little room left for the windscreen?
Because the 55 percent applies to glass and film together, not to the film alone. Car glass does not let all light through by itself, and many cars already have a light tint from the factory. Film comes on top of that.
A worked example: if the glass lets through 80 percent and you apply a 70 percent film, you are left with 0.80 × 0.70 = 56 percent. Just enough. With a 50 percent film you end up at 40 percent and are well over the limit. In practice, that rules out dark film on the windscreen or the front side windows. How much your glass lets through varies by car, so measuring is better than guessing.
Why do you also see 75 and 70 percent online?
The ANWB (the Dutch motoring association) gives 75 percent for the windscreen and 70 percent for the front side windows, based on European rules. Those are different requirements from what the police in the Netherlands check against. At a roadside check and for a fine, what counts is the 55 percent from the Regeling voertuigen, as stated by the Dutch government and the OM.
What does the percentage on a tint film mean?
The number is the light transmission, often abbreviated to VLT. A 70 percent film lets through 70 percent of the light and is therefore light. A 5 percent film is almost black. The lower the number, the darker the window. On our homepage you can use a slider to see what that looks like.
How do the police check tinted windows?
- The police measure with an approved light meter with a valid certificate.
- Three measurements are taken per window at fixed points.
- A fixed margin of 5 percentage points is added to the average, in the driver's favour.
- If the result is below 55 percent, a fine follows. If there is no meter on the spot, the car can be taken to a police station for testing.
If the film cannot be removed straight away, you are banned from driving the car and this is reported to the RDW (the Dutch vehicle authority). The police can take part I of your vehicle registration certificate. You only get it back once the windows comply and the RDW has inspected the car. If film that is too dark contributed to an accident, you get an official police report (proces-verbaal) instead of a fine.
What does window tinting give you?
- Privacy on the back seat and in the boot.
- Less sun and heat in the car, depending on the film.
- Less UV on the upholstery.
- Looks. Dark rear windows make many cars look sharper.
If you combine tinting with a chrome delete of the window trims, the whole look ties together even better.
How does tinting car windows work?
- The window is cleaned thoroughly inside and out. Any speck of dust under the film stays visible.
- The film is cut to size and shaped on the outside of the window, because most car windows are curved.
- The film then goes on the inside of the window, with a fitting solution that is squeezed out from underneath.
- The film needs a few days to dry. During that time you may see slight haze or small moisture bubbles, which disappear by themselves.
Keep the windows closed for the first few days, so the film does not curl at the edges when the window goes down. You will hear exactly how long when you collect the car.
Can tint film come off again?
Yes. Tint film sits on the inside of the window and can come off when you sell the car or when the film is old. Take care with the rear window: that is where the heating wires run. They can be damaged if you remove the film with a blade or too roughly. So it is best to have removal done by someone who does it regularly.
How does window tinting work at Wrap Destination?
We tint in our workshop in Cruquius. Tell us how dark you want it and which windows. We stick to the rules: the front windows stay above 55 percent.
Frequently asked questions
Can I tint my windscreen?
Only if the glass and film together let through at least 55 percent of the light. Because car glass already blocks some light by itself, there is little room left. Dark film on the windscreen is not allowed.
What percentage is allowed on the front side windows?
At least 55 percent light transmission, glass and film together, the same as the windscreen.
Can the rear windows be fully black?
Yes, the rear side windows and the rear window can be darker, as long as your car has a door mirror on both the left and the right.
What happens if my windows are too dark?
You get a fine. If the film cannot be removed straight away, the police can take your vehicle registration certificate and you may not drive until the windows comply and the RDW (the Dutch vehicle authority) has inspected the car.
What does 70 percent mean for tint film?
That the film lets through 70 percent of the light. The lower the number, the darker the window.
Want your windows tinted?
Let us know which car you have and how dark you want it. We will tell you what is allowed and what it costs.