New tint rules: 20-25% limit, $30,000 fine, no windscreen tint beyond 6-inch visor

Motorists in Guyana will face stricter rules on vehicle window tints starting January 1, 2026, as the Government rolls out the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Tint) Regulations 2025. The regulations establish clear limits for visible light transmission (VLT) and fines for non-compliance, while providing exemptions for select vehicles.
Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond, who spearheaded the revised policy, explained that the move is aimed at strengthening public safety, ensuring transparency, and creating a modern, enforceable legal framework for vehicle tints.
Under the new rules, front windscreens may not have any tint except for a six-inch visor. Front side windows must allow at least 25 per cent light penetration, while rear side windows and the rear windscreen must allow at least 20 per cent. Mirrored or reflective tints are strictly prohibited.
Fines for non-compliance have been set at $30,000, applicable to both vehicle operators and installers.
“Despite the previous law allowing only a minimum of 65% visible light transmission, over 70% of vehicles on our roads operated outside the legal limits,” Walrond stated. “The new regulations reflect modern realities, safeguard public safety, and provide clear standards for all road users.”
Back in November, the Home Affairs Minister had announced a tint policy which allowed all vehicles 35 per cent light penetration on side windows and 70% on windshields without needing a waiver. The move was intended to ensure fairness and transparency.
A mandatory compliance deadline of December 31, 2025, with penalties of a $75,000 fine for non-compliance. However, on Monday, the Minister announced a revised policy, which takes effect January 1. Under the regulations, no tint is allowed on the front windscreen except a six-inch visor.
In a statement, Walrond explained that these adjustments were made in keeping with the Peoples Progressive Party Civic administration’s policy of responding to feedback.
She explained that: “Following my initial announcement earlier this month, we received public feedback and, in keeping with the hallmark approach of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic administration, we listened carefully and made further adjustments.”

Waiver, exemptions
Under the previous policy announced in November, restricted waivers would have been issued only to specified high-security groups, including diplomats, government officials, and individuals assessed as high-profile for national security purposes. These waivers must be expressly approved by the Minister of Home Affairs.
The updated regime represents a significant departure from previous national standards. Under the old policy, window tint was not permissible without a waiver, and even approved waivers capped tint at 65 percent light penetration, while factory-installed tinted windows were generally disallowed regardless of waivers.
However, under the new policy, exemptions will be available for certain state, security, medical, diplomatic, and high-risk commercial vehicles. Applicants must submit requests through a prescribed process, with approved exemptions recorded in a national digital registry.
The Government stressed that the adjusted fines are designed to deter violations without being overly punitive and will monitor compliance closely. Further adjustments, including potential increases to fines, may be considered depending on enforcement outcomes.
Motorists are encouraged to take advantage of the amnesty period to ensure compliance and avoid penalties once full enforcement begins.

Tint examination sites
To ease the transition, a three-month amnesty period will allow motorists to test and adjust their tints at voluntary testing sites nationwide without penalty.
In Region One, tint testing will be conducted at the Port Kaituma, Mabaruma and Moruca Police Stations.
Region Two will have four designated locations: the Aurora, Charity, Anna Regina and Suddie Police Stations. In Region Three, motorists can access tint examination services at the Tuschen, Leonora, Den Amstel, Vreed-en-Hoop, La Grange, Wales and Parfaite Harmony Police Stations.
In Region Four (A), testing will be done at the East La Penitence, Brickdam, Traffic Headquarters, Ruimveldt and Turkeyen Police Stations. Region Four (B) will accommodate motorists at the Providence, Farm–Hertstelling, Diamond and Grove Police Stations, along with the Madewini Outpost and the Highway Patrol Base. Meanwhile, Region Four (C) will offer services at the Sparendaam, Betterverwagting, Vigilance, Cove and John and Mahaica Police Stations.
In Region Five, tint examinations will be available at the Mahaicony, Weldaad, Fort Wellington and Blairmont Police Stations. Region Six motorists may visit the New Amsterdam (Central), Albion, Number 51, Whim and Springlands Police Stations.
Region Seven has designated the Bartica Police Station as its sole testing site, while Region Eight motorists will be served at the Mahdia Police Station. In Region Nine, tint testing will be conducted at the Lethem, Annai and Aishalton Police Stations. Region Ten motorists can access the service at the McKenzie, Wismar and Mabura Police Stations.