Vehicles can have tint without permit once occupants are visible – Police

…say windscreen off-limits

Vehicles are permitted to have tint without the need for a permit, but the occupants within must be visible.
This clarification was revealed during an interview with this publication by Inspector Garvin Boyce, who is the Officer in Charge of Traffic attached to Regional Division 4A (Georgetown).
His comment comes on the heels of generally re-emphasising police’s policies but also in light of the recent heat wave that Guyana has been recently experiencing where drivers are putting on to curb beaming sunlight rays.
According to Boyce, there is a misconception around Guyana stating that tint is illegal, and it should not be on vehicles however people nationwide must understand that it is not illegal.
“Tint is not illegal. Don’t let anybody tell you that tint is illegal. Tint is legal, but it’s just a percentage,” he clarified during an interview with this publication.
He also clarified that tints can be placed on the side windows; however, there must not be any tints on the front glass, and police must be able to see into the car.
“As long as a policeman could observe him or her driving, it’s no problem. But then we find that when forces are given permission by the Honorable Minister to put tint on a vehicle, they are putting on a higher percentage, breaching the document that they receive,” he explained.
He added that, at times, persons abuse this, making it difficult for police officers to see within the car.
“Sometimes some of them have 5 per cent tint, which makes it difficult for them to see properly when maneuvering, whether turning or what have you. So, that’s a problem.”
All of these laws that he expressed are backed by the Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn.
“The Home Affairs Minister is the one who has the authority to grant tint permits, which require 65% light penetration. What the Minister doesn’t grant is for forces to cover the front windshield with tint. So, tint is not illegal. Don’t let anybody say tint is illegal. Tint is legal, but it’s just a percentage.”
When asked about the surge of the current heatwave being experienced in Guyana and whether people who normally seek to get a darker tint to mitigate against sun’s rays could see the law reviewed, he remained assertive in his view that the decision is up to the Home Affairs Minister.
“I understand what we’re going through. But, again, I said, the only person who’s fitted to deal with that is the Home Affairs Minister. He has the authority, not really the police. The Home Affairs Minister has the authority,” he highlighted, adding that the police’s job is only to enforce the law as it stands.
The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) has issued an advisory as the country faces a period of above-normal temperatures predicted by the Hydrometeorological Service for September to November 2024.
With extreme heat and heatwave days expected, particularly in September and October, the GFS is urging citizens to take preventive measures to reduce the risk of fires and ensure public safety.
According to the Hydrometeorological Service, the coming months are forecasted to be among the hottest of the year, with temperatures likely to be higher than average. This increase in heat could have significant impacts on public health, agriculture, livestock, and fire risks.  (G2)