Politics
Viral TikTok car hack could land you points on your licence and a £100 fine
A VIRAL TikTok video that shows a quick and easy way to tint your car’s windows could put you at risk of a fine.
The video posted by louisb21 shows a car’s window being tinted using maple syrup and charcoal toothpaste.
TikTok – louisb21louisb21 has 1.4 million followers on TikTok[/caption]
It has since been watched by six million people and is tagged with hashtags like #lifehacks.
However, while the result is surprisingly good, tinting your windows too much can lead to three points on your licence, a £100 fine or even a trip to court.
The Gov.uk website states that for vehicles first used on 1 April 1985 or later: “The front windscreen must let at least 75% of light through and the front side windows must let at least 70% of light through.
“(For) Vehicles first used before 1 April 1985 the front windscreen and front side windows must both let at least 70% of light through.”
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Tinted windows are assessed using light measuring equipment by the police, which shines light through the glass and determines how heavy the tint is.
If the glass is deemed too tinted, it could result in “a prohibition notice stopping you using your vehicle on the road until you have the extra tint removed”, or “a penalty notice or court summons.”
Comparison website MoneySupermarket says that 7% of all car modification enquiries on its car insurance website are to do with tinted windows.
It warns that there are some other popular car modifications that can also land you with a fine or a trip to court.
READ MORE ON MOTORING FINES
Loud exhausts might sound great, but if they exceed 74 decibels then a fine or court summons could be issued.
Likewise, fitting a nitrous oxide system to your car to make it go faster not only runs the risk of an engine explosion, but also carried a hefty £1000 fine for cars and £2500 for a van, lorry or bus.
And while fitting a spoiler to the back of your car isn’t illegal, it can’t be too big and must be attached properly. The Police have a right to remove it if not.
