What does the Rules of the Road stipulate about light transmittance through the windscreen?

Question:

“I would like to request if I may, tint the top of my windscreen in the blue tint ( 35% light transmittance), as we used to have, and as they do in the States, as I have done investigation. It helps with the sun from getting where the sun visors cannot. We used to have them on our windscreens, but not any more, so would like to get permission to do it, and get it out there to help others suffering from the same sun glare we get in the mornings and afternoon,

Would there be a specif rule as on the light transmittance for the blue tint on the top part of the windscreen, as it WILL NOT be in the way of the driver at all, it be the length of the sun visor, so no interference with the vision or anything, but to help with the sun, of which I have seen many people strain to see, and this does cause accidents to happen when the sun is in your focus of the roads?

Please advise me on this one, as I am sure it can only be of a great help.”

Answer:

Regulation 203 specifies the light transmittance allowed. Anything outside the specification will render the vehicle umroadworthy and to have it allowed you will have to apply with the MEC for an exemption if it is 35 % light transmittance it will comply.

Glass of windscreen, window and partitions

Reg 202. (1) No person shall operate on a public road any motor vehicle having a windscreen, window or partition made of transparent material—

(a) unless such material affords the driversufficient visibility for safe driving of such vehicle;

(b) unless in the case of a windscreen, other than a windscreen fitted to a motor cycle or motor tricycle, such transparent material—

(i) is glass; and

(ii) in respect of a motor vehicle which, according to the registration certificate thereof was registered for the first time after the year 1958, complies with the provisions of paragraph (a) even when shattered; and

(c) unless, in respect of a motor vehicle which, according to the registration certificate thereof, was registered for the first time after the year 1958, such transparent material is safety glass and every pane thereof is permanently marked with the name or trade mark of the manufacturer thereof or the trade name of the glass and is clearly identifiable as safety glass by a permanent mark indicating it as such.

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs (b) and (c) of subregulation (1), the transparent material—

(a) with which—

(i) a window in the roof of a motor vehicle;

(ii) a window or partition of a bus or a minibus; or

(iii) a window or partition of a semi-trailer designed or adapted for the conveyance of passengers, is made, may consist of ultrahigh impact acrylic or polycarbonate plastic material where each pane thereof is permanently marked with the name or trademark of the manufacturer thereof or the trade name of the material and such material is clearly identifiable as ultrahigh impact acrylic or polycarbonate plastic material by a permanent mark describing it as such;

(b) with which a window or partition or a removable or collapsible hood or canopy of a motor vehicle is made, may consist of a flexible plastic material; and

(c) with which a window or partition of a trailer, not designed or adapted for the conveyance of passengers, is made, may in the case where such trailer, according to the registration certificate thereof—

(i) was registered for the first time before 1 January 1987, consist of acrylic or polycarbonate plastic material or of glass; or

(ii) was registered for the first time on or after 1 January 1987, consist of acrylic or polycarbonate plastic material.

(3) No person shall operate on a public road any motor vehicle—

(a) unless the visible light transmittance through—

(i) the windscreen is at least 70 percent; and

(ii) any other window is at least 35 percent,

when measured in accordance with paragraph 6.3 of the standard specification SABS 1191 “Safety glass for windows”;

(b) unless any film or tinting material applied to any windscreen, window or partition is free from bubbles, tears or scratches; and

(c) if, from 1 January 2000, any material or film, with a textured surface, displaying a picture or graphics is applied to the rear window that covers more than one-eight of such rear window, or windscreen or a side window.

(4) The provisions of subregulation (3) (a) (ii) shall not apply to an ambulance or a hearse or to windows complying with SABS ECE R43.