Police to check on tinted windows

Excessively tinted front windows are illegal

Police in Derbyshire have begun a crackdown on drivers whose vehicles have tinted windows.

Officers say over-tinted windows are illegal as they restrict the driver's view of the road. Windscreens must allow 75% of light into a vehicle.

Police will be stopping cars and testing windows with an electronic device to measure the amount of light being emitted into the car.

Drivers who fail the roadside test may be prosecuted.

Inspector Andy Carmichael said: "The tinting of windows appears to be a fashion trend some owners apply to their vehicles despite the fact it reduces visibility.

"It has also been found that some criminals will use tinting in an effort to prevent their identification and observation of some illegal activities, such as drug dealing from vehicles.

"Many motorists and car dealers themselves ignore the dangers caused by reducing the effectiveness of the window in favour of enhancing the look of their car or van."