The outlaw heavy tinting of vehicles came into effect on Wednesday, June 1, 2011. A press release from the Department of Transport indicated that vehicles with heavy tinting won’t be allowed to be parked on public roads, much less to be driven on them.
The San Pedro Transport Department gave motorists of La Isla Bonita a grace period of a month and were advised to remove any heavy tint before they face any penalty. Two months after the law was passed the San Pedro Traffic Department finally received their tint inspector meters and are out and about making spot checks. Ambergris Today caught up with traffic wardens, Claudio Azueta and Immer Chi as they conducted a spot check on Seagrape Drive.
Several vehicles were stopped and inspected. During the check drivers were advised about the percentage of visible light transmission (VLT) is allowed on the front windshield, front side windows and rear windows and rear glass. If the vehicle is too tinted motorists are given a notice and have ten days to remove or lessen the tint according to the regulations. If the vehicle tint is not removed the driver/vehicle owner is taken to court and fined $500.00.
The San Pedro Transport Department is caring out inspections for the heavy tinting and has also begun informing motorists of the new public parking laws.
Tinting Regulations:
(1) There must be NOT LESS than 50% Visible Light Transmission (VLT) through the front windshield, and the tint cannot extend more than 4 inches from the top of the vehicle. It cannot be reflective. [This level of tinting allows clear visibility of objects inside the vehicle, but blocks out some light.]
(2) Side windows at the front should, likewise, have no less than 50% VLT.
(3) Side windows in the rear and the rear glass are permitted to have a tint with 20% VLT, which is darker than the tint required for front windows and windshields.
UPDATE:
The General Public is informed that “Tint Testing” on vehicles will be carried out from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Monday, September 5, 2011 and Tuesday, September 6, 2011, respectively at the Old Football Field. After inspection, vehicle owners in violation will be given a 10 days grace period to remove excess tinting, but “No Shows” will be impossed a $500.00 fine immediately if caught after these dates.
