By the team at NSR Al Sham Auto Accessories · Last updated:
The rules at a glance
The allowed level was raised to 50% in 2017; before that it was 30%. Medical exemptions exist and are applied for through the authorities. Abu Dhabi Police and Ministry of Interior guidance is always the final word, so check it before fitting.
- Front and rear side windows: up to 50%
- Rear screen: up to 50%
- Windscreen: no tint, except a narrow top strip
- Reflective (mirror) films: not allowed
- Fine for exceeding the limit: up to AED 1,500
What does 50% actually mean?
This is where most confusion happens. The legal figure refers to how dark the tint may be, but films are sold worldwide by how much light passes through them (VLT). A film marked 20% can mean only 20% of light gets through, which is very dark.
One shop says 50% and means one thing, another says 50% and means the opposite. So always ask: how much light passes through this film? At our shop we explain this before fitting, and we keep your tint within the legal limit.
Does a light tint still cool the car?
Yes, if it is a heat-rejection or ceramic film. The cooling does not come from how dark the film is, but from the layer that reflects infrared heat. So you can stay within the legal limit and still get a much cooler cabin than with a dark standard film.
Why can't the windscreen be tinted?
The driver needs full visibility through the windscreen, especially at night, in tunnels and in covered car parks, and police need to be able to see the driver. So only a narrow top strip is allowed, to cut sun glare.
Legal tint at NSR Al Sham
At our shop in MBZ City we fit Makhfi and heat-rejection films within the legal limit, with a warranty from 1 year. Not sure which level suits you? Message us on WhatsApp and we will explain the options.