The latest JPJ car tinting rules refer to the Visible Light Transmission (VLT) regulations set by Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan for vehicle windows in Malaysia. JPJ window tint rules 2025 mandate a minimum VLT of 70% for front windshields and 50% for front side windows, while rear side and rear windshield tints have no VLT restrictions. These standards ensure driver visibility and road safety while allowing flexibility for rear passenger privacy.
Non-compliance risks penalties, including fines up to RM2,000 for first offenses and RM4,000 for repeat violations. JPJ enforces these rules using portable VLT meters during roadblocks and inspections. Vehicles with illegal tints may be required to remove the film immediately or face compounding. Medical or security exemptions require formal JPJ approval with supporting documentation.
Latest Car Tinting Rules (JPJ)
How Does JPJ Define Visible Light Transmission (VLT)?
Visible Light Transmission (VLT) measures the percentage of light passing through tinted windows. Higher VLT values indicate lighter tints, while lower values mean darker films. For example, a 70% VLT film allows 70% of visible light to enter, whereas a 50% VLT film blocks half the light.
JPJ uses VLT as the primary metric for compliance. Front windshields must meet the 70% threshold to maintain driver visibility, especially at night. Front side windows adhere to 50% to balance privacy and safety. Rear windows are unrestricted but must not interfere with mandatory rearview mirrors.
What Are the Penalties for Violating JPJ Tint Regulations?
First-time offenders face fines up to RM2,000 or imprisonment for up to six months. Repeat violations escalate to RM4,000 fines or 12-month jail terms. JPJ officers may issue compound notices or demand on-the-spot tint removal during enforcement operations like Ops Tint.
Between 2019 and 2025, JPJ issued over 108,000 notices for tint violations. Non-compliant vehicles risk inspection failures during Puspakom checks or registration renewals. Exemptions for medical or security purposes require documented approval, with permits valid for two to five years depending on the exemption type.
Which Vehicle Windows Have Specific VLT Requirements?
Front windshields must allow at least 70% VLT, and front side windows must maintain 50% VLT. Rear side windows and rear windshields have no VLT limits, provided the vehicle has two functional side mirrors. This distinction prioritizes forward visibility while permitting darker tints for rear passenger areas.
Commercial installers like 3M and Vort-X emphasize measuring combined VLT for factory glass with aftermarket films. For instance, a factory-tinted window with 80% VLT paired with a 70% film may fall below the 70% legal threshold, necessitating pre-installation checks.
Are There Exemptions for Medical or Security Reasons?
Medical exemptions are granted for conditions like lupus or skin cancer, requiring hospital-issued certificates. Security personnel, government officials, and diplomats may apply for darker tints with police or agency endorsements. Approval validity varies two years for medical cases and up to five years for government vehicles.
Applications are processed via MyJPJ, with fees ranging from RM50 for private vehicles to RM5,000 for full-dark tint permits. Approved vehicles must carry exemption certificates during road inspections. JPJ reviews pending applications within 14 working days.
How Does JPJ Enforce Tint Regulations?
JPJ conducts random checks using handheld VLT meters at roadblocks, routine inspections, and complaint-based operations. Officers may test multiple window points to verify compliance. Non-compliant owners receive fines or removal orders, with follow-up inspections for repeat offenders.
Enforcement aligns with the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Certain Types of Glass) Rules 1991. Since 2019, digital applications and centralized records have streamlined exemption tracking. JPJ also collaborates with PDRM during joint operations to target illegal modifications.
What Are the Benefits of JPJ-Compliant Window Tints?
Legal tints reduce heat by up to 60% and block 99% of UV radiation without compromising visibility. Brands like IrisPro and Llumar offer films that meet JPJ standards while improving cabin comfort. Compliant installations also avoid resale value depreciation and legal complications.
Heat rejection and glare reduction enhance driving safety, particularly in Malaysia’s tropical climate. Installers provide compliance certificates post-installation, which help owners during JPJ inspections. Neutral shades like black, gray, or bronze are recommended over reflective or colored films.
How Can Vehicle Owners Verify Tint Compliance?
Reputable installers use calibrated VLT meters to measure pre- and post-installation light transmission. Owners should request compliance certificates and keep them with vehicle documents. JPJ-accredited workshops like KL Tint Studio offer testing services for existing tints.
Post-2019 regulations require digital approval for exemptions, accessible via MyJPJ. Owners can cross-check their tint’s VLT against JPJ’s standards before installation. Combining factory and aftermarket tints requires careful calculation to avoid unintentional violations.
What Are Common Misconceptions About JPJ Tint Rules?
A widespread myth claims all windows can be fully tinted if the driver uses side mirrors. In reality, front windshields and side windows must meet strict VLT limits regardless of mirror availability. Another misconception is that high-end vehicles receive automatic exemptions, which JPJ denies without formal approval.
Some owners mistakenly assume aftermarket tints override factory tints. JPJ evaluates the combined VLT of all layers. For example, a 70% film over 80% factory glass results in 56% VLT, breaching the 70% windshield requirement.
Where Can Owners Apply for Tint Exemptions?
Exemption applications are submitted digitally via MyJPJ or in person at JPJ offices. Medical applicants upload hospital reports, while security personnel provide police or agency letters. Processing takes 14 working days, with approved permits mailed or collected in person.
Private vehicle fees start at RM50, while commercial or diplomatic approvals cost up to RM5,000. JPJ’s Enforcement Division reviews each case, and rejected applications may be appealed with additional documentation. Permits must be renewed before expiration to avoid penalties.