Window tinting is okay

By Colin Windell

Commercial vehicles can operate with tinted windows provided the aftermarket application complies with the regulations.

Vehicles must not have darkened windows and the regulations stipulate the visible light transmittance through the windscreen is at least 70% and 35% for any other window and the applied film must be free from bubbles, tears and scratches.

From January 2000 regulations were amended to state if any material or film, with a textured surface, displaying a picture or graphics is applied to the rear window it may not cover more than one-sixteenth of the rear window, windscreen or a side window.

Vehicle window tint films have come a long way from simply being a way to look ‘cool’ and to keep out the sunlight so it is important anyone planning to have a tint applied carefully look at all the options available to find the best fit for purpose.

Not only do tint films provide relief from the harsh African sunlight, but many provide an increased level of occupant protection. Window films significantly reduce the sun’s glare, improving driver and passenger comfort and also creating safer driving in direct sunlight.

The films also reject up to 99% of the sun’s ultra violet rays, protecting upholstery and plastic in the car and helping maintain the vehicle’s value.

Window film also helps reduce glass injuries during accidents because the film holds windows together.

A study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology revealed nearly 53% of skin cancers in the US occur on the left, or drivers' side of the body.

"The increase in left-sided skin cancers may be from the UV (ultraviolet) exposure we get when driving a vehicle," said Susan T Butler, MD, coauthor of the study.

The sun's ultraviolet radiation is associated with most cases of skin cancer. UV radiation reaches us in the form of shortwave UVB and long-wave UVA rays, but glass blocks only UVB effectively. Although vehicle windshields are partially treated to filter out UVA, the side windows let in about 63% of the sun's UVA radiation; rear windows are also often unprotected, leaving back seat passengers exposed.

If you have window film installed, remember it protects you only when the windows are closed.

A sunscreen should be on hand for quick reapplication during long drives (The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends reapplying every two hours). Look for one with an SPF of 15+ and some combination of the following UVA-blocking ingredients: avobenzone, ecamsule, oxybenzone, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide.

Drivers' heads and necks receive the most UV exposure, and the second most common area for skin cancers is the arm, so, in addition to applying sunscreen, avoid propping your elbow up on the open window while you drive-keep both arms inside the car, and your hands on the wheel. Long-sleeved shirts are also a great sun-protective option.