Mick Shepherd, Marsascala
Rear tinted windows
Malta never ceases to amaze me. I didn’t know until now that you had to have a consultant’s letter to say you have sensitive skin and need tinted rear windows on your car (I don’t know of any driver who sits in the rear seats to drive so I must be missing something). This is so the car will pass the VRT. I have never heard such a load of rubbish in my life. When was the directive to VRT stations (for no windows to be tinted) issued?
This is just wasting time and manpower at the Transport Malta office. Most new cars have it factory fitted and what is the problem with the rear windows behind the driver being tinted? I thought it was the driver you wanted to see?
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j grech
Mar 4th 2011, 20:39
all EU member countrys have allowed tinted windows BUT every COP and VRT centre are usually equiped with a small appliance to do an on the spot test that the tinted windows allow no less than 70% natural light in, anything less is illegal, as for sensitive skin give €10 to any qauck (doctor) and a certificate saying whatever you wish is issued, police take note come summer how many tinted window vehicles will be at the beach while the driver is on the beach sunbathing, or working topless in the construction industry or quaries, and while others admire the latest adaption to the vehicle the driver will be stood against his vehicle in the sun basking in the admirations, take note tinted convertables hood down driver exposed sensitive skin
DVella
Mar 4th 2011, 13:34
Well apart from all the technical expertise already expressed here . . . I seriously think that any automobile glass, regardless of whether factory fitted or otherwise, that is dark or tinted enough to totally obscure and hide the identity (or presence) of the occupants should be illegal with the sole exception of authorised security vehicles.
Darrel Zammit
Mar 5th 2011, 12:21
Why what they've got to hide? surely this will effect any vehicle regardless of private or security, the fact remains the same yes?
r vella
Mar 4th 2011, 10:41
nearly all new cars today has got privacy tinted glass at the back,if they are imported that way I assume they are legal.
C Cassar
Mar 4th 2011, 15:02
They are only legal if they are original factory equipment and quite rightly so.
C Cassar
Mar 4th 2011, 08:32
Firstly, factory fitted tinted windows are to a legally accepted level of tint which allows a minimum of 70% ofthe light through the window in question. Many cars in Malta have aftermarket tints applied which let in far less light.
With regards to which window you should use when driving, you need to use both since regular use of the rear view mirror is essential in safe driving. Clearly you need to re-take your driving test since you are oblivious as to the function of the rear view mirror.
John Borg
Mar 4th 2011, 10:13
@C Cassar
Have you ever noticed that some commercial vans and trucks does not even have a window at the back!
And you might be right on heavy tinting, but if you go to do a VRT with one of the softest shades available rest assured that they will do their utmost to fail your car.
What I don't like is the two weights and two measures used in Malta, so if you consider the headlamp lights one will encounter this situation: if one would like to change the lights from the normal halogen yellow to the metal halide white one he will fail the VRT but if someone else imports a car with the white lights (that are not factory fitted) then that is accepted. This by no means mean that I am pro the white lights but if it is a NO it should be NO for everyone!!
Kurt Mifsud
Mar 4th 2011, 11:45
By rear windows he means rear side windows....
Kurt Mifsud
Mar 4th 2011, 11:47
I know where to buy aftermarket ready-cut tinted windows for any car. Funnily enough legally they are considered to be the same as the factory ones
K Formosa
Mar 4th 2011, 12:11
Who said rear view mirror? Read and think before posting!
C Cassar
Mar 4th 2011, 15:05
@John Borg: I think you are referri9ngto aftermarket Xenon headlamp units. These can only be fitted to cars that have 'projector' lenses already installed. Otherwise the beam pattern will dazzle oncoming drivers. Simply fitting Xenon upgrades to non-projector headlamps scatters the beam too widely and are not compatible with each other. Also, any Xenon bulbs must be 4000k. Thise that give a blue tint are illegal.
Kurt Mifsud
Mar 5th 2011, 12:28
Let's just face it... ADT know NOTHING about cars! They call an Opel Astra for an inspection and don't recognise if the Isuzu engine is turbo charged or not. You don't need to be a mechanic to notice the induction of the turbo. Not to mention that the Isuzu 1.7 TDI has turbo written on the top-head cover!