The introduction of new regulations on tinting for car windscreens and windows announced by the Road Transport Department (RTD) has resolved issues which have arisen over it so far, says the managing director of Driven Communications Sdn Bhd, Paul Tan.
    
Tan, who is also a renowned automotive blogger ( paultan.org ), said with the new regulations, the level of vehicle safety can be improved as well as the driver and passengers will feel more comfortable.
    
"We cannot be sure that increasing the tinted glass will reduce crime, but any measures taken to increase the safety level of the vehicle is good," he told Bernama .
    
He said, at the same time, the new rules will give more comfort to rear seat passengers due to the reduced exposure to sunlight during the daytime.
    
He said the introduction of the new regulations show a good balance between comfort and safety requirements, especially for the authorities to conduct enforcement.
 
On Monday, RTD announced it will enforce the new regulations on tinting for car windscreens and windows beginning Nov 1.
    
Its director-general Ismail Ahmad said the new regulation would set the permitted visible light transmission (VLT) for the rear windscreen and rear passenger windows at 30 percent, down from the current 50 percent.
    
The VLT for the front windscreen and the driver's window remains at 70 percent and 50 percent.
    
Meanwhile, Road Safety Department director-general Dr Tam Weng Wah said the decision on permissible tint levels was obtained as a result of discussions between the parties involved in a workshop reviewing the use of tint on vehicles held last June.
    
"In terms of significance, determination of the tinted glass is made based on the request from the consumer, as well as taking into account the safety factor," Tam said.
 
- Bernama