As the St. Vincent government seeks to restrict the use of tint on automobiles, Sergeant of Police Dwight Lewis offered a synopsis of what probable modifications will be included in the initial draft during WEFM’s Cop Chat on Thursday, October 12.
The government has stated that it is attempting to restrict the usage of the tint in order to curb illicit activity.
“So the visible light transmission through the vehicle—so for the front windscreen, it may be 70%, 35% for the two front sides, 35% for the passenger and driver on those, 20% for the rear windows, and 20% for the back windscreen. Right, so 70% of visible light transmission, so there should be 70% light passing through the window,” he said.
Lewis stated that officers will be trained to utilize technologies that would allow them to efficiently evaluate vehicle tinting using what is known as a light transmission device.
“The light transmission device would be used daytime and nighttime so they can spot it on the vehicle and tell the percentage”, Lewis stated.
On Thursday, Assistant Superintendent of Police Parnel Browne also stated that extensively tinted vehicles represent a significant risk to other road users who do not employ tint.
Browne stated that in dealing with automobile accidents, he has heard confessions from drivers that the tint installed on their vehicles obstructed their eyesight, causing the accident.
“With the tint on vehicles at night, we deal with motor vehicle accidents, and people will confess that because their vehicles are so heavily tinted, they have to use these LED lights, and they are still not able to see properly. The LED lights will blind the other person who is coming, who doesn’t have their vehicle heavily tinted, and you, who have your vehicle heavily tinted, could hardly see, hence creating a hazard to put your life and other people’s lives in danger, Browne said.
In 2019, the now-deceased inspector Henry Providence urged for a complete overhaul of traffic legislation to solve numerous flaws, including light brightness and tint.
“The issue as it related to tint was not just a traffic matter but also a matter of public safety, since criminals often hide themselves behind heavily tinted vehicles”
Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves stated on October 8th that some people preferred heavily tinted windows for privacy reasons. He did, however, emphasize that there was evidence, not only in SVG but throughout the region, that criminals or those suspected of criminal activities were employing tinted vehicles to avoid discovery.
“I know some will object, but the point is this: we have to be reasonable and think of the entire country.” Based on important information from consultants, the authorities needed to address this area.”
Gonsalves noted that the legislation was already in draft form and that the government wanted to present it to the House of Assembly as soon as possible.
