West Cork Gardaí have been using a special electronic photometer that measures how much light is getting through a tinted window.
The law surrounding tinting is fairly simple - a vehicle’s windscreen and front side windows must have a light transmission or transparency level of at least 65 per cent, meaning that tints are allowed to stop up to 35 per cent of the light getting through.
On top of this, the driver must always have a view of the front and side of the vehicle to ensure safety while driving, CorkBeo reports.
READ MORE: Gardai make driver change windows on the spot after pulling them over
An Garda Síochána has the necessary tech to test the transparency level of windows at roadside checks - and both the owner and the driver can be charged if any issues arise.
Furthermore, drivers should be aware that if you install window tint which is not legally permitted your vehicle will fail the NCT.
On Sunday, the Cork West Road Policing Unit was busy conducting a Visible Light Transmission check on vehicles in West Cork.
The team subsequently stopped a jeep, discovering the front side widows were only allowing 12.2 per cent V.L.T - meaning nearly 90 per cent of the visible light was being blocked.
One commenter joked the driver had opted for a Batmobile look with the dark tints after the results were posted to social media.
The Gardai have advised: "Please remember vehicles windscreen and front side windows must have a light transparency/transmission level of a least 65 per cent otherwise you may face a court appearance."
Given that tinting costs around €400-€500, it can be costly to get done and if you need to change it - you could end up paying a fortune, meaning you are better off avoiding a tint altogether.
READ NEXT:
- Sit-in drama at GSOC HQ as Garda representative boss refuses to leave until demand is met
- Ireland ice cream nightmare as crumbling Flakes in 99's 'ruining people's day'
- Inside Ryan Tubridy's afterparty as he has low key drinks in secret Late Late Show green room bash
- Study exposes dark reality of domestic violence in Ireland as brave families' testimonies praised
- Body found in Clare as gardai confirm search for man missing 11 days stood down
Get news updates direct to your inbox by signing up to our daily newsletter here
