The clock is ticking for motorists across Guyana, with Traffic Chief Mahendra Singh issuing a firm warning that strict enforcement of the country’s updated vehicle tint regulations begins Wednesday, April 1, 2026 and leniency will not be on the table.
The Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Tint) Regulations 2025 come into full effect tomorrow, bringing the grace period afforded to drivers to an end. Authorities say the time for adjustment has passed.
“My expectation of the public is that when you didn’t have legislation governing tint to make it lawful, now you have it, you cannot expect that we would just allow it to go,” Singh told the News Room.
Singh made clear that enforcement will be uniform and nationwide, with no room for discretion at the officer level.
“Enforcement will be as strict as possible… we will enforce it,” he said, adding that any police officer found to be neglectful or biased in applying the law will face internal departmental charges.
Motorists found in breach after the deadline will be charged and brought before the courts. Critically, the crackdown will not end with the driver authorities intend to trace illegal tint installations back to their source.
“They will charge you and place you before the court and it doesn’t stop there… we will be enquiring where you install the tint and then it goes back to the ones who own or operate that tint shop,” Singh warned.
What the law requires:
Under the updated regulations, the following Visible Light Transmission (VLT) standards apply:
Front side windows (driver and passenger): minimum 25% VLT
Rear windows: minimum 20% VLT
Front windshield: a top visor strip at 25% VLT only no additional tint permitted
The penalty for non-compliance is $30,000 per infraction not per window.
Drivers uncertain about whether their vehicles meet the legal standard are encouraged to visit their nearest police station, many of which are equipped with tint meters for on-the-spot testing.
Certain categories of persons may qualify for tint waivers, including members of the Guyana Police Force, Guyana Defence Force, licensed security agencies, emergency services, diplomatic officials, individuals with certified medical conditions requiring reduced sun exposure, and businesses involved in high-risk cash handling or security-sensitive operations.
With hours remaining, authorities are urging all motorists to act now rather than face the consequences in court.
Drivers are advised to visit their nearest police station to test their vehicle’s tint level before enforcement begins on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
