Government delays enforcement of tint law

The enforcement of Barbados’ new tint legislation has been postponed by three months, just short of the September 1 date it was originally scheduled to take effect. There has also been a relaxation of some of the stipulations.

The moratorium was announced on Saturday following a Cabinet meeting held on Thursday and in the wake of widespread concern that many motorists have been unable to meet the original deadline due to tint installers being overwhelmed by demand.

It was further revealed that an amendment has been made to the Road Traffic Regulations, reducing the required visible light transmission of the rear windscreen from 70 per cent to 20 per cent. The law will allow for a margin of error of three percentage points when a tint is tested.

The decision to delay enforcement was taken after Cabinet ministers considered recommendations made at a stakeholder meeting the day prior, which included representatives from both public and private sectors. Among those present were senior members of The Barbados Police Service (TBPS), officials from the Barbados Licensing Authority, and tint suppliers and installers.

During the meeting, senior police officers shared graphic accounts of crimes, including fatal shootings, committed by individuals travelling in vehicles with heavily tinted windows. They also spoke of the significant risk posed to officers when approaching such vehicles, even during routine traffic stops.

While stakeholders acknowledged that the new tint legislation will not eliminate criminal activity, they agreed it will assist law enforcement in carrying out their duties more safely. The safety of police officers, they agreed, must be a priority.

Tint installers also noted that modern technology now allows for lighter tints that provide the same level of protection from sunlight as the darker shades previously used.

Under the new regulations, Public Service Vehicles (PSVs), such as route taxis and minibuses, will be subject to the same tint regulations as other motor vehicles.

People with medical conditions who have applied for exemptions from compliance will be required to provide a letter from a specialist medical doctor.

In the meantime, free tint testing will continue to be offered at designated locations for drivers wishing to check their level of compliance. The sites for these tests will be announced in due course. (PR/BT)