GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond said Monday that at least 70 per cent of vehicles operating in Guyana do so in violation of the law on the use of tint on motor vehicles.
As a result, the government has announced that a fine of GUY$30,000 (One Guyana dollar = 0.004 cents) will be imposed on persons who flout the new regulations.
In a statement, Walrond said that when she assumed office, the legal position was clear: no vehicle was permitted to bear tinted windows unless an exemption had been granted, and even then, the law required a minimum of 65 per cent Visible Light Transmission (VLT).
“Despite this clarity, the reality on our roads reflected widespread non-compliance, with over 70 per cent of vehicles operating far outside the legal limit. It was evident that our country had outgrown what was, in effect, a ban on tint, and that a more progressive, practical, and enforceable legal framework was necessary to reflect modern realities while safeguarding public safety.”
She said against this background that she has moved to enact the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Tint) Regulations 2025, which will come into force on January 1, 2026, as part of the government’s continued efforts to strengthen public safety, enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement, and provide greater clarity, consistency, and fairness for all road users.
“Guyanese will be pleased to know that the new regulations allow all vehicles to carry some level of tint without the need for an exemption; introduce new, clearly set permissible VLT standards; and establish a modern policing regime using approved tint meters, removing ambiguity and supporting fair, consistent enforcement nationwide.”
She said that, as a result, from January 1 next year, no tint is permitted on the front windscreen, except for a visor that must not exceed 6 inches measured from the top of the windshield.
In addition, the front side windows must have a minimum VLT of 25 per cent, and the rear side windows must have a minimum VLT of 20 per cent. The government said the rear windscreen must have a minimum 20 per cent tint and that the use of mirrored or reflective tint is prohibited under the new regulation.
Walrond said the new regulations also provide for adjusted fines of GUY$30,000 for offences related to the installation or use of non-compliant tint, including for vehicle operators and businesses that apply tint contrary to the law.
“These fines were carefully calibrated to serve as a deterrent without being punitive or excessive, and to reinforce compliance rather than create hardship,” Walrond said, adding that the government will closely monitor compliance, enforcement patterns, and public impact during the implementation phase, and where necessary, further adjustments, including increases to fines, will be considered.
She said that to support an orderly and fair transition, a three-month amnesty period will take effect from the commencement of the regulations.
“During this period, the Guyana Police Force will establish voluntary tint testing sites across the country, allowing vehicle owners to test their vehicles and make adjustments where necessary without penalty.
“I encourage all motorists to take full advantage of the amnesty period and to ensure compliance with the new standards as we move forward together in the interest of safer roads and stronger public trust,” Walrond added.
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