In just six weeks, the Windscreen and Window Tint Regulations 2020 will come into effect, with police and Licensing Office officers gearing up to ensure road safety and bolster the state’s crime-fighting efforts.
The Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Windscreen and Window Tint Regulation initiative was officially launched on July 29 at the Ministry of National Security in Port of Spain.
Minister of Works and Transport Rohan Sinanan explained that while the legislation is not new, it had been put on hold due to the pandemic. Sinanan emphasized that the focus is on road safety rather than revenue generation or punishment.
Under the new regulation, tint measurements will be based on scientific methods using tint-measuring devices, eliminating subjective judgments.
These measures, along with other road safety initiatives, aim to modernize Trinidad and Tobago’s vehicular and traffic laws. The Ministry of Works and Transport has been proactively working on initiatives to promote road safety, such as seat belt regulations, mobile phone regulations, and the demerit point system.
The launch of the Windscreen and Window Tint Regulation is seen as a crucial step toward improving road safety and enhancing national security. Heavily-tinted windows have posed challenges for law enforcement, enabling criminal activities under the veil of darkness and anonymity.
The regulation will also bolster law enforcement’s ability to monitor and apprehend individuals disrupting the peace and security of Trinidad and Tobago. Commissioner of Police Erla Harewood-Christopher welcomed the new legislation, highlighting its role in fighting crime and ensuring officer safety.
Commissioner of Transport Clive Clarke mentioned that 90% of license officers are already trained to use the tint-measuring device. The Works and Transport Ministry plans to launch a nationwide public education campaign to raise awareness about the regulations and their implications for road safety and security.
The regulations will undergo reviews at six and twelve months after the launch to assess their effectiveness and make necessary adjustments. This ongoing evaluation aims to ensure that the laws serve the public’s interest in road safety and security.
For more details on the law, consequences, and exemptions, visit the Ministry of Works and Transport website: https://www.mowt.gov.tt/Divisions/Transport-Division/Tint
