The Guyana Ministry of Home Affairs has announced comprehensive revisions to vehicle window tint regulations, establishing clearer standards and stricter enforcement mechanisms effective January 1, 2026. Under the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Tint) Regulations 2025, front windshields will prohibit any tinting whatsoever, permitting only a maximum six-inch visor strip at the top. Rear windshields and windows will allow light tinting within specified limits: 20% Visible Light Transmission (VLT) for rear windshields and back passenger windows, and 25% VLT for front side windows.
The updated legislation explicitly bans mirrored or reflective tints entirely. Notably, financial penalties for non-compliance have been substantially increased to GY$30,000, applying to both vehicle operators and businesses installing illegal tints.
To facilitate public adaptation, authorities will implement a three-month amnesty period from January through March 2026. During this transitional phase, the Guyana Police Force will establish voluntary tint testing stations nationwide where motorists can assess their compliance without penalty. Official details regarding testing site locations and operational procedures will be released imminently.
Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond explained that these changes respond to Guyana’s evolution beyond the previous near-total prohibition approach. The new framework aims to balance modern practicalities with enhanced public safety, providing greater clarity and consistency for all road users while improving law enforcement effectiveness.
The regulations include exemption provisions for specific cases: individuals with medically-certified sunlight sensitivity conditions, high-risk cash handling businesses, licensed security agencies, diplomatic missions, emergency services, and designated government officials including the President and Prime Minister. exemption applications require formal submission to the Home Affairs Minister for consideration.
Opposition response from Shadow Home Affairs Minister Sherod Duncan acknowledged the improvements in regulatory structure and transparency, emphasizing that enforcement should follow proper rule-making procedures rather than preceding them.