Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke has refuted recent reports claiming that drivers could face jail time for excessively dark window tints. He clarified that the penalty for violating window tint regulations is limited to a fine ranging from RM100 to RM250, with no cases taken to court.

According to The Star, Loke emphasised that the current regulations mandate fines only, and the imposed amount is not substantial. Offenders receive a notice to appear at the Road Transport Department (JPJ) office. If the tint doesn’t comply with regulations, they are requested to remove it. Loke made these statements during his speech in Parliament regarding the Budget 2024 policy stage debates.

The current window tint regulations require a visible light transmittance of at least 70% for the front windscreen and a minimum of 50% for the front side windows. Rear side windows and the rear windscreen may allow for 0% visible light transmittance.

Loke was addressing a recent news report that quoted the JPJ warning drivers of potential fines or imprisonment for window tint violations. He clarified that the jail warning was a general reminder for errant drivers who repeatedly break traffic rules.

Loke noted that the regulation of 50% light transmittance for rear windows and 70% for the front windscreen was introduced in 2019 during his first term as Transport Minister. The decision to relax the regulations was made in response to concerns about the country’s hot weather.

Loke also mentioned that fully tinted windows are permitted for VVIPs or ministers for safety reasons, provided they apply for special approval from the JPJ director general. A committee chaired by the director general screens the applications and forwards the list to the minister for endorsement. The special approval for fully tinted windows costs RM5,000 for a two-year validity period. Individuals with health issues can obtain approval from a doctor without any additional charges.