“The Grace Period is Over”: Guyana Police Begin Enforcing New Tint Regulations Across the Country
By: Marvin Cato | HGP Nightly News|
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA — The three-month amnesty for vehicle tint has officially come to an end. As of Wednesday, April 1, 2026, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has commenced active enforcement of the updated Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Tint) Regulations 2026.
Under the new framework, the previous “waiver” system has been abolished in favor of a universal standard, allowing all motorists to apply tint within specific legal limits without needing a special permit for the first time in decades.
The New Standard: 20% to 25% VLT
Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond, speaking on Gordon Moseley’s radio programme, emphasized that the new regime is designed to be accessible and fair.
- The Limit: All vehicle owners are now permitted to have tint with a Visible Light Transmission (VLT) of 20% to 25%.
- Minister’s Test: Minister Walrond noted that she personally tested these levels and found them “adequate” for both driver comfort and security visibility.
- Smart Security: These specific levels are critical for the Smart Country Security Project. The 20-25% VLT allows high-definition facial recognition cameras across the country to identify “persons of interest” inside vehicles, a key deterrent against criminal activity.
Strict Penalties for Non-Compliance
With the grace period ending on March 31, the time for “adjustments” has passed. Attorney General Anil Nandlall issued a stern reminder to those who choose to ignore the new standards.
- The Fine: Any motorist found with a tint darker than the permitted 20-25% VLT will be liable for an offense and hit with a $30,000 fine.
- Police Action: Traffic ranks have been equipped with tint meters to conduct roadside testing. Vehicles failing the VLT check may be subject to immediate tint removal or impoundment in addition to the fine.
The Digital Tint Registry & Exemptions
While the general public is restricted to the 20-25% limit, the law does provide for darker tints under a new Electronic Exemption System. These exemptions are no longer “stickers” but are recorded in a National Digital Tint Registry.
Categories Eligible for Darker Tint Exemptions:
- Senior Government Officials & Diplomatic Missions.
- Members of the Disciplined Services (Police, GDF, etc.).
- Emergency Vehicles & Licensed Private Security Firms.
- Businesses involved in high-risk cash handling.
- Individuals with certified medical conditions (e.g., lupus or extreme light sensitivity).
Conclusion: A Shift Toward Transparency
The shift from a “permit-only” system to a “legal limit” system marks one of the most significant changes to Guyana’s traffic laws in years. By allowing a baseline level of tint for all, the government hopes to reduce the administrative burden on the Ministry of Home Affairs while simultaneously using technology to keep the streets safer. For the average driver, the message is simple: check your VLT levels today, or be prepared to pay the $30,000 price.
