Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond has announced sweeping changes to Guyana’s vehicle tint laws, saying the country has moved beyond what was effectively an unenforceable ban and now requires a modern, practical framework that reflects realities on the road.
In a statement dated December 28, 2025, Walrond said that when she assumed office, the legal position was clear: vehicles were not permitted to have tinted windows unless an exemption was granted, and even then only up to a minimum of 65 percent Visible Light Transmission (VLT).
However, according to the Minister, compliance with that standard had largely collapsed.
She said more than 70 percent of vehicles were operating far outside the legal limit, demonstrating that the existing framework was no longer workable and undermining both public safety and law enforcement.
It was against this background, Walrond said, that the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Tint) Regulations 2025 were enacted. The regulations will come into force on January 1, 2026.
According to the Minister, the new rules are intended to strengthen public safety, improve policing effectiveness, and ensure fairness and consistency for motorists nationwide.
She explained that the regulations allow all vehicles to carry some level of tint without requiring an exemption, introduce clearly defined VLT standards, and establish a modern enforcement system using approved tint meters to eliminate ambiguity.
Walrond also said that following her initial announcement earlier this month, public feedback was received and adjustments were made, in keeping with what she described as the consultative approach of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic administration.
NEW TINT LIMITS EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2026
According to the regulations outlined by the Minister, the following standards will apply:
- Front windscreen: No tint permitted, except for a visor not exceeding six inches from the top
- Front side windows (driver and front passenger): Minimum 25% VLT
- Rear side windows: Minimum 20% VLT
- Rear windscreen: Minimum 20% VLT
Walrond said mirrored or reflective tint is strictly prohibited under the new law.
EXEMPTIONS AND DIGITAL REGISTRY
The Minister noted that exemptions will apply to specific categories, including vehicles used by the President and Prime Minister, designated senior government officials, the Guyana Police Force, Defence Force, Fire Service, Prison Service, emergency services, diplomatic missions, licensed private security agencies, individuals with certified medical conditions, and businesses involved in high-risk cash handling.
She explained that exemption applications must be submitted through the prescribed system to the Ministry of Home Affairs and may be approved or refused. Medical exemptions must be supported by certification from a registered medical practitioner, and all approved exemptions will be recorded in a national digital tint registry.
$30,000 FINES AND AMNESTY PERIOD
Walrond said the new regulations introduce fines of $30,000 for offences related to non-compliant tint, including penalties for both vehicle operators and businesses that install illegal tint.
She explained that the fines were calibrated to deter violations without being excessive, and stressed that compliance, not punishment, is the objective.
To ease the transition, the Minister announced a three-month amnesty period beginning January 1, 2026. During this time, the Guyana Police Force will establish voluntary tint testing sites across the country, allowing motorists to test and adjust their vehicles without penalty.
Walrond said details on the locations and operations of the testing sites will be released shortly, and that full enforcement will begin once the amnesty period concludes.
She urged motorists to take advantage of the grace period and ensure compliance, saying the regulations are part of broader efforts to improve road safety, public order, and trust in traffic enforcement as Guyana moves into 2026.
