At Car Specialist Customs, we are proud to offer a wide variety of options when it comes to making your car a unique expression of who you are. We are excited to share with you the option of our headlight tinting option.
In this blog, we will be answering the question ‘How dark are window tints?’ This is vital for anyone considering this customization option, knowing your options can help you make an informed choice on what to get for your vehicle.
The UK automotive aftermarket industry is thriving, ranking fourth in Europe and ninth in the world in terms of size, and turning over an annual £21.1 billion.
The sector supports 345,600 jobs and contributes £12.2 billion each year to the economy. And it is growing: the sector’s value is set to rise to £28 billion by 2022.
The basics of headlight tinting
Headlight tinting is the process of applying a specialised film on the surface of a vehicle’s headlight or rear lights, this process results in a variety of benefits including:
- Adds a refined aesthetic to your car
- Can help reduce glare from your headlights
- In the event of a crash, the adhesive may prevent the glass from shattering everywhere.
You can buy tinting film online or through a service that specialises in car customisation, we recommend the latter as there is less room for mistakes when dealing with experts like us.
Effects of cheap tinting
If you buy a low-quality tint film, then it may be more prone to bubbling, cracking, fading or peeling. Our window tints are guaranteed to be top quality, with options from 70% to 5%, with installation directly from us.
For peace of mind, with no reduction on quality and application, Car Specialist Customs is the superior option for any and all of your tinting needs, whether that is a window or light tinting! Our services are always done to the legal requirement so you don’t have to worry.
Simply get in touch with us to organise your tinting.
Understanding VLT
The tinting spectrum comes in percentages, which refers to visible light transmission (VLT). VLT is the amount of light that can pass through your window (or in this case, from your headlight.)
Car Specialist Customs, alongside being a qualified team of car customisers also have a range of tinting options for you to consider. This is done in accordance with the legal parameters set out by the UK government.
It must also be noted that whilst it isn’t illegal to sell a darker film for tinting purposes, it is illegal to put it on certain parts of your vehicle. Which may result in you being stopped by the police.
That being said, let us tell you the legal requirements for your tinting.
Are headlight tints legal in the UK?

Yes, headlight tints are legal within the UK, within reason. Headlights can be tinted but no more than a 50% tint. Furthermore, the tint should not alter the colour of the light, they should remain white or yellow respectively at the front, and red at the rear.
If these requirements are adhered to, then your headlight tints are legal. If you fail to adhere to these requirements, you can expect a fine and removal of the tints in question, failure to do so can result in further legal consequences and even points on your license.
Do headlight tints affect the amount of light released?
Yes, headlight tints will affect the amount of light emitted, this is why it is illegal to get a tint of more than 50% on your headlights. Although a darker tint means other road users won’t be blinded by your lights when you drive by, having too much of a tint can reduce your visibility to other road users, or even make them think you aren’t using your headlights.
Do I need headlight tints?

Headlight tints aren’t exactly a requirement for every road user, but for those looking to add a level of detail to their vehicle, or address any discomfort they have with their vehicle’s headlight intensity, headlight tints are a perfect option for you.
What makes a good headlight tint?
Sadly, there are instances where a bad headlight tint is made out to be good. So we are here to tell you exactly what makes a good, and bad headlight tint.
A good headlight tint looks like…
- Fully covered the headlights, without overlapping or underlapping any areas, it is cut clearly.
- Light can still pass through it.
- It does not compromise any part of the vehicle that it neighbours.
A bad headlight tint looks like…
- Overlapping or underlapping the headlight
- Bubbles are between the light and the tint
- The tint is peeling
- The tint isn’t properly stuck on
- There is a severe lack of light able to pass from your headlights/break lights.
Who can I get my headlights tinted from?
We at Car Specialist Customs provide tinting for your vehicle lights too, and rest assured, all of our services follow the legal requirements given to us by the government. So no matter what you choose to get, we will always tell you if it is legal or not. And if it is legal, we install it to the highest standard.
Our tinting process is as follows:
- We analyse the space you would like to be tinted
- We make the necessary adjustments to our tinting films so application is smooth and hassle-free
- We apply the tinting & make sure there are no mistakes.
- We will then guide you in regard to the maintenance of the tinting.
Contact us, get your quote for a tint today.
Alternative tinting options
Chameleon tints:
Chameleon tints are a vibrant and unique option in customising your car, the dynamic properties of the films give a ‘Chameleon’ effect to the windscreen resulting in an array of colours that changes as the day does.
This particular tint retains the original benefits that come with a standard window tint. With options in aqua blue, Cadbury purple and sunset orange, take a look for yourself on our site.
Purchase headlight tints today

Our team members at Car Specialist Customs are extremely passionate and proud of the multiple services and products we provide for the people of Greater Manchester and beyond.
As a fully insured and approved installer, catering to the needs of vehicle owners of Greater Manchester and beyond, we are proud to let you know that we offer services for the following:
Personalisation:
Protection/Security:
Featuring the brands, Pandora, ScorpionTrak, Meta Trak & SmarTrack, we’ve included affordable, and premium products to suit the needs of our customers. With finance options available, and the option of installation, head to our website to get your quote!
We always will go above expectations to make your car feel special to you. With even more services and options becoming available in the future, Car Specialist Customs is the home of making any car unique, secure and special.
See what we can do for you today, we hope our starlight service has helped you decide to take a step forward in personalising your vehicle with our unique service.
We hope to have answered the question ‘Are headlight tints legal in the UK?’ whilst also providing supplementary information that can help you make an informed choice when it comes to investing in customisation options for your vehicle.
Want to get in touch? You can find us right here:
WORKSHOP:
Unit 30
Caldershaw Centre
Ings Ln
Rochdale
OL12 7LQ
OPENING TIMES:
Monday – Wednesday – 10 AM – 7 PM
Thursday – Closed
Friday – Sunday – 11 AM – 7 PM
TELEPHONE:
07523 971347 (Mon – Fri: 8:30 am – 6:00 pm)
EMAIL:
info@carspecialistcustoms.co.uk