Modifying the factory-standard model of a car is becoming a growing trend in the UK, with car enthusiasts and casual owners alike taking part in personalising their cars with custom parts and pieces to differentiate themselves on the roads.
Studies have shown that of all of the car modifications made in 2021, alloy wheels were most popular with 14%, suspension changes with 9%, exhaust system changes with 8% and tow bars with 7%. However, a modification that has recently regained traction in the community is tinted windows, with 7%.
Because of its newfound popularity, many enthusiasts have been left asking whether or not chameleon tints are actually legal; UK laws are known to be extremely tight in regards to tinting your car, with an Endorsable Fixed Penalty Notice (EFPN) being issued to those found breaking the law (meaning three points on their driving licence and a fine).
Within the market of tints, the chameleon tint has arisen as the most trendy and popular option in recent years. Originally manufactured by prestigious vehicle brands to protect their drivers from sun glare, the dynamic properties of the films gave a ‘chameleon’-like effect to the windscreen which it is known for now.
In this article, we will take a look at what a chameleon tint is, how much it costs and whether or not it is legal in the UK. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about chameleon tints, the legalities of having one and why you should consider it.
What Is A Chameleon Tint?
Car tints have become extremely popular in more recent years, as consumers frantically look for different ways to stand out from the crowd on the road without completely breaking the bank. Many have found that one of the best ways to do this has been to install a chameleon tint in their vehicles – but what exactly is a chameleon tint?
A normal window tint is used as a thin layer (typically in shades of grey) that is applied to factory-standard cars to provide UV protection, privacy and shade from the sunlight. Most of these tints are made from factory-dipped glass; this is when the glass comes from the factory pre-tinted, and where the tint is included in the glass whilst the glass is still being made. However, external modifications such as a chameleon tint are applied by using a layer of the film – carefully added using adhesive.
As the name suggests, chameleon tint is a colour-changing tint that offers a high level of privacy and UV protection, without darkening the inside of the car. Because of this, it has become an increasingly popular variant of tinting within the UK, with many choosing to go with it because of the different aesthetics and views that it can provide. Not only can it be added on top of standard factory tints, but it can also be easily removed by professionals or, in some cases, by yourself at home. This makes it one of the easiest and most manageable customisations to a car that you can get.
Chameleon tint works through the use of different colouring; chameleon tint is different from your ordinary window tint film in that it has coloured dye in the film. This colour, generally of a purple, blue and green gradient, will appear to change colours as the tinted vehicle is in motion or the angle of the sun changes. Chemically, they include different materials and substances to that of the standard factory tints to be able to change colour depending on the angle the car is looked upon and the way that the light is reflected from it.
How Much Does A Chameleon Tint Cost?
Chameleon tints are the next generation of attachable vehicle modification and are widely understood to be growing more and more popular by the day. As one of the best non-permanent methods of changing the aesthetics of your car in a unique, innovative new way, it can sometimes come with a heavy cost attached. However, costs vary depending on where you choose to get it applied, and you can find highly competitive prices with the right company.
Like any product, chameleon tints can vary in price depending on the make of your car, its model, age, colours, size and shape. Studies suggest that window tints are not prohibitively expensive, even for higher-end brands, with average prices ranging from £100 to £400 to tint your entire car. With most chameleon tint providers pricing their product somewhere in that range, it can be an affordable commodity to many a car enthusiast.
One of the leading providers of chameleon tints is Car Specialist Customs. They offer a tint that will change depending on weather, lighting, temperature, and different angles of viewing, and one that will not consistently have the same look at all times. Alongside this product, they offer a 1-year warranty with multiple shades to choose from, all of which are road legal, for highly competitive prices.
For a while, there has been considerable resistance against chameleon tints from government bodies and organisations who believe it to be too dangerous and harmful, for a number of different reasons. In many places, this can be one of the driving factors for higher prices, greater cautions and more severe and expensive penalties if the tint is applied incorrectly, or is not to specification.
However, chameleon tint is completely legal to have on the front windscreen in most vehicles as it lets in more than 75% of the light. This means that, although prices may vary for consumers, they will remain low and your modification will remain legal within the UK. However, that’s not to say that chameleon tints are legal worldwide; the current version of the window tint law in California, for example, prohibits the use of any colour-altering films on any automobile windows. Furthermore, RTO guidelines in India mandate a minimum of 70% visibility for the front and back glass and 50% visibility for the side glasses, which would also make some chameleon tints illegal.
Is Chameleon Tint Legal in the UK?
Although we have already slightly covered it, it’s important to reiterate that chameleon tint is completely legal to have on the front windscreen in most vehicles as it lets in more than 75% of the light. The reason for this is to prevent windows that are too dark to see out of, which can cause impairments that may lead to accidents and issues on the road. Additionally, it is to make it easier to identify the driver of the vehicle and the inside of the vehicle for things during a traffic stop and search, surveillance, and general government operations.
The only specifications that all tints in the UK must follow are that they let in at least 75% of light on the front, and the side windows must let at least 70% of light through. The main focus of safety is naturally the front windscreen, as that is where the driver will be focusing most of their attention and will need the most visibility. Furthermore, it is also the most common window that police and other agencies will use to identify the driver.
Chameleon tints are legal, but there can be heavy punishments if it is done incorrectly or if the tint is too much. For all accepted mechanics and agencies, it is illegal to fit or sell glass that breaks the rules on tinted windows. If a vehicle is suspected to have broken the rules, the police or the DVLA vehicle examiners will use light measuring equipment to measure the window tint. If any windows are tinted too much, you could get a ‘prohibition notice’ stopping you from using your vehicle on the road until you have the extra tint removed or a penalty notice – with a court summons in extreme cases.
Want To Know More About Our Products?
If you want to find out more about our products and services, or would like clarity on how we can help you, it’s always best to get in contact with us. Our specialist team is on hand around the clock to provide quality care and services to help you find the product for you so that you can work on the things you love – your vehicle. With our innovative new services and products, we are able to provide you with a unique and speedy service.
Our mission is always to provide our customers with the best quality items at the most competitive rates. We truly care about car protection and theft prevention therefore we would love to roll out these measures as quickly as possible, even if that means operating at lower rates. We have always been proud to be able to say that our customers are extremely satisfied with our work and proud to say that we currently have a 5-star rating on Google.
For more information on how to reach us and get more information today, you can contact Car Specialist Customs at 07523 971347 or use our email at info@carspecialistcustoms.co.uk for the quickest responses and swift support from members of our team. Alternatively, if you prefer to browse independently, you can find a portfolio of our work here with plenty of photos to show off the quality at which we work. Whatever you choose to do, we have no doubt that you’ll find what you’re looking for with us.
1 Comment. Leave new
Will a chameleon tint upset the camera that is in my bmw ?
This camera is for reading the road of potential collisions and adaptive headlights etc!