Legal window tint in Ireland: what passes the NCT
18 August 2026 1 min readSouth East Window Tinting
A plain-English guide to the tint limits that apply to Irish cars, what the NCT tester actually checks, and where you can go darker without any bother.
The short answer
In Ireland the windscreen must let through at least 65% of light, and the front side windows must let through at least 65% as well. Behind the B-pillar — the rear side windows and the back screen — there is no light limit, which is why most cars you see with dark glass are legal.
What the NCT actually checks
The tester is looking at the front glass. If a film has been added to the windscreen or the front doors and it drops the light transmission below the limit, that is a fail item. Factory privacy glass in the rear is never an issue.
Where people get caught out
- Buying an import that already has dark front tint fitted abroad.
- Adding a "limo" film to the front doors because the rear was done.
- Old, bubbling film that was never removed properly.
What we do about it
We fit to the legal side of the line on the front and go as dark as you like behind the B-pillar. If you have an import that will not pass, we can strip the old film and re-do it properly.
Frequently asked questions
What tint passes the NCT?
Windscreen at 65% light transmission or more, front side windows at 50% or more. Rear glass is not limited.
Does the NCT measure tint?
The tester checks glass and visibility and can measure light transmission where front tint looks too dark.
Can you remove illegal tint before a test?
Yes. Old film removal is a service we offer, including cleaning the rear screen heater lines.
See every car that leaves the bay — @sewt_ireland.
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Thinking about tint?
Legal shades, fitted in Gorey, Co. Wexford
Ring the workshop on 087 036 5656 for a straight answer, or book a slot online.