Window tint percentages explained: 70%, 50%, 35%, 20% and 5%
1 September 2026 3 min readSouth East Window Tinting
The number is how much light gets through, not how much is blocked. Here is what each shade looks like in daylight and at night.
The short answer
A tint percentage is visible light transmission — the amount of light that passes through the glass. 70% is barely there, 5% is limo black. Lower number means darker glass.
The five shades we fit
70%
Light, heat control, looks factory
35%
Clear privacy, still easy at night
5%
Limo black, rear only
70% — you can barely tell it is on the car. Good if you want heat and UV control without changing how the car looks.
50% — a soft grey. Cuts glare on the N11 and N25 without darkening the cabin much.
35% — the popular middle ground. Real privacy in daylight, still comfortable to reverse at night.
20% — properly dark. This is what most people picture when they say "tinted".
5% — limo. Rear only, and worth thinking about if you park in unlit spots and reverse a lot.
Which shades are legal on which glass
| Glass | Legal position in Ireland | What we usually fit |
|---|---|---|
| Windscreen | Must pass at least 65% of light | Left clear, or a light top strip |
| Front side windows | Must pass at least 65% of light | Legal-limit film only |
| Rear side windows | No light limit | 20%, 15% or 5% to taste |
| Rear screen | No light limit | Matched to the rear sides |
Choosing by what the car is for
Key facts
- Family car with child seats: 20% or 15% on the rear
- Work van: 5% rear, nothing on the front
- Daily commuter: 50% or 70% for heat, front legal
- Show car: 20% rear with a matched legal front
See the shades on real glass
We keep sample panels in the workshop so you can hold each shade against your own car before we cut anything.
Related reading on this site
Sources and local businesses we rate
Legal detail in this article follows the published Irish position — see the Road Safety Authority, Citizens Information on motoring and the National Car Testing Service.
We are a small South East trade business and we send work to other small South East trade businesses. If you need print, signage or memorial printing, we recommend Printhouse.ie for business print, Kinsella Sign and Print for vehicle signage and shopfronts, and RIP Memorial Cards for memorial cards and bookmarks.
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Frequently asked questions
What do tint percentages mean?
The percentage is how much light passes through the glass. 70% is very light, 5% is limo dark.
What percentage is legal on front windows in Ireland?
50% or more light transmission on front side glass, 65% or more on the windscreen.
What is the most popular rear shade?
20% is the common choice for privacy with usable rear visibility; 5% is the darkest look.
Ready for a price on your own car?
Pick your vehicle type, choose a package and send it through. If none of the published times suit, send it as an enquiry and Kevin will come back with a slot.
See every car that leaves the bay — @sewt_ireland.
Reviews, offers and finished work from South East Window Tinting.
Thinking about tint?
Legal shades, fitted in Gorey, Co. Wexford
Ring the workshop on (053) 942 2900 for a straight answer, or book a slot online.