Tint my ride; but new law may fine you for very dark windshield
Drivers across the country have a little over two weeks to remove dark tints from their vehicles. A statutory instrument will come into effect to regulate tinting, a measure taken to deter criminals from hiding behind the tint to conceal their identity. In the following story, News Five’s Isani Cayetano looks at the acceptable level of tints prescribed by the new regulations.
Isani Cayetano, Reporting
On June first the Traffic Department will begin cracking down on vehicle owners whose windows and windshields do not meet the newly implemented standard of tinting. In the streets of Belize City two out of every five cars we counted have exceptionally dark tints, well outside of the accepted parameters. Nigel Espat, proprietor of Auto Zone, explains the shades of film used in tinting.
Nigel Espat, Proprietor, Auto Zone
Nigel Espat
“Tint you can buy it in three percent, five percent, ten percent, twenty percent, thirty-five percent and what the new S.I. is dictating for the two front door windows is fifty percent that is, for me, has proven very difficult to source because it’s not very common.”
A statutory instrument was recently passed to regulate tinting in light of the present crime situation plaguing the country. But while the public is expected to remove dark tints from their vehicles government officials are still driving around with relatively obscure windows. Prime Minister Barrow recently commented on the enforcement of the new law.
Dean Barrow
“I don’t believe in tinting. No but there can be no exceptions. Perhaps the police, I don’t know whether, or the military whether they might be able to make some kind of a case but regular politicians, regular GOB officials, regular municipal body officials absolutely not. The law must apply to them with equal force, equal rigor.”
Dean Barrow
Jose Sanchez
“Will this be implemented by police as well as Traffic [Department]?”
Dean Barrow
“Yes. That’s the whole idea that, remember we had talked earlier about trying to ensure that the police deal as well with quality of life offences. I am not sure that this is under that broad heading but the notion that the police should cast their net as widely as possible is very much one that we believe in and so they will be expected to help with the enforcement of the regulations too.”
According to Errol Garbutt Jr., who operates Glass Technologies Ltd., despite the new regulations government should consider that the measure may not have a significant impact on the commission of crimes the way it has on his business.
Errol Garbutt Jr., Windshield Technician
Errol Garbutt Jr.
“Well the business of tinting, ih drop with the crime… How fu say it Isani? Gun noh kill people, people kill people. Tint noh kill people, people kill people. That’s all I could say. And the crime rate, if you really watch it, you got customers weh come in and we noh wah call no name, but people need fu hide their things eena dehn vehicle mein.”
Espat also highlighted the fact that prior to the passage of the new legislature there was no enforcement or regulation of tinting.
Nigel Espat
“There wasn’t much control over the tint for a very long time. I think maybe around 2008, 2007 or early 2008 they tried to introduce this legislation to tone down the darkness of the tint but they never followed through with it so it just kept going. Now there’s an S.I. that was actually signed that regulates the darkness of the tint that can be applied to vehicles. I think the S.I. came about because of the high prevalence of crime, all the murders that have been happening so it’s, I am not entirely sure, I am only assuming here that it is because of that. I think the police would feel safer being able to look inside the vehicle.”
Motorists have since complained that de-tinting their vehicles comes at an extra expense to them especially knowing that prior to their installations it wasn’t illegal to have your windows tinted. The new law comes into effect at the end of the month. Reporting for News Five, I am Isani Cayetano.
Drivers who do not comply with the new tinting law can expect to be fined.
this is the smartest law this gov. has passed to date glad i suggested it.
People tint their vehicle to keep thief out of it so that they don’t break the vehicle windows to get in. If the vehicle tints are clearer it will not deter them it will invite them to break in our vehicles. how can they tell me what to do to my personal vehicle, it should be my choice for what i want to do with it. soon they will want to tell us how our house should be build, what kind of windows to use and what kind of doors.
the gov’t is acting on issues that don’t need to attack. they need to concentrate on the crime everyday there is a shooting and stabbing invest in cameras and position them in the hots spots and on the street corners. that is what they should be doing increasing patrols in the city because as the police pass that is when the criminals attack. the gov’t need to stay focus on the problem which is crime and it starts with looking at themselves.
stupid idea on some scumbad people, criminals kill people on bycicles not in cars mein, recheck all the stats and see when was the last time a tinted vehicle was used as a get away vehicle after a murder. this is irediculous gov. is only trying to fine drivers to get money since the revenue is low.
SMALL STEPS IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. SOME OF THESE CARS HAVE TINT ON THEIR FRONT GLASS………, CRAZY. IT MAY NOT REDUCE CRIME BUT IT WILL HELP TO SECURE THE SAFETY OF OUR POLICE OFFICERS AND MAYBE HELP IDENTIFY DRIVERS WHEN VEHICLES ARE INVOLVED IN ILLEGAL ACTIVITY OR ACCIDENTS.
I DO HOPE IT IS ENFORCED WITH GOV’T VEHICLES AS WELL. I ALSO HOPE THEY HAVE THE PROPER EQUIPMENT TO PROVE THAT THE TINT DOESNT FALL WITHIN GUIDELINES.
what i don’t agree at all is the tinting of the winsheild which is way off the limit. some people have a shiny tint on the winsheild and when sun reflects it shines back at vehicles coming on the contrary side. apart from that i believe this is not going to curb the crime at all, it’s some kind of trying to cover the blind eye by saying look we’re trying to curb the crime when criminals are still walking free from court due to lack of evidence or witness intimidation, this is bull, make the ambulance, minister do it first to show the example and then we can follow up.
ok fine…..they want to remove the tint from all vehicles to prevent crime. do the gun men go in car to do crime?????? they go on bike or foot!!! secondly, if only police cars as the PM said should have tint…dont u think when the bad man see the tinted cars comming their direction they will already know its the police. a next thing, and this one is for all of us who owns a car, what u think will happen if the theif pass ur car and cud see directly into it will do???? they will see pretty radio, cell phone, laptop, keys to ur home and many other things…this means they will be more breaking into cars and only we the people who own the cars will feel.
Well i think since its a new law gove should help..
1) help al least with 50% of the expense for de-tinting and re-tinting.
eventhough the mayority or all murders are commited with the murderers riding bicycles.
I say lets come together, create a plan, start a revolution, overthrow this government! Put some young UB graduates into these offices, at least 5 youngsters to man 1 ministerial desk.SAVE OURSELVES! COME ……………………. TOGETHER LAW ABIDING CITIZENS! They are playing while people are dying. Removing tints wont alleviate the crime situation, but stiff consequences and penalties sure would.
a few bad apples spoiled it for the rest of us in the bunch who do not do illicit things
foools….foools…….
High caliber weapons were outlawed “to reduce crime”…..
Phone calls were being intercepted “to reduce crime”…..
Detention time was prolonged “to reduce crime”…..
Bullet proof vests were outlawed “to reduce crime”…..
People’s rights and privacy were trampled on “to reduce crime”…..
And what has been the result???? CRIME GOT FAR WORSE!!!!
What make us foolishly believe that the lame duck legislation of removing tints from vehicles will significantly “reduce crime”….. ???? Iam amazed at the level of ignorance and plain stupidity some of us think….. sorry Rod!!! what we will see will be more broken windows of cars since thieves will have now a clear view of the car’s contents…..more casses of people with cancer due to inhalation of fabric emitted gasses like benzene….!!!
Next thing, we will outlaw bicycles “to reduce crime”….. since most hits are done using bicycles than tinted vehicles……
Nothing will reduce crime until criminals know that their actions will have consequences…. whenn our conviction rate go up from a shameful 60%… when then laws full of loopholes are corrected so that our “bright” lawyers can no longer send back to the streets the killers due to Nolle Prosequi…. but again we are governed by those same lawyers…..
Applauses … Bout time Drive by shooters or spotters(criminals who target their victims) tend to drive around the town or city planning and executing their crimes behind these dark tints goes to show that sensible people are reading our comments. Keep it coming commentators good job 5 news…nuff said
Skin Cancer – What about persons who suffer with Skin Cancer, or have family genes that are proned to develop skin cancer??? Even persons who have not traditionally suffered the illness, can develop it due to prolonged exposure to harmful Ultraviolet Radiation.
@Alea, it may be your private vehicle but if you drive it on our public roads the law should regulate it. For safety reasons alone the government should regulate tint.
As for thieves, a thief more likely to break into a tinted vehicle just to look for something of value than he is to break into a un-tinted vehicle where it is easy to see there is nothing to steal. Anybody who leaves valuables in their car (regardless of tinting) is just asking to have their vehicle broken into.
Criminals do benefit from the privacy afforded by heavy tint. So do rapists, child molesters, and people who drink while driving. Law abiding people have no need for privacy on public roads. Unless of course you are in the company of someone you are not supposed to be with (wink)!
Don’t think the S.I will bring down the level of crime at all. It will however result in more car thefts occuring. People will now be able to see inside your car and people who have dvd players and sound systems will be a target. I can understand not having the windshield tint, but 50% tini for the front is plain ridiculous. At least allow 35% for the front glass bc we live in a trpoical climate and it gets crazy hot here in Belize. The tint helps a lot to block the sun. Plus majority of shootings and murders occur on Bikes, in which the assailant still gets away. So what makes them think they will catch anyone in a car.
Fellows let’s all give ROD a pat on d back for suggesting this law…..genius……what other suggestion?????!
It’s so ironic how the PM want people to remove the tint off their vehicles and yet wearing a tinted eye glasses.Maybe the Belizean people need to see what’s under your eye glasses.What about leading by example.Who is to say that you can’t hide a stick of Ganja under those glasses.
The tint on Mr Barrow’s eye glasses is darker than most of the tint on the vehicles in the Jewel.How many weeks will he be given to remove the tint off his eyeglasses.
A VERY GOOD LAW, I REALLY LIKE IT, NOW NOT MUCH JOE GRINDING WILL TAKE PLACE, CAUSE THEY WILL BE CATCH RED HANDED, NOBODY CAN KIDNAP OUR LITTLE GIRLS, YOU CAN SHOOT AND KILL BUT SOMEBODY WILL SEE YOU NOW, VERY GOOD I LOVE THIS NEW SI,
YOU CAN RIDE AWAY BUT YOU CAN’T HIDE.
I SUPPORT THIS LAW 100 %.
ELGIN YOU AND ROD ARE REALLY MENTAL
I agree with you 100% BT alot of countries dont allow the dark tints that we use in belize for example while driving acrross the border to chetumal the police must be able to see inside of your car so many belizean has to lower there glass while driving over there. tell me why is is that we have no problem in abiding by these laws when we are in another country but wont have does same laws in our country.
What you mean believe in tinting PM? I for one have tint for a very specific reason and that is protect the interior of my vehicle as well as the special tint for the front windshield to protect my eyes from the sun when driving as well as protect the front dash board from becoming the surface of the sun. Last, but not least I have tint on my vehicle for privacy and security, if I am in the city shopping and any crack head thief can easily peak in my vehicle and see something they like then, boom, they break in and I am screwed.
PUP tried this stupid law and it did not work. Are you going to stop tinting on the guys riding bicycles and shooting up people? UDP is grasping at straws, making it look like they are trying to crack down on crime.
When are they going to crack down and find out where all these damn guns and ammunition are coming from? When will the dark-shades-wearing PM going to make an announcement about that?
Yes, I agree that extremely dark tinting is ridiculous, but as Mr. Espat pointed out, that percentage tint they require is hard to find and you know what’s going to happen? Tinting establishments will charge and arm and a leg and will make big money, imagine thousands of car lining up to re-tint to that standard. I am certain Mr. Espat and other key players will get a big contract to re-tint all the GOB vehicles?
@ BT; where did you go to logic school friend?
@ folks-blindly-supporting this nonsense: More than likely they don’t even own a automobile, so it does not affect them, thus they can support without prejudice.
If you want to pass more draconian laws you have to start at the bottom, a little pinch at a time and before you know it you get all the S.I.s you wanted to control, full Dictatorship.
I won’t go on, because a lot of people on this thread already pointed out pretty much the most significant points as to why this SI is pointless, and will only cause people more financial burden in more ways than one and will definitely fatten the pockets of a few. It may be a good time to open a tinting business in Belize!!!
ON A WHOLE IT’S A GOOD LAW………..HOWEVER MORE TIME NEEDS TO BE GIVEN FOR THE CHANGE TO IMPLEMENTED ………..2 weeks is not long enough……. 30 days is better.
@ che guevara
what u said is very dangerous. u could be hanged for treason if u incit an overthrow of government. unlike murder treason=automatic hanging my bally. choose your words well b4 talking. Anyways why do i now have to remove my tint wehn killas use bikes?
ELGIN U ARE SO STUPID LOL ….. that’s the most foolish comment i’ve ever read in my life..
I really believe this new law is an attempt to make money rather than to reduce crime. Think about it. Preventing crime is a game of chance. How lucky has a policeman got to be to see a car coming tinted or not tinted and is about to shoot someone and he will stop it. There is no tinting on bicycles right now and do u see how helpful that is??? Additionally if a car with no tint is coming, loaded up with guys with guns, what is the officer going to do? i don’t see how he will stop the crime from happening. Crime prevention with such petty things shows a lack of effort and organization. This has nothing to do with crime. As pointed out earlier most criminals are on bicycle. Saying its for crime is sugar coating it to make us think its for a good reason but really its going to earn some good revenue to help close the budget deficit
MACAL Rivera: you’re just mad that Rod and i don’t kiss @ as you do.
Stupid Law Will Tinted reduce Crime Dah???????Goverment should got better ideas than that Moniter with camaras make police do there real job.
Should be seeing into fixing roads in towns and villages helping people in small buisnes,projects stuff that brings work and income to the country.
Reduce Gasoline price too.
I lot of good points have been brought up, but i think more time is needed. Also this 50% tint if it even exists needs to be available, because for sure i will be tinting my ride. With out tint the AC of a vehicle regulates to often because the temperture rises faster causing the thermostat to bring on the AC compressor so it can bring down the temp, this will cause more fuel consumption. Well that also depends on the type and yr of the vehicle, and with the high price on fuel. “This just no mek sense.”
Unless Mr Barrow can come up with statistics to prove that most murders are committed by people driving tinted vehicles then his reason for implimenting this law is invalid.
THAT LAW ISN’T GOING TO SLOW DOWN THE CRIME SITUATION.ALL IT IS GOING TO DO IS MAKE US MORE FED UP WITH THIS GOVERMENT.DAY BY DAY WE ARE BEING STRIPPED OF OUR PRIVACY.AFTER THIS WE WILL NEED A LICENSE TO BE ON THE STREETS AFTER 8:00PM.WHY SHOULD WE SECURE THE SAFETY OF THE POLICE,IT IS THEIR JOB TO PROTECT US,THEY DON’T PROVIDE US WITH PROTECTION THO.ALL THEY DO IS !@#$ WITH INNOCENT PEOPLE WHEN THEY KNOW WHO ARE THE ONE’S KILLING .HOW DO THE GUNS GET INTO THE COUNTRY,THE MINISTERS ARE THE ONES WHO TAKES ALL THE BRIBES FOR THEM TO COME IN.IF THEY WANT TO STOP CRIME CRACK DOWN ON THE WAY EVERYTHING COMES INTO THE COUNTRY.THEY HAVE TO PASS THROUGH A PORT OF ENTRY IN ORDER TO GET HERE.TO ME BELIZE IS NO LONGER THE LAND OF THE FREE,WE NEED TO CHANGE THE FIRST FIVE WORDS IN THE NATIONAL ANTHEM.
criminals ride bikes you fools in GOB!
Xaan:I am entitle to my opinion idiot.What about that no brainer?
This law is not going to have any effect in murder nor anything you Dean Barrow, any businessmen if u personal have no tint on your windows you’ll need to put bulletproof because there are people that can see you from far and with guns out there do you thing they would need to wait for you at home to kill you they’ll point and Bam! your gone….Men usually cheat on wives now you’ll hide them where in your trunk for that I am happy i think that is the only good you’ll get out of this law!
PLEASE,
I AGREE ABOUT THE LAWS BUT EDUCATE THE POLICE THAT IS DOING ROAD CHECKS THEY TOLD ME THIS MORNING THAT THE PRIME MINISTER SAY “NO TINT ,SO IS NO TINT”
Mr. BARROW,
PLEASE, EDUCATE YOUR PEOPLE WHEN A NEW LAW IS IN EFFECT!!!!!!