Police outline tint regulations for public passenger vehicles

Following a meeting on Monday with taxi operators and other stakeholders, the police have outlined the specific regulations regarding tints on public passenger vehicles.

The regulations are part of the Government of Jamaica's anti-crime measures announced last week by Prime Minister Andrew Holness in light of an increase in the abduction of women and children.   
   
Senior Superintendent Calvin Allen, head of the Highway and Traffic Division, outlined the stipulations on Monday afternoon at a media briefing at the Transport Authority.

"For motor cars, no tint will be allowed on the back windscreen of the motor vehicle. No tint will be allowed on the two front doors, that is the driver's door or glass, and that of the passenger. No tint will be allowed on the windscreen of the motor car, except for that six inch visor from the top. From the rear glass, that is the two back doors, a 70 per cent inward view will be allowed. In other words, a 30 per cent grade of tinting will be allowed in that regard," he said.  

Meanwhile, as it regards coasters and mini-buses, SSP Allen said there must be no tints on the rear glass and rear windows.
   
He said this is to ensure a clear view of the back seats at all times.
   
For the remaining side windows, only a 30 per cent tint is permitted.
    
"For the glass that is on either side of the vehicle, coming up to where the driver sits, a 70 per cent inward view will be allowed. For the drivers door, that glass, no tint. Neither will there be any tint for the passenger that sits across from where the driver sits. The door where the conductor operates from, no tint. For the windsrcreen of the coaster, a nine inch visor will be allowed from the top," he outlined.     

SSP Allen said for 15 seater buses, a six inch tint is allowed at the top of the windscreen.
    
Additionally, an amnesty period of twelve months will be given to taxi and bus operators with factory tints on their vehicles.
   
SSP Allen said the vehicles will be inspected by the Island Traffic Authority before the amnesty is granted. 

Enforcement

Meanwhile, SSP Allen said the police, in tandem with the Island Traffic Authority and the Transport Authority, will be out in their numbers to enforce the anti-tint regulations. 
    
He said tints that do not fall within the stipulated guidelines will be removed on the spot.
    
"The driver is subject to being prosecuted, meaning the issuance of a ticket. But if the driver complies readily with our enforcement requests, then you will be out there also to see those persons removing their tint, or being assisted in removing their tint. If you don't comply, then we are not only forced to remove the tint...but also the (to remove) of the registration plates until there is compliance by the operator," declared SSP Allen.  

He said the regulations will be gradually applied to Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) buses.

Compliance

In the meantime, the police are reporting a high level of compliance so far from taxi operators in the removal of window tints.
 
RJR News spoke with Deputy Superintendent Errol Adams of the Highway and Traffic Division, who was observing taxi operators in downtown Kingston.

"Since we have been here, we would have stopped and checked upwards of 20 public passenger vehicles, and a large number, perhaps about 15 of those have shown some compliance with the required level of tintage and so on, so we are very pleased with that and it is encouraging as well," DSP Adams said.