This guide covers added film on ordinary passenger cars with a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of no more than 4.5 tonnes. GVM is the vehicle’s maximum loaded weight rating. Imported cars, special approvals and heavy vehicles need separate checks; this guide does not approve an individual installation.
The side and rear limits
For windows beside or ahead of the seated driver, excluding the windscreen, the finished visible light transmission (VLT) must be at least 35%. Rear windows behind the normal driving position may be coated to at least 20% when a rear-vision mirror is fitted on each side. Coated glazing must not exceed 10% reflectance. The rear figure includes rear side windows and the back window; it is not a film-product specification. Road Safety (Vehicles) Regulations 2021, Schedule 1, clause 44(1), (6), (7), (10)
Check the glass and film together
VSI 2 requires the resulting window VLT, including the existing glass, to meet the relevant minimum. Factory privacy glass is different from applied film. If that glass is already below the relevant minimum, VSI 2 prohibits adding any film, including clear film. Ask for the finished-window reading rather than relying on the film's box or invoice. Official VSI 2, October 2021, pages 1–2
Windscreen: confirm before adding film
The guideline prohibits film on the main windscreen and describes a limited top-band exception. However, the current regulation's cross-reference wording has not been reconciled with that exception in this review. This guide therefore gives no windscreen-strip installation limit or permission. The windscreen's original-glass requirement also depends on applicable ADRs and manufacture date. Ask Transport Victoria to confirm the proposed installation. VSI 2; Schedule 1, clause 44(2)–(4)
Goods vehicles, buses and individually approved vehicles need separate checks. Carrying shopping or choosing an SUV does not establish a goods-vehicle classification. No medical or visiting-driver exemption is established here.
Before ordering
- Identify every pane and any existing film.
- Ask the installer to record glass-only and finished readings, with the meter used.
- Check both mirrors and obtain the film's reflectance information.
- Resolve unusual glass, vehicle classification or windscreen work before installation.
Sources: the official VSI is dated October 2021; the legislation is authorised version 012, incorporating amendments as at 29 September 2026. These are different dates and do not establish a new 2026 tint threshold. This is general source-based information, not legal advice or a vehicle-compliance certificate.