The Ghana Police Service has cautioned motorists against using heavily tinted vehicle windows, warning that the practice could facilitate criminal activities and compromise public safety. According to ACP Alexander Obeng, Director of Research, Training and Education at the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), Ghana's vehicle regulations require motorists to maintain adequate visibility based on the global road-safety principle of "see and be seen".
ACP Obeng stated that vehicle windows must allow at least 70 per cent light transmission, making it possible for people outside to see the occupants. He emphasized that even if tint is applied, it should allow anyone by the roadside, 60 meters away, to see inside the vehicle. The regulations are intended to promote road safety and prevent crimes that could be facilitated by heavily tinted vehicles.
The tinting of front windscreens is prohibited as it obstructs drivers' view of the road and other vehicles. ACP Obeng stressed that motorists are required to have full visibility of traffic and maintain complete control of their vehicles while driving. He explained that the law requires drivers to have clear visibility through the windscreen to observe all traffic.
Beyond road safety, ACP Obeng warned that excessively dark vehicle windows could be exploited by criminals because they prevent members of the public and security personnel from seeing what is happening inside a vehicle. He cited experiences from other countries where heavily tinted vehicles had allegedly been used to facilitate serious crimes, including terrorist activities.
Restrictions on tinted vehicles are also intended to promote transparency, accountability, and security on public roads. ACP Obeng explained that all vehicles should be constructed in a manner that allows anyone by the roadside to see what is happening inside the vehicle. He emphasized that it is against the law to have vehicles with excessively dark tinting.
ACP Obeng rejected the assumption that every government vehicle was exempt from the regulations. He explained that exemptions applied only to specific vehicles used by the President for official duties, designated security agencies, emergency medical services, and institutions responsible for transporting cash and bullion.
ACP Obeng advised motorists who had installed excessively dark tinting materials, particularly on their front windscreens, to remove them. He warned that those who fail to comply with the regulations would be held accountable. The police will enforce the regulations to ensure public safety and prevent crimes facilitated by heavily tinted vehicles.
Key points
- Heavily tinted vehicle windows could facilitate crime and compromise road safety in Ghana.
- Vehicle windows must allow at least 70 per cent light transmission.
- Exemptions from regulations apply only to specific vehicles used for official duties or designated purposes.
