Vision
5-1 Glazing
Reasons for rejection
Glazing condition
1. A piece of glazing is not mechanically sound, or is not securely affixed to the vehicle.
2. A windscreen or front side window is so dirty or obstructed that the driver’s vision is unreasonably impaired.
3. A windscreen has damage that prevents the wiper blades from working properly.
4. A windscreen has scratches, discolouration or other defects that unreasonably impair the driver’s vision or compromise the strength of the windscreen.
5. A modification:
a) unreasonably impairs driver’s vision through the windscreen or a front side window, or
b) adversely affects the strength or mechanical performance of the glazing.
Glazing performance
6. The overall visible light transmittance (VLT) (Note 2) of a windscreen is less than 70%.
7. The overall VLT of a front side window is less than 35%.
8. Glazing has a mirrored effect sufficient to dazzle other road users.
Permitted modifications
9. A modification that affects glazing is not within the limits in Table 5-1-1.
Note 1 Definitions
Windscreen means all glazing extending across the front of the vehicle that is not parallel to the vehicle’s centreline but does not include a wind deflector. No fitting of overlays or stickers are permitted to the windscreen except those previously mentioned.
Overlay means a transparent, translucent or opaque self-adhesive or clinging film that is applied to large areas, or the whole, of a piece of glazing, including anti-glare band overlays and stoneguard overlays.
Sticker means a self-adhesive or clinging film, with or without print on it, that is applied for purposes such as advertising, identification, information, decoration or legal reasons.
Anti-glare band overlay means a tinted overlay that is transparent and that is applied along the top edge of the windscreen for the purpose of reducing glare from the sun.
Damage includes any unrepaired damage and attempted visible repairs.
Note 2
Visible light transmittance (VLT) is the proportion of visible light that passes through glazing, measured perpendicular to the glazing. Overall VLT is the VLT of the glazing together with any overlays.
Table 5-1-1. Permitted modifications
Fitting of or modification to: |
Modification permitted provided that: |
---|---|
Windscreens |
|
Stickers |
– a licence label – a road user licence label – a WoF label – an alternative fuel sticker – a current parking permit or other document issued by the local authority – learner L-plates (in sticker format) provided the driver’s vision is not unreasonably affected. |
Anti-glare band overlay |
|
Radio antennae |
|
Front side windows |
|
Transparent overlays |
|
Stickers |
|
Radio antennae |
|
Rear and rear side windows (behind the driver’s seat) |
|
Overlays and other modifications |
|
Stickers |
|
Radio antennae |
|
Fitting of or modification to: |
Modification always permitted: |
---|---|
Monsoon shields |
|
Electric demisters |
|
Sunroofs (overlays and stickers applied anywhere on the glazing, radio antennae, and electric demisters) |
Summary of legislation
Applicable legislation
Glazing condition
1. Glazing must be mechanically sound, strong and securely affixed to the vehicle.
2. A windscreen and front side windows must be clean and free of obstruction to ensure the driver has sufficient vision through the glazing to operate the vehicle safely.
3. A windscreen must not have scratches and other defects that:
a) unreasonably impair vision, or
b) compromise its strength.
4. A laminated windscreen must not show signs of discoloration that could unreasonably impair the driver’s vision.
5. Glazing in roof panels may be tinted.
Glazing performance
6. A windscreen must have an overall visible light transmittance (VLT) of at least 70%.
7. A front side window must have an overall VLT of at least 35%.
8. Glazing must not have a mirrored effect sufficient to dazzle other road users.
9. A modification must not:
a) unreasonably impair vision through a windscreen or a front side window, or
b) adversely affect the strength or mechanical performance of the glazing or the vehicle.
Permitted modifications
10. A modification that affects glazing is permitted if within the limits in Table 5-1-1.