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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, discouloration or other defects that unreasonably impair the driver’s vision or compromise the strength of the windscreen.

5. A modification:

a) unreasonably impairs the 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 4) 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 a 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.

Note 2

Damage includes any unrepaired damage and attempted visible repairs.

Note 3

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.

Note 4

Any OE opaque edging (usually black) is not considered part of the windscreen when determining the boundaries permitted for stickers, print on an anti-glare band or radio antennae.

Table 5-1-1. Permitted modifications

Fitting of or modification to:

Modification permitted provided that:

Windscreens

Stickers
  • stickers are wholly within 100mm of the top or bottom edge, or 50mm of the side edges, unless required or permitted by legislation, eg:
  • a licence label
  • a road user licence label
  • a WoF label
  • an alternative fuel sticker
  • a 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
  • the overlay is transparent, and
  • the overlay does not extend below the bottom edge of the vehicle’s OE sun visors when they are folded down as far as possible towards the windscreen, and
  • the overlay does not contain print below a line that is 100mm below and parallel to the top edge of the windscreen.

Radio antennae
  • antennae are wholly within 100mm of any edge.

Front side windows

Transparent overlays
  • the overall visible light transmittance (VLT) is not reduced to below 35%.

Stickers
  • stickers are wholly within 100mm of the bottom edge, or 50mm of any other edge, unless required or permitted by legislation
  • manufacturer’s operating instructions may be applied to or incorporated in the glazing.

Radio antennae
  • antennae are wholly within 100mm of any edge.

Rear and rear side windows (behind the driver’s seat)

Overlays and other modifications
  • the vehicle is equipped on both sides with external rear-view mirrors.

Stickers
  • stickers may be applied anywhere on the glazing, but if not wholly within 100mm of any edge, the vehicle must be equipped on both sides with external rear-view mirrors.

Radio antennae
  • in-service requirements for condition and performance are met.

Fitting of or modification to:

Modification always permitted:

Monsoon shields
  • in-service requirements for condition and performance must be met.

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 discolouration 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.

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