All vehicles allowed 35 per cent tint, says Home Affairs Minister

Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond announced on Wednesday major changes to vehicle-tint regulations, introducing a uniform 35 per cent light-penetration requirement, a three-tier waiver system, and a nationwide enforcement campaign starting January 1, 2026.

The measures aim to “bring predictability, equity, and fairness to what has long been a contentious area of traffic regulation,” Walrond said.

The minister said the reforms were prompted by rising misuse of the existing waiver system. “I’ve observed an exponential increase in requests for tint waivers. At the same time, I’ve received numerous complaints regarding unscrupulous practices and individuals who have sought to abuse the existing system,” she stated. She added that the previous framework had become “burdensome, inconsistent, and vulnerable to manipulation.”

Following consultations with the Guyana Police Force and technical teams, Walrond announced the introduction of three clearly defined tint waiver categories based on assessed risk profiles.

“Categories One and Two will apply strictly to diplomats, government officials, high-profile security-related persons, and individuals expressly approved by the Minister of Home Affairs.”

For the general public, the minister unveiled a major change. “There will be a universal provision for basic tint without waiver, which stipulates that all motor vehicles will now be allowed tint with no less than 35 percent light penetration.”

She said this allowance “applies across the board and does not require any tint waiver.”

Legislative amendments will follow to codify the policy. “The current legislation governing tint waivers will be amended to reflect and legalise these new measures,” Walrond said, urging motorists to take the transition seriously. She warned that “failure to comply will result in the application of prescribed fines and charges under the relevant traffic and enforcement regulations.”

Motorists have until December 31, 2025, to comply. After that date, Walrond confirmed, “the Guyana Police Force will commence aggressive nationwide enforcement operations.”