The government has rolled out major changes to the country’s tint regulations, setting a new standard and giving motorists until December 31, 2025 to ensure their vehicles comply.
The announcement was made on Friday by Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond during a live broadcast, where she cited a surge in waiver applications and widespread misuse of the old system.
Walrond said she has “observed an exponential increase in requests for tint waivers,” along with “numerous complaints regarding unscrupulous practices and individuals who have sought to abuse the existing system.”
She explained that after reviewing the matter with the Guyana Police Force and technical experts, it became clear that the current mechanism was “burdensome, inconsistent and vulnerable to manipulation.”
As part of the reform, the minister announced that a universal tint allowance now applies to all vehicles.
“In the interest of equity and to eliminate administrative delays, there will be a universal provision for basic tint without a waiver.
“All motor vehicles will now be allowed tint with no less than 35 percent light penetration. This applies across the board and does not require any tint waiver,” she said.
Walrond also detailed the creation of three new tint waiver categories, which will be based on access needs and security risk profiles.
Categories 1 and 2 will apply strictly to diplomatic, government officials, high-profile security-related persons and other specific categories expressly approved by the Minister of Home Affairs
The existing tint legislation will be amended to reflect these new measures, Walrond added.
The minister reminded citizens that under the previous system, no tint whether factory-installed or manually applied was permitted without a waiver. Even with a waiver, the law required “a degree of tint for no less than 65 percent light penetration.”
She said the new framework introduces fairness while maintaining necessary oversight.
Emphasizing the need for compliance, Walrond stated, “All motor vehicle owners and operators are required to comply fully with these revised tint regulations. Failure to comply will result in the application of prescribed fines and charges under the relevant traffic and enforcement regulations.”
To ensure a smooth transition, vehicle owners now have just over a year to adjust their tint or obtain the appropriate waiver. “Motor vehicle operators are granted a compliance period up to December 31, 2025,” she said. “After this date, the Guyana Police Force will commence aggressive, comprehensive enforcement operations.”
Walrond said the changes are designed to bring “predictability, equity and fairness to the long-standing issue of tint management,” and she urged all motorists to make the necessary adjustments before enforcement intensifies.
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