Sunday 05 / July / 2026
MUSCAT: Oman’s revised traffic law allowing vehicle window tinting of up to 50 per cent is being welcomed by motorists and auto workshop managers, who say the move will help keep vehicles cooler during the country’s intense summer.
With temperatures climbing to nearly 46 degrees Celsius in many parts of the Sultanate, darker window tints can significantly reduce heat inside vehicles, making driving more comfortable while also offering protection from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.
To enhance convenience for road users and respond to public feedback, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) on Saturday clarified the regulations governing vehicle window tinting through a public advisory, reaffirming the permitted tint limits while ensuring compliance with road safety requirements.
According to the advisory, all vehicle windows except the front windshield may be tinted.
The maximum allowable tint level for side and rear windows is now 50 per cent, an increase from the previous limit of 30 per cent.
The ROP also confirmed that vehicles fitted with factory-installed tinted side windows are permitted, provided the glass maintains a minimum light transmission of 30 per cent.
In addition, motorists are allowed to use matte (non-gloss) vehicle wraps or paint finishes, provided they retain some degree of shine or reflective appearance.
Suresh Kumar, manager of an auto workshop in Wadi Kabir, said the revised rule is particularly beneficial given Oman’s extreme summer climate.
“Car tint films are made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a thermoplastic polymer that helps absorb heat, provides thermal insulation and filters harmful ultraviolet rays. In a region where summer temperatures can approach 50 degrees Celsius, quality window tinting is essential. It not only offers greater privacy but also helps protect occupants from excessive heat and UV exposure,” he said.
Kumar added that demand for window tinting has increased, with his workshop receiving two to three tinting orders daily.
He also advised motorists not to compromise on quality. “Low-quality tint films can bubble within months, change colour, reduce visibility and even damage the glass surface. A good-quality film should block up to 99 per cent of UV rays, significantly reduce heat and glare, and remain durable without fading over time,” he said.
Another garage owner on Honda Road echoed the advice, saying investing in premium tinting material ensures better heat rejection, improved visibility and longer-lasting performance despite prolonged exposure to the region’s harsh climate.
