Germany Window Tint Rules

According to the U.S. Embassy in Germany, a car must pass an inspection to be registered there. Illegal opaqueness of window tint film can cause failure of the inspection, insurance cancellation, fines and forced removal of the tint film.

Approved Tint

Only approved tint film can be applied to cars. The German Technical Inspection Association (TÜV) grants approval to tint manufacturers.

Front Windows

According to scheibentoenen.net, a German tinting information site, no tint film is allowed to cover windshields or front driver- or passenger-side windows. Clear film can be applied to the front windows and windshield of the car, but it must not contain any color tint.

Other Windows

Tint applied to rear side windows and back windows must have less than 25 percent visible reflection. The inspector measures this with a special machine.

Windshield

The windshield can have colored film applied to only ten percent of its surface; however, the tint cannot impede the driver's view. This means that a visor strip can be applied at the top of the windshield and possibly at the sides.

ABG Certificate

Every tint film type has a unique TÜV approval number stamped on the film. Each window tinted must show this stamp, and the driver must have a document, called the ABG certificate, showing this number.

References

• U.S. Embassy in Germany
• German Tint Information Site

Resources

• Discussion Forum for Tinters