Nandlall backs new tint policy, says gov’t aiming for fairness, uniformity and safer roads

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC, has moved to clear the air on the Government’s newly announced motor-vehicle tint policy, saying the measure is part of a broader, ongoing reform of traffic laws aimed at reducing accidents and improving safety on the nation’s roadways.

Speaking during his weekly Issues in the News programme on Tuesday night, Nandlall said the administration has been carefully monitoring the alarming rise in fatal road accidents, reckless driving, and misuse of public roads, trends that continue to deeply concern the Government.

Nandlall pointed to the recently implemented e-ticketing system as a major step forward, noting that it currently targets speeding and the non-wearing of seatbelts, two major contributors to serious road accidents.

“The President himself has spoken about how successful this measure has been,” he said. “When the statistics are properly analysed, one will see a reduction in traffic accidents generally because of this approach.”

He confirmed that several additional reforms are already in the pipeline. These include:

• A review of regulations governing motor-vehicle and driver licences, including for heavy-duty and specialised classes of vehicles.
• Expanding the list of ticketable offences under the e-ticketing system.
• Harsher penalties for speeding and other dangerous road offences.

Turning to the tint issue, Nandlall said the policy is designed to bring consistency, equity and scientific uniformity to how tints are applied and regulated. Under the new approach:

• All vehicles will be held to a standard 35% light penetration level, matching the factory tint used by manufacturers worldwide.
• This manufacturer’s tint will apply uniformly across the country.

“There is a scientific way of measuring the lightness or darkness of tint,” Nandlall explained. “Manufacturers use 35% when they produce vehicles. That will remain and apply to all vehicles.”

The Attorney General further explained that a structured waiver system will be put in place for specific categories of users who require higher levels of tint for security reasons. These include:

• High-security vehicles
• Diplomats
• Certain government officials
• Any additional persons granted waivers by the Minister under clearly outlined regulations

“These categories will qualify for a darker level of tint,” he noted, adding that the traffic regulations will be amended to formalise this regime.

Nandlall dismissed suggestions that the new tint policy lacks clarity, arguing instead that some of the debate appears to stem from misunderstanding or political noise.

“You may disagree with the measure, but that is different from saying it is unclear,” he said. “The measure is not unclear. That distinction must be drawn.”

The tint policy is expected to be implemented alongside the Government’s wider overhaul of road-traffic laws, as Guyana continues efforts to curb accidents and build a safer transport environment.