Man fined over $9K for vehicle tint

Charged with at least 10 counts of exceeding the tint limit, Julio Adams of Purcell Estate will have to pay $9,320 or face imprisonment.

That is the total fine he was ordered to pay when he appeared in the Magistrate’s Court late last week.

The fines include penalties for driving an unlicensed vehicle and driving an uninsured vehicle.

Traffic officer Constable Glen Callwood, otherwise known as Supa Cop, said the vehicle owner racked up the charges over a two-month period.

“In November of last year, I stopped his vehicle and reported him for exceeding the tint limit stipulated by law. He was seen again in early December in the same vehicle with the same tint and reported, and then again in late December of 2016. The fine for each window that is overly tinted is $750. He was also charged with driving an unlicensed and uninsured vehicle,” Constable Callwood explained.

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has warned vehicle owners that, while the risk of driving a vehicle with tint exceeding the amount stipulated in law may seem small, the penalties are high.

“Front windows should have a reading of no less than 35% light penetration, while the front windshield should have no tint at all. Back windows should have a reading of no less than 20%. Store-bought tints combined with factory tints will likely exceed the tint requirements stipulated by law,” said the RVIPF.

Head of the Road Policing Unit Inspector Dariel Robinson has used this opportunity to encourage vehicle owners to contribute to a safer territory by abiding by the law.

“Heavily tinted vehicles are generally used by those who want to hide their identity as well as illegal weapons or goods. Citizens who want safer communities can choose to be seen as distinct and separate from the criminal element. [They], at the same time, can take a strong stance against criminality by abiding by the law,” he said.

The RVIPF further stated that persons can either contact or visit the Department of Motor Vehicles or the RVIPF Road Policing Unit if they have questions about the limits regarding vehicle tints.