Sulaymaniyah traffic officials ban unauthorized car window tinting

SULAYMANIYAH — Traffic authorities in Sulaymaniyah warned drivers and auto shops on Thursday against unauthorized tinting of car windows, particularly blacking out rear glass, saying the practice is illegal and subject to penalties.

In a statement, the Sulaymaniyah Traffic Directorate said rumors suggesting rear window tinting is allowed are false. “Contrary to what some believe, tinting the front and rear glass of a vehicle is not permitted,” the statement read. “These rumors are false, and the practice is banned in all forms.”

Officials said dark tints can reduce visibility and pose safety risks, especially to other drivers. They urged that any modifications to window glass must follow regulations and be approved in advance.

“Drivers and vehicle accessory shops are warned not to buy or sell stickers or make any changes to car window glass without our authorization,” the directorate said. Violators will face a fine of 500,000 Iraqi dinars (about $352), and vehicles will be held by traffic police for three days.

The directorate said all city checkpoints are equipped with devices to measure tint levels.

Window tinting is permitted under specific conditions in the Kurdistan Region, as outlined in Instruction No. 8 of 2022 and Amendment No. 5 of 2019. Applicants must be the vehicle owner or have authorization, the vehicle must be registered and technically inspected, and there must be no outstanding violations. Tint levels are allowed between 31% and 90%, and annual fees range from 200,000 to 800,000 dinars ($141 to $564), depending on the coverage.