Iraqi lawmaker seeks repeal of vehicle tint ban, citing climate and privacy concerns

BAGHDAD — Iraqi lawmaker Uday Awad Al-Tamimi said Saturday he has received authorization from the parliament speaker to pursue an amendment or repeal of Article 25 of Iraq’s Traffic Law, which bans tinted vehicle windows.

Al-Tamimi, a member of the Al-Sadiqoun bloc, said the move follows a petition signed by several lawmakers calling for the article’s review. The law, enacted as part of Traffic Law No. 8 of 2019, imposes a 200,000-dinar fine — about $143 — for the use or installation of tinted windows.

He described the restriction as incompatible with Iraq’s constitution, saying it violates personal freedoms and ignores the country’s climate. “Most cars are imported with tinted windows from the country of origin in line with environmental standards,” Al-Tamimi said. “This is common and accepted in many countries.”

He argued that in hot and dry regions, tinting is necessary to protect passengers from extreme heat and sun exposure. “Completely banning tinting without considering these conditions is unfair to citizens and negatively affects their safety and comfort,” he said.

Al-Tamimi said the effort to amend the article is based on the Council of Representatives Law No. 13 of 2018 and internal rules issued in 2022. He urged the relevant parliamentary committee to rewrite the provision in a way that reflects Iraq’s environmental and climate conditions while respecting individual rights.

The existing ban was introduced to improve visibility for law enforcement and enhance road safety. However, critics argue the law has failed to keep pace with vehicle manufacturing standards and the realities of life in Iraq’s climate, where tinted glass is often considered essential for comfort and safety.