Luton Borough Council's revised window conditions for licensed vehicles took effect on Sunday 1 November 2026. A private hire vehicle may have darker glass behind the B-pillar, the upright between the front and rear doors, where the glass is the manufacturer's original tint and lets through at least 30% of light. The rear side windows and the rear window are in that group. Tinted windows from 1 November 2026
The conditions this replaces refused dark privacy glass and accepted only lightly tinted manufactured safety glass. At least 75% of light had to pass through the front window, and at least 70% through every other window. The purpose set out there was that a passenger should be able to see into the vehicle before getting in, that a passenger's view should not be obscured, and that the driver should be seen for their own protection.
The figures that now apply
Section 12 of the licensed vehicle fitness conditions requires every window designed to open and close to work properly. The glass must comply with the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, as amended.
The front windscreen must let through at least 75% of light, and the front door windows at least 70%. On a private hire vehicle, every other window must have the manufacturer's original tint and let through at least 30% of light, unless a darker tint has been approved for an executive hire vehicle. On a hackney carriage, every other window must have the manufacturer's original tint and let through at least 70%. The rear must have at least one window, or one window in each rear door where rear doors are fitted. Addendum to the 2018 policy
Film, stickers and the check before inspection
No tinted film, clear film, sticker or other self-adhesive material may be applied to the glass without approval. Tinted films and aftermarket tint kits are not permitted on any window, and factory-fitted tint still has to meet the figure for that window. A proprietor who is unsure can check the manufacturer's specification, or use a digital tint meter, before the vehicle is presented for a licensing inspection.
Hackney carriages
The 30% figure is for private hire only. Glass behind the B-pillar on a hackney carriage must still let through at least 70% of light, and it must be the manufacturer's original tint. The windscreen and front door figures are the same for both licences.