Is car window tinting allowed in Northern Cyprus

In Northern Cyprus, window tinting is allowed only for the rear side windows and the rear windshield. The front side windows and windshield are restricted: if the tint is noticeable, you may be asked to remove the film, and during the inspection (muayene), such a car is usually not accepted. Information is current as of February 2026.

• Car Tinting in Northern Cyprus
• Passing Inspection with Tint
• Frequently Asked Car Questions
• Glossary
• Frequently Asked Questions

Car Tinting in Northern Cyprus

In general, the approach is as follows: tinting is permitted in the rear half of the car, but tinting the front windows, including the windshield, is not allowed. If you want to reduce cabin heat, people usually choose film for the rear windows and rear windshield, while the front section uses non-darkening solutions.

Factory tint vs. applied film: what’s the difference

In practice, regulations usually distinguish between factory-tinted glass and applied film.

• Rear section (rear side windows and rear windshield): any level of tinting is allowed, including very dark.
• Front section (windshield and front side windows): applied film is considered prohibited, even if it is transparent or heat-reflective.
• Factory tint: usually allowed if the glass has light tinting from the manufacturer (i.e., tint “in the mass” of the glass itself, without applied material).

In practice, road patrols may ignore moderate tinting, but there is still a risk of fines or being asked to remove the film, especially if the front windows significantly limit visibility into the car.

Passing Inspection with Tint

If your front windows and/or windshield are tinted, the inspector usually asks you to remove the tint during inspection; otherwise, the procedure may not be completed. In the "Auto" chat, there are various stories, but it is safer to assume that front film will be an issue.

Why it matters: during inspection (MOT), inspectors often check windows for applied material. If the edge of the film, bubbles, or other signs of application are visible, the car may be asked to “detint” on the spot or be denied a certificate. If the glass is naturally dark (factory tint), there are usually no issues, as such glass generally meets factory safety standards.

• See also: passing inspection in Northern Cyprus

Frequently Asked Car Questions

Where to buy a used car in Northern Cyprus

You can find information about this in our special article.

How to exchange your license for a local one

After arriving in Northern Cyprus, you can drive for a while with your national driving license, but later you will need to exchange it for a local one. More details on this process.

How to pay road tax in Northern Cyprus

Road tax in Northern Cyprus varies depending on vehicle weight and is paid on the tax office website. Detailed instructions on how to use it.

Glossary

• Inspection (Muayene) — periodic technical check of the vehicle at an accredited center.
• Rear half — rear side windows and rear windshield (the conditional “rear section” of the car’s glazing).
• Tint film — an applied coating that reduces light transmission and may impair visibility.
• Factory tint — tint incorporated by the manufacturer into the glass itself (without applied film).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it allowed to tint the windshield in Northern Cyprus?

Applied film on the windshield is generally considered problematic: it is most often requested to be removed, especially during inspection. To reduce brightness and heat, solutions without film on the windshield are usually used to avoid obstructing visibility.

Can the front side windows be tinted?

The front side windows are in a restricted zone. Applied film there is considered prohibited, even if transparent or heat-reflective, and often causes questions during inspection.

What’s the difference between factory tint and film?

Factory tint is the glass darkening from the manufacturer itself (without an applied layer). Film is a separate material applied to the glass. During inspection, inspectors usually look for signs of applied material (film edges, bubbles), and this may lead to being asked to remove the film or refusal of a certificate.

Which windows can usually be tinted without issues?

Most often, people choose to tint the rear side windows and rear windshield. This is the most common and “safe” scenario in practice in Northern Cyprus.

Will inspection pass with tint?

With rear tinting — usually yes, if it does not create other issues on the checklist. With film on the front windows and/or windshield — most often you will be asked to remove it, otherwise the car may not be accepted.