A BMW driver in Gerrards Cross found themselves in trouble with the law today after their vehicle caught the attention of officers for two glaring issues — a missing front number plate and illegal, dangerously dark window tints.
Police shared details of the incident on social media, noting that the car stood out immediately due to its absent number plate, but a closer inspection revealed a more serious safety concern: heavily tinted front side windows that allowed only 9% of light to pass through.
Visibility Concerns and Road Safety
Officers said the tints were so dark that the occupants of the vehicle “may as well have driven with their eyes closed.” The legal limit for front side window tints in the UK requires at least 70% of light transmission, making the BMW’s near-opaque windows well beyond the legal threshold.
“There’s very little chance the driver could clearly see vulnerable road users like motorcyclists, cyclists, or pedestrians,” officers warned, highlighting the serious road safety risks posed by such modifications.
Immediate Action Taken
The driver was stopped and ordered to remove the illegal tints at the roadside. In addition, arrangements were made to fix and reattach the front number plate, which is legally required to be displayed on all vehicles.
Police confirmed that the appropriate enforcement action was taken, although it’s unclear if further penalties, such as fines or points, were issued.
Public Response
The incident, shared widely under the hashtag #GerrardsCross, drew a mixed response online. Some users praised officers for their vigilance, while others criticised the growing trend of cosmetic vehicle modifications that compromise safety.
One user commented: “Driving around with windows like that is just asking for trouble — how can you see anything?” Another added, “Glad the police are cracking down on this. It’s not just a style choice — it’s a danger.”
A Reminder to Drivers
Police have reiterated their message to motorists: Vehicle modifications must remain within legal and safety limits. That includes ensuring number plates are correctly displayed and window tints comply with visibility regulations.
Drivers found in breach of these rules risk penalty points, fines, and even MOT failure in more serious cases.
