TintMan
The TintMan is Turnkey’s visible light transmission (VLT) measuring device for checking the percentage of light visible through a vehicle’s windows. It is a small and compact device which is ideal for use in any location, including testing at the roadside.
Window tinting on vehicles has become increasingly popular but health and safety concerns surrounding driver visibility have meant that compliance testing has become commonplace.
Developed in conjunction with South Yorkshire Police and automotive glazing experts Pilkington Automotive, the photopic vehicle tint tester device is used by the DVSA and has been adopted by many UK police forces for ensuring road vehicle compliance, as well as by other police forces overseas.
In the UK, the law states that 75% of visible light must pass through the windscreen and 70% through the driver’s side windows. The back passenger windows don’t need to meet these requirements. The legal percentage required varies by country but as the TintMan delivers a clear percentage reading it is ideal for monitoring compliance whatever the required visibility.
How it works
Quick and easy to use, the TintMan comes complete with a piece of sample glass to calibrate the device before use. The glass in the window to be tested simply needs to be cleaned and dried before testing takes place.
An emitter and receiver is placed on either side of the pane of glass. A magnetic locking system ensures the emitter and receiver are accurately aligned. The tester presses the button and, within seconds, the percentage of visible light transmission is clearly displayed on the screen.
Three readings should be taken at different points on the window being tested, to calculate an average. The average reading should then be used to ascertain whether the vehicle is compliant.
Annual calibration of this device is recommended.