This permit will then need to be renewed every two years, Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook said.

Those who require the windows to be tinted dark for health reasons will be exempted from this payment, he added. A letter from a government doctor is required for this exemption.

Loke also announced that restrictions had been lifted on the darkness of tints for rear windows and rear windscreens of private vehicles. This can be as dark as the motorists want them to be.

However, the front windshields will need to allow 70% light through. The driver and front passenger side windows must allow 50% light through.

The new rules on tinting come into force from tomorrow and Road Transport Department will begin checks on private vehicles in three months.